How to Avoid the Swarming Pests of Spring

A swarm of mosquitos in Moore County NC in spring.

Ah, Spring in North Carolina! Warm weather, sunshine… and swarming insects. The warmth and humidity of spring in Moore County draws many species of insects out of their winter habitats to feed and breed. Many of these insects are merely a nuisance but some of them are potentially dangerous to people or harmful to property. Learn which insects to watch for, what you can do to protect yourself and your home, and how Aberdeen Exterminating can help if these precautions aren’t enough. 

Which Bugs Swarm in Spring?

Many bugs are known to swarm in spring but these are some of the most common or problematic swarming bugs in Moore County: 

Bees: If bees are swarming on your property, they’re likely seeking food and shelter. Watch for the construction of bees’ nests in trees or on the eaves of your home. Carpenter bees can be especially concerning. They’re large, solitary bees often seen hovering near wooden structures in spring. They are important pollinators but can cause damage to wooden structures. They drill holes in wood to make their nests, which is how they get their name. 

Ladybugs: Ladybugs are a type of beetle that is often seen in large numbers in spring. They are beneficial insects that help control aphids and other garden pests.

Lovebugs: Lovebugs are a type of fly known for their distinctive mating swarms. They are typically found in the southeastern United States, including North Carolina.

Moths: Several species of moths, including the white-lined sphinx moth and the eastern tent caterpillar, are known to swarm in spring in Moore County

Stinkbugs: Stinkbugs are a common insect in Moore County and can be seen swarming in spring. While they are not harmful to humans, they can be a nuisance in large numbers.

Termites: Termites begin swarming in the early spring months to establish new colonies. When termites are mating, you’ll typically find wings on the ground because termites shed their wings when they mate. If mating is happening on your property, then you are at risk of a termite infestation if you don’t already have one.

Wasps: In the warmer months, the queen will come out of hibernation and begin looking for food. If you see wasps flying low to the ground in your yard, they are likely looking for grubs, larvae, or insects for the queen or her brood. 

How to Keep Swarming Insects Away

Be careful with food and drink outside

When the weather heats up, so do our grills! Bees and especially wasps are attracted to protein-rich foods like the meat you or your neighbors will be cooking. They’re also attracted to sugary drinks. To keep bees and wasps from making an uninvited appearance at your picnic or BBQ, be sure to seal up leftovers promptly and keep any sugary drinks sealed or covered.

Clean up debris in your yard

To keep insects away, you’ll want to keep your yard clear of any kind of debris that could be a habitat for insects, including leaves, sticks and any fruit that may fall from fruit trees. Keeping your lawn mowed short can also help. Stack firewood, ideally off the ground, away from buildings, and covered by a tarp. 

Prevent water from collecting on your property

Many different types of pests are attracted to water, either for breeding or for drinking. There are many items in our yards that can easily fill with water given how stormy spring in Moore County can be. Whether it’s a birdbath, an empty bucket, a flower pot or a trash can lid, try to prevent water from accumulating in any objects on your property.

Expert Pest Control in Moore County

At Aberdeen Exterminating we provide comprehensive pest control services to help keep insects away from your home in the spring and all year round. Don’t suffer through another season of not being able to enjoy your outdoor space.  Contact us today for a free quote.

Fall Pests in Your Home

Wasps and nest in attic: a fall pest infestation

Every year as the weather changes in the fall, many pests attempt to head somewhere warmer. Many of the insects that don’t die off in the fall take part in a phenomenon called overwintering. They find a habitable environment to wait out the cold winter months. Some insects will migrate to warmer clients, some find hiding spots outside under debris, while others try to get inside homes and buildings to stay warm. 

Unfortunately for homeowners, the pests that try to overwinter inside warm buildings frequently end up in our homes. Often these pests will end up in low-traffic areas of homes like behind the walls or in the attic. The most frequent pests to watch for in the fall and winter include rodents, termites, stink bugs, Asian lady beetles, and wasps. Continue reading to learn more about these common fall pests and their efforts to get in your home.

Rodents

Many pests can get into your attic by climbing up onto the roof. Squirrels are the most well-known culprits, but roof rats and mice are jaso adept at climbing and making nests in the attic. How can you tell if you have rodents living in your home? The most common sign of a rodent infestation is scratching or gnawing sounds from above or from inside the walls; if you hear these sounds, it’s time to call an experienced rodent exterminator.

