Warm, sunny days – especially after rainfall – will bring out swarms of insects from their winter nests. From ants and termites to wasps and bees, there’s a whole host of pests that swarm in spring. The last thing you want is to discover these unwanted guests in your home or yard. Thankfully, there are a few ways you can protect your property from infestations. The experts at Blue Chip Pest Services explain everything you need to know to keep your space pest-free all season long.

Common Spring Insects in St. Louis

As the weather warms up, insects have two main tasks on their mind: eating and breeding. While most pests stay outside, they may seek shelter indoors if your home has enough food and hiding places. Keeping an eye out for the common springtime insects will help you avoid a major infestation down the road. Here are the most common spring insects to be on the lookout for:

WASPS are stinging insects that come in a variety of colors, though they are usually yellowish, red, or brown. Their most defining feature is a narrow waist and angular body. Some species will build nests in sheltered areas along your home or yard, which can pose a safety risk to anybody nearby.

BEES may be stinging insects, but they are generally much less aggressive than wasps. These bugs are crucial pollinators that primarily focus on making honey. You can identify them by their black and yellow striped bodies. Bees tend to nest in piles of wood or other yard debris, but they can be a hazard if they settle down close to a human-populated area.

ANTS are one of the most common springtime pests in St. Louis. Whether they’re swarming in your parking lot or crawling on your kitchen counter, these tricky insects can be difficult to get rid of once they establish a colony. Many homeowners encounter odorous house ants once the weather warms up, which typically measure between ⅛ to 3/16 of an inch and emit an unpleasant “rotten coconut” scent when crushed. 

TERMITES are notorious for causing extensive damage to wooden structures. Though they look incredibly similar to ants, these pests pose a much bigger risk to your home and are capable of causing thousands of dollars in damage. Most termites are brown or black in color and measure between ⅛ and 1 inch in size. If you notice any signs of termites, you should contact a professional right away.

How to Keep Pests Out of Your Home

Below are just a few tips to discourage pests from taking up residence in your space. 

• Clean up after outdoor BBQ and other cooking. Food scraps can attract a wide range of pests to your property; bees and wasps in particular are attracted to sweets and protein-based foods. 
• Patch cracks or crevices in walls and repair any broken panels or siding.  Maintaining your property will keep pests from nesting in your walls. Keeping your yard neat and tidy can also deter potential infestations.
• Repair leaky faucets, pipes, or other sources of water. Termites are notorious for invading damp or damaged wood, and many other types of pests search for water to survive. Repairing moisture issues can help protect your property.
• Keep leaves, wood, and piles of debris away from your home. Organic debris creates the perfect environment for pests to thrive, which could lead these unwanted guests right into your home. Maintaining a clean and tidy space is one of the most effective ways to prevent a variety of infestations.
• Sore food in airtight containers. Nothing’s worse than leaving a treat out on the counter, just to discover it’s overrun with ants a day or two later. Properly storing your food will make it more difficult for pests to thrive in your space.
• Store pet food inside and clean pet bowls regularly. Ants and other pests are attracted to sweets as well as protein-based foods, which makes your pet bowl the perfect fuel for an infestation.

Spring Pest Control Services

If you are tired of dealing with swarms of pests in or around your home, the experienced exterminators at Blue Chip Pest Services are here to help. Our licensed technicians have been serving the St. Louis area since 1971, so we are familiar with local pest behavior. We know how to create reliable solutions that protect your property in the long run. Whether you’re currently dealing with an infestation or you want to ensure your property is protected from common springtime pests, we’ve got you covered! Just give us a call today to get your free quote.