Get a Springtime Step Ahead of Pests!
Don Leland This
winter was another mild winter, with below-freezing
temperatures for a very short period of time in most parts of the state. There was no lowland snow to speak of for most of us, and in fact we had some unseasonably warm days in January. All of this combines to make what should be a pest-filled spring as bugs emerge and expand their colonies, and rodents continue to multiply. But it doesn’t have to “bug” you if you take some preventative measures.
The most common pest you may encounter this spring—and usually the first—will be ants. Here in the Pacific Northwest we have moisture ants, pavement ants, carpenter ants and—the most prolific—the odorous house ant. Small and black, these ants will show up typically in the kitchens and bathrooms as they are seeking water. While we have seen ants in almost sterile conditions, it does not take much to unknowingly provide conducive conditions for ants to proliferate. A common mistake made by homeowners is leaving their dog- or cat-food dishes on the ground, where ants will swarm and become a nuisance. Leave the food dish out for a set period of time, but then remove it rather than leave it out all day—even if it is on the back patio. Not only does this cut down on potential food for ants, but also for rodents, squirrels, raccoons and other nuisance wildlife. There are some suitable solutions available at your local home and garden store, but remember that ant colonies can be quite large and take time to eliminate.
Homeowners will also see termite activity start to increase with the seasonal change. While carpenter ants excavate wood in homes to make room for the colony, termites actually consume wood. Regardless, both are considered “wood-destroying organisms” and can cause significant damage. Carpenter ants are often described as a large black ant; in fact, they are the largest ant species here in our area. There are three easy identifiers to determine if what you see is an ant or a termite:
1. Look at the antennae: Ants have bent antennae, called “elbowed” antennae, whereas termites all have straight (or only slightly curved) antennae.
2. Look at the “waist” of the insect: ants have a “pinched” or narrowed waist, while termites are uniform in the length of the body.
3. Look at the wings: Ants have wings with the upper set larger than the lower. Termites have two sets of wings that are the same size.
In either case, because both types of these pests can cause significant structural damage, a pest professional should be called in to assess the situation and provide treatment if necessary.
Wasps will also start to emerge and begin building their nests. There are several species of wasps, although most common are the aggressive yellow jacket and the mud dauber wasp. If found early (meaning the nest is the size of a ball smaller than a fist) various sprays can be effective. But always read the label. And, regardless of the size or location, spraying should never be done by anyone allergic to stings.
There are some pest issues that do require professional help, such as termites, bed bugs, rodents and ants. By going through this springtime checklist you can reduce the likelihood of having pests in and around your home, and take the “sting” out of spring!
Go through your pantries, cupboards and closets. Check to ensure food containers are tightly sealed. Discard cardboard boxes when possible.
Avoid leaving pet food out for extended periods of time (especially not overnight). Bird seed should be stored in airtight canisters, preferably with a locking lid, and spilled seed should be swept up.
Remove pest-conducive kitchen conditions by wiping down all counters, eliminating dirty dishes and remove trash daily. Crumbs and scraps can attract ants and other pests.
Consider the outside of the home as well as the inside during spring cleaning. Branches overhanging the roof should be cut back five feet; rake back any bark or soil that has moved up against siding, and remove any ivy or foliage that is touching the house.
Keeping your gutters cleaned out will reduce the risk of any leaking into your roof and attic, as well as eliminate a breeding ground for mosquitoes and a water source for all kinds of pests.
When the weather is warmer, move any woodpiles that may have been placed next to the house. These can be an area of infestation for carpenter ants, spiders, wasps and rodents.
Periodically look up at the eaves and roof to check for wasp nests. Keep a sharp eye out for signs of pest activity. Whether you treat the pests yourself or contact a professional, immediate action can save you both aggravation and expense.
20 Community Associations Journal | March 2014
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