Spring Thaw = Spring Pests: What’s Waking Up In Your South Jersey Yard and What to Do About It

We did it! We’ve almost escaped one of the worst winters on record for the South Jersey area. Deemed a “bomb cyclone,” this record-setting winter produced some of the coldest temps as well as historic snowfall. New Jersey’s February blizzard brought over 2 feet of snow, including 27 inches in Newark! Spring pests South Jersey homeowners deal with start emerging as the ground thaws and temperatures rise. After a long winter, insects and pests become active again, creating risks for your home, yard, and family.

Meet The Pests You’ll Be Sharing Your Yard With

The New Jersey area is unique because it has insects that are typically common in warmer climates, as well as the pests that are drawn to the north.

More than a nuisance during your family cookout, these insects and pests can be a danger to your family, your pets, your landscaping, and even your home. Yes, left untreated, these insects will emerge this spring and make their presence known in the most destructive ways possible. Here are the culprits:

Ticks — Active early in spring, these small but dangerous pests are often found in grassy or wooded areas. Ticks can carry Lyme disease and other illnesses, threatening you, your family, and even your pets.

Termites — As soil warms, subterranean termites swarm to start new colonies. Once you have a termite infestation in your home, you risk foundation issues and costly repairs. Don’t miss our recent blog post about termites.

Carpenter Bees — Another insect that brings about structural damage are carpenter bees. Emerging around April in the South Jersey area, carpenter bees drill holes into decks, siding, and wood structures.

Mosquitoes — With more than 63 species of mosquitoes, including the Asian Tiger mosquito, they feast on human and pet blood while carrying disease, including the West Nile Virus. Plus, they can completely take over a yard and force the humans back inside.

Crickets — While crickets are not dangerous to humans, they can pose significant damage to your property. Beyond destroying lawns and garden plants, they feast on fabrics and can be quite loud at night.

Ants — Pavement and carpenter ants emerge to forage, contaminating food and sometimes causing damage.

Stinging Insects — Yellow jackets, hornets, paper wasps and other stinging insects will soon be building nests in eaves and even underground. Get too close, and they will give you a painful reminder that they are defending their property.

Tips to Protect Your Home and Your Loved Ones

Now that you know these insects are emerging and lurking near your home, what can you do to prepare for their arrival?

• To prevent mosquito breeding, try to eliminate standing water around your home.
• To deter carpenter bees, we suggest painting or staining wooden areas.
• To reduce tick habitats, clear your yard of debris and brush. Also, make sure your pets are following a tick treatment plan.
• Stop ants and termites by sealing cracks in your foundations.
• Finally, on a weekly basis, inspect your outdoor structures for wasp nests.

Of course, even if you are meticulous about inspecting for and preventing these pests, nothing beats a proven pest control plan from ROSS Environmental Solutions.

ROSS Environmental Solutions’ Pest Control and Termite Exterminating Program Saves Your Peace of Mind

How many insects and pests will emerge in your yard and swarm your home this spring? Rather than try that ineffective over-the-counter spray or trying those homemade concoctions that your Facebook friends whipped up, consider the experts with 50+ years of combined pest control experience. That’s ROSS Environmental Solutions.

Whether you have health-jeopardizing ticks, painful stinging insects, or termites that put your property at risk, we have just the right (and safe) pest control solution you need. Call ROSS Environmental Solutions of South Jersey at 1-866-981-1322 for a free estimate.