Spring in Aggieland: Emerging Summer Pests
Spring is the gateway to summer pest problems. For those pests, such as wasps, that overwinter start out again in spring with small populations, but by the end of summer their populations have swelled to an epidemic-proportions. In this blog we discuss many of the emerging spring pests and how action now can help decrease the pest control issues of summer.
- Wasp – The milder temperatures this past winter enable wasp to emerge earlier and often with larger populations. Generally, most of the colony dies off during the winter and the queens emerge in the spring. A mild winter means an early spring and for wasps that is a good thing. For you, it means more wasp by the start of summer. Solution: – Monthly bait programs with specialized attractants that target vespid wasps – hornets, yellowjackets, paper wasps, etc.
- ANTS – especially Fire Ants – Brazos County has its share of ant problems between the increasing number of fire ants and those darn crazy ants, the landscape seems to be crawling. Spring is when ants emerge and begin to forage as well as when colonies disperse, and new queens head out to start their own queendom. The best time to deal with fire ants is when the colonies are small. That means for homeowners around Bryan and College Station, spring is the best time to be vigilant. Solution: Monthly pest control inspections and baiting programs designed for Ants and especially for fire ants. Also, new colony destruction by one of our experienced professionals.
- Carpenter Bees – Spring is when the big carpenter bees begin to emerge and by summer, they females are looking for new nesting locations. This often means drilling into homes, decks, siding, and fences. Carpenter bees are good pollinators and certainly the plight of the bee population is a concern. There are some things you can do around your home to decrease the likelihood of dealing with carpenter bees. First, make sure that wood has a coat of protectant – paint, stain, etc. These bees are less likely to bother the wood if it is not in its raw state. Erect 4×4 posts here and there around your yard and they will use those as nesting sites – usually. Pay attention. If you see carpenter bees in the same spot often, look around for their drill sites. You can put wood putty into those spots to discourage their drilling and then be sure to paint the wood. If the problem is significant, you can call our team and we will come out and either relocate the bees or destroy the nest.
- Termites — Spring is the time when new termite queens emerge from the colony and fly away (swarm) to find a new home. Be vigilant for swarms of insects during the spring months. Generally, termites swarm just after a good rain. A spring perimeter check of your home is also a good idea. You can do this yourself or ask our pest control experts.
We offer comprehensive and affordable pest control inspections throughout Bryan and College Station. Our affordable rates makes controlling the spring emerging pest problems more manageable during the warm days of summer.
