COMMON SPRING INVADERS AND RISKS THEY POSE

Today is the day as spring is officially here!  Insects are slowly coming out of their winter hibernation or flying back from warm places to make their home on your property. Insects are probably beginning to buzz around your lights and running into your freshly washed windows. The presence of some of these springtime pests are mainly just a nuisance while some may bring more destruction and problems to your home.

So, what bugs come in full force once again as spring arrives? You’re in luck — we’re here to tell you.

Ants

Ants, including but not limited to little black ants, odorous house ants, their ants, and pharaoh ants, become active as the weather warms. While ants are normally found outside in the soil, they often enter homes to find food. Their colonies are large and will not decrease until you find treatment. Ants are likely to feed on almost anything we eat, so be certain to keep food in the refrigerator or in a tightly sealed container. Also, make sure food scraps are always cleared from floors and countertops.

Risks and hazards of pavement ants: Most ants are not aggressive, although some can sting. Ants can become a nuisance indoors but may be beneficial in gardens as they eat young silverfish and moths. To prevent ants from entering your home, relocate any items such as under boards, wood, or stones, away from the foundation.

Clustering Flies

It seems like any time a door opens, these pesky insects find a way to get inside. The flies we find in homes tend to be quite sluggish at the beginning of spring as they emerge from hibernation. This is why you will typically see them buzzing around lights and banging into screens, walls, and windows. The term “clustering flies” is a collective term for three different types for house flies that may appear in homes towards the end of winter and early in the spring. The three types falling under this category include cluster flies, face flies, and blow flies (also known as blue/green bottle flies).

Risks and hazards of clustering flies: Cluster flies are solely a nuisance and are not considered a hazard to humans. Face flies and blow flies on the other hand can present a danger to food contamination because of their feeding and breeding habits.

Stinging Insects

At times, a wasp or two, hornets, or a yellow jacket queen bee may have spent the winter hibernating in your wall voids or attics throughout the winter months. Once they awake, these stinging insects will immediately seek out a spot to lay eggs and establish their colonies. If and when they are spotted, do not allow these insects to stay in your home, and make sure to treat the areas you see them coming in and out as soon as possible. Note — be extra careful when handling bees, and be sure to have bees relocated and not eliminated as they are essential insects that are currently endangered.

Risks and hazards of bees and wasps: The main concern with this group of spring invaders is obviously their sting and the possible side effects. Do not try to rid of nests or hives yourself as this can startle and anger to colony. Each type of insect or situation will likely need different removal methods, so it is best to call a professional.

Fleas

In order to control potential flea infestations this spring, it is essential to take care and treat all family pets, especially if they are spending any time whatsoever outdoors. Give all pets regular baths and flea treatments. Surprise — it is also possible for pet-free home to get an outbreak of fleas. This may be a result of fleas coming indoors from outside wildlife.

Risks and hazards of fleas: Not only are fleas a major annoyance to humans, but they can also be detrimental to your pet’s health and safety. While fleas don’t actually live on human skin or hair, they will still bite humans. This is a concern as well because certain diseases can be carried by fleas to humans, including plague and cat stretch fever.

Mosquitoes

It can seem as though mosquitoes emerge overnight, and the reality is, they sort of do. As soon as temperatures hover at 50 degrees consistently, it’s warm enough for mosquitoes. Some mosquito species hibernate for the winter while other die off when the temperatures drop. Have no fear though — the ones that die off lay eggs before surrendering to the cold. Then, once the weather is warm enough, the eggs will hatch leaving you with a backyard full of mosquitoes. With hibernating mosquitoes, the result is the same. They simply wake up once the weather turns warm.

Risks and hazards of mosquitoes: As many know from recent news and media in 2016, mosquitoes are dangerous due to the diseases they carry and spread, such as Zika virus, Malaria, and West Nile virus. Reminder! If you sign up for Black Diamond’s monthly Preventative Mosquito Service before April 1, 2017, you will receive yours for only $47 / month.

Once again, we would like to wish you a happy spring! It is important to note that prevention and control for each of these different types of intruders differ. If you are experiencing problems with these pests or any other bugs or animals, call 877-DEAD-BUG (877-332-3284). Also, don’t forget to ask about our lawn care program and landscaping services!