April Rain Attracts Spring Pests

A tick in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

Keeping pests out of your home is a frustrating practice year-round here in Vermont, especially in spring. There are many reasons for spring’s infamy as a pest-ridden reason, but one of the most major of these is the amount of rainfall. The rain creates favorable conditions for all kinds of pests to thrive amongst the blooming plant growth that we see in this season. It’s important to know how to get ahead of them. Let the expert exterminators at Vermont Pest Control help out!

What Pests Love Spring Rain?

A rainy spring allows for many kinds of pests around Vermont to thrive. There are a few in particular that you should be watching out for this spring:

  1. Fleas and ticks: These parasitic pests survive by hiding out in dense plant growth, waiting for animals to walk by that they can latch onto. A rainy spring means more hiding places.
  2. Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes breed in standing water pools, from sources as big as ponds to as small as puddles. With more opportunities to proliferate, mosquitoes thrive after a rainy spring.
  3. Fire ants: Soil softens after a rainy spring, making it easy for fire ants and other subterranean ants to expand their colonies.
  4. Beetles: Lots of rainfall in spring means our gardens will flourish, but it also gives beetles easy access to plentiful food.
  5. Termites: Sometimes called rain flies, winged termite swarmers come out after a rain to take advantage of damaged wood.

What Can I Do to Prevent Pests During a Rainy Spring?

A rainy spring won’t only make your yard a pest hotspot, it could also lead to pest problems inside your home. We recommend adding these measures to your cleaning routines to prevent pest infestations this spring:

  • Seal any cracks and gaps: Fill in any gaps you find around your doors and windows with weather stripping or screens, whichever you see fit. Cracks in the exterior of your house in walls, roofing, foundation, or otherwise can be filled with a silicone-based caulk.
  • Ensure your gutters are clear: Leaves and other natural debris can build up in your gutters. This can either lead to overflows or perfect standing water sources for mosquitoes to breed in.
  • Prevent standing water from pooling up: Anywhere that standing water pools, pests will come, and this includes the interior of your home. Wipe up any water spills in the kitchen or bathroom promptly.

How Vermont Pest Control Can Help This Spring

If you feel that pest problems are inevitable every spring, ask your local pest control company how they can help. Our team at Vermont Pest Control is well versed in our local pest issues. We can assess your property for vulnerabilities, exterminate active pests, and teach you how to avoid your recurring pest problems going forward. Contact our team today to learn more about how we can help you and receive a free estimate!

Leaky Pipes: What Pests Are They Attracting?

A leaky pipe attracting pests in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

Pest outbreaks can come from many different sources, but one of the most common reasons that our technicians at Vermont Pest Control find is the consequences of hidden leakage. When we have leaky pipes in our walls or cupboards that go undetected, they often create rotten wood and pools of standing water that invite all sorts of pests for an extended stay. To learn what you can do to prevent pest outbreaks caused by leaky pipes in Vermont, read up on the findings of our pest control experts!

What Pests Can Leaky Pipes Attract?

Leakage in your walls, cupboards, attic, crawl spaces, or anywhere else in your home can lead to all sorts of issues, but pest problems are almost inevitable in certain circumstances. Here are the three main pests to watch out for when you have leaky pipes:

  1. Cockroaches: While they are some of the toughest creatures on the planet, one thing that roaches rely on heavily is a water source. Due to their nocturnal nature, cockroaches need to find a dark (and preferably damp) place to hide during the day. They often find everything they need next to our leaky pipes.
  2. Ants: Ants seek out leaky pipes in our home when they’ve become dehydrated and need a cool place to search for food. They are also often attracted to our bathrooms by the sweet scents of our hygiene products, then stick around for the free water source.
  3. Termites: Keeping your wooden structures dry will help you prevent a termite infestation. Once they find a source of wood next to a source of water, only a professional termite control company can stop them from destroying your home from the inside out.

Combatting Leaks to Stop Pests

When you find leaky pipes in your home, you have to act right away to avoid pest problems from starting up or building upon themselves. Here’s how:

  • Seal the cracks that you find by applying a silicone-based caulk. This is the most effective way to stop leaks on your own.
  • Do whatever you can to improve the ventilation of the area experiencing leakage. This will reduce the amount of moisture accumulating in the room.
  • Let your local pest control company know about your problem. They will be able to help you prevent a pest infestation with preventative tactics.

Minimizing Pest Pressures in Vermont

At Vermont Pest Control, we understand that having leakage issues can cause stress that extends far beyond the threat of a pest infestation. That is why we train our technicians to handle pest outbreaks swiftly and professionally for our customers, ensuring that their homes are clear of ants, cockroaches, and more. To learn more about our pest control services or for a free quote, reach out today!