Spring is upon us, which means it’s time to tend to your garden, arrange pool parties, and have lots of other outdoorsy fun. Now we don’t mean to be a killjoy but let us remind you that as the weather’s warming up and everything’s turning green, there’s life returning in some insidious beings too – insects!
Pests and insects in Maine adopt quite a similar lifestyle to the humans in Maine: they hunker down for the winter and wait for the warmer season. If you don’t want to be swatting mosquitoes all day long and are keen to avoid all unwelcome guests in your house, we suggest you learn more about the most common springtime pests in Maine.
This will help you be proactive and take the necessary measures to keep these tiny invaders away and your family safe at all times.
Here are the top 5 most commonly found pests in spring in Maine that you need to watch out for:
Ants
Ants hibernate. So, don’t be surprised to see these crawlers all over your place where there weren’t any just a few weeks back. Ants not only store food for the winter season but actually put on weight during fall so that they can survive the dormancy period.
Different species hide in different places. Some prefer cool and moist areas and will dig into soil or hide under rocks or beneath the bark of trees. There’s a fair chance that they might creep into your basement or other concealed spots in and around your home. They might stay out of sight all through the winter and suddenly announce their presence in spring.
Carpenter ants are one of the most dangerous ant species found in almost every other house in Maine. They are known for their considerably large size – about half an inch or bigger. But more so, they are notorious for the damage they cause.
Carpenter ants can affect the structural integrity of your house as they eat away at wooden beams and floorboards to create tunnels and their nesting areas.
Ants may or may not harm you and your pets, but one thing is certain – you definitely don’t want to share your living space with any potentially dangerous creature.
If you notice ants roaming around your house (they are basically ‘workers’ foraging for food and water) or think that you might have an ant infestation, call a professional pest control service near you right away!
Bees and Wasps
‘Tis the season when everything’s in full bloom, and since most flowers produce nectar, it’s only natural for bees to come along too.
Honeybees are not native to the state, and you will rarely come across one in your yard. However, bumblebees are often listed under the most common springtime pests in Maine. Although they play an important role in pollination, bumblebees can be aggressive if you go near their nesting sites. What’s more problematic is that they often build their nests near buildings and walkways, indirectly pulling you into trouble.
As opposed to bees, wasps are usually found all around the year. Warmer temperatures usually kill off the yellowjackets wasps, but paper wasps can continue wreaking havoc for homeowners. These annoying insects not only love to bite, but their stings can be extremely painful. It can lead to swelling, allergic reactions, and in the case of multiple bites, potentially death.
If you notice a hive near your home or on your property, give us a call right away! It is best to not try and deal with a hive yourself as this will anger the bees and wasps.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are not just annoying but also very unhygienic and, of course, dangerous for health. In addition to malaria, they are the vector for various other diseases and health problems, including the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) condition – a rare but serious infection that causes inflammation of the brain.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, mosquito bites are the leading cause of the West Nile virus, which affects hundreds of people during the spring and summer season.
There are more than 40 different species of mosquitoes that have been identified in Maine to date. However, the good news is that pest control experts can effectively keep these bloodsuckers at bay.
Springtails
Springtails, also known as snow fleas, are small wingless insects often associated with damp conditions and organic debris. They live in a variety of moist habitats but are usually found outdoors where they feed off leaf litter, rotting wood, and other decaying plant matter.
These insects survive the cold temperatures by burying themselves deep under the snow to stay insulated. When the snow melts, they emerge on the forest and garden floor in enormous numbers.
Although these insects are really very small (about 1/16 of an inch in length), they can jump to surprisingly long distances – around 100 times the length of their body!
Springtails are generally harmless in the sense that they do not usually bite humans. However, they may cause redness and/ or itching dermatitis. Plus, when present in large numbers near swimming pools and other similar areas near houses, they can become a nuisance.
If you see a heap of unusual tiny black insects in your backyard or driveway that looks like a pile of soot, it is likely a colony of springtails. Contact a pest exterminator in Maine to get rid of them ASAP!
Ticks
Coming from the same family as spiders and mites, ticks are a nightmare for every person living in or near woodlands or grassy areas. Though small in size, ticks can cause huge problems for you and your pets alike. This is because ticks are the carriers of many diseases, including the hazardous Lyme Disease.
Even if you don’t contract the disease, tick bites can cause skin infections and flu-like symptoms, including fever and body pain. Plus, the itching and swelling from their bites can last for over a month.
Deer ticks stay active throughout the year. Unfortunately, springtime also revives several other species that might have gone dormant during the cold season. It’s important to have a professional fumigate your garden to prevent these miniature biters from breeding within your premises.
Professional Pest Exterminators in Maine
If you want to keep your place safe and free from these common springtime pests in Maine, get in touch with Ants Plus Pest Control today!
We are a team of professional pest exterminators with proven expertise in eradicating various types of pests and insects including ants, ticks, bed bugs, cockroaches, mosquitoes, rodents, wasps, and moths, to name a few.
Locally owned, licensed, and insured, we have a fair pricing policy with no contracts required.
Call us now at (207) 319-8324 for a free estimate quote for your pest problem.