Termites

The cost of termite damage in the United States is estimated to be up to $30 billion annually – making them the most destructive pest in the country by dollar value. While termites are present all year, fall and winter can worsen an already-existing infestation. Like many insects, subterranean termites (the most destructive species) tend to burrow deeper into the ground to stay warm in the winter, when most of us spend less time outside. This combination means you’re less likely to discover a subterranean termite infestation until the spring. 

Once termites get in your home, they’ll consume wood (the structure of your home) and anything else that contains cellulose. Signs you may have termites in your home include blisters on painted falls, hollow-sounding wood, mud tunnels in your crawlspace, and unexplained pinhole-sized holes. 

Stink Bugs

Another common pest that often hides undetected during the winter, typically in attics, crawlspaces, or behind the walls, is the stink bug. Known for their shield-shaped backs and their mottled coloring of brown and gray, the most common species, the brown marmorated stink bug, ranges in size from about ¼” to ⅜”. As their name suggests, stink bugs release an unpleasant odor when they feel threatened or are squished. 

Asian lady beetles

Asian lady beetles look very similar to ladybugs, but with a few differences: they tend to be a bit larger, and though their coloration is similarly reddish orange, they don’t all have spots. These insects can be found in groups and communicate with each other using pheromones – so if one lady beetle finds its way into your home, you’re likely to have a large infestation on your hands. Asian lady beetles do not pose any direct threat to your home’s structure and don’t bite or sting, but their waste can stan as well as trigger allergic reactions and breathing problems for individuals with sensitivities.

Wasps

Generally speaking, wasps die off before each winter and the colonies do not overwinter. But to keep the colony thriving the following year, the fertilized queens will find a warm hiding spot to overwinter, often in stumps or hollow logs outdoors, or in protected structures like crawlspaces and attics. This can often lead to wasp infestations the following year when the queens restart their colonies.

Expert Exterminators

If you have any of the pests on this list in or around your home in the Moore County NC area, Aberdeen Exterminating can help. We’ve been providing quality pest control services to Moore County since 1960. We can get rid of pests trying to overwinter in your home, or provide preventative services to help keep them from ever getting in. Contact us for a free quote!

Late Summer Pests and How to Deal with Them

a man spraying pesticides ourdoors

As the heat of summer starts to fade, some may think they can let their guard down when it comes to pest control and awareness. This can be a big and costly mistake. There are still plenty of people spending time outdoors, and while there’s warmth and food to enjoy there is the same for any insects and rodents in your area. These pests can take advantage of the season to get what they need – be it blood, food, or a place to nest. You don’t want these unwelcome guests to disturb your summer. Luckily, with the right preventative measures, you can avoid an influx of insects or rodents in and around your property. So keep reading to learn what pests to look out for and how Aberdeen Exterminating can help keep your home clear.

 

Late Summer Pests

Every season comes with its own pests that have adapted to the conditions. Because of that, the pest problems in summer tend to involve creatures that thrive in warmer weather. This means that around now you may see some of the following:

Bees, Wasps and Hornets: These stinging instincts work, pollinating plants and eating the food left outside at barbeques and other outdoor get-togethers. Because of that, they can pose a problem well into the end of summer.

Ticks: The early summer is breeding season for ticks, who thrive in overgrowth during warm weather. A few months after they reach maturity they will climb to the top of the grass and wait for a host.

Wildlife: Bugs aren’t the only pests you have to worry about in late summer. Animals like raccoons, possums and squirrels are known for wandering into neighborhoods during the late summer, tearing through trash bins and making a mess.

Mosquitoes: Mosquitos are pervasive and difficult to control. If they establish a successful breeding population, it can be nearly impossible to exterminate them by the time late summer rolls around. Mosquitoes are active as long as the outdoor temperature stays above 50°F.

 

Pest-proof Hacks for Your Property

If your pest infestation is severe enough, the best way to treat it is by hiring a professional exterminator. However, there are always preventative measures you can take. To do this, we at Aberdeen Exterminating suggest:

  • Keeping your yard tidy by trimming trees and shrubs and promptly disposing of grass clippings and other debris that can house pests.
  • Seal your home, covering any cracks or gaps in roofing, foundation or siding
  • Protect your trash by getting outside bins that can fully seal and taking the trash out regularly.
  • Monitor standing water, which provides an easy breeding ground for mosquitoes.

 

Help with Summer Pests

If you’ve done all of this and more and still find yourself struggling with some kind of late summer pest, Aberdeen Exterminating has the skills and experience you need to clear out any bugs or rodents from your property. We’ve been providing quality pest control services in Moore County NC since 1960. Contact us today to get started and say goodbye to late summer pests!