Ants are among the first pests to appear in spring. Species such as Carpenter Ants, and Pavement Ants love Pennsylvania homes.

Carpenter Ants tunnel through damp wood, potentially causing structural damage. Smaller ants invade kitchen in search of food and other resources for the growing colony. 

Signs of an Ant Infestation: Trails of ants marching indoors, small piles of debris or sawdust near walls and baseboards, or winged ants swarming near windows and doors (could also be termites)

• DIY vs Pro Ant Control
• Frequently asked questions about ant control

Termites, often called “Silent Destroyers”, swarm in the spring when colonies send out winged reproductives to start new termite nests. Pennsylvania only has Subterranean Termites, which means they live under the ground and inside of the wooded structures or your home.

Termites can chew through wood framing, floorings, and even wall paper and drywall, leading to costly repairs

Signs of a Termite Infestation: Mud shelter tubing, “ants with wings” or piles of discarded wings near entry points, hollow-sounding wood when tapped, and wood damage to wooden structures.

• How much does a termite treatment cost?
• Termites Myths vs Facts

 As flowers bloom in the spring, bees and wasps become more active. While honeybees are beneficial pollinators, carpenter bees bore into wooden decks, eaves, and fences causing major damage. Wasps begin to build their nests in the spring as the queen begins the process of starting a new nest for the year.

Hornets and Yellow Jackets, although not very numerous in the springtime, are starting their nests which will continue to grow until the fall.

Signs of a bee or wasp infestation: Large bees hovering around wooden decks, fences, and the eaves of a home indicate a carpenter bee problem. Check for increased bee and wasp activity around the outside of your house. 

• Can you safely remove a hornet nest in winter?
• Hornet nest removal

Spring is Tick Season in Pennsylvania. Deer Ticks (black legged ticks), are notorious for carrying and transmitting Lyme disease to people and pets. Lyme Disease affects thousands of Pennsylvanians each year and Pennsylvania leads the nation in Lyme Disease cases.

Ticks thrive in humid, wooded or long grassed environments and hitch rides on pets, wildlife, and people.

Signs of a Tick Infestation: Finding ticks on skin after outdoor activities or noticing ticks on pets

With spring showers come puddles and standing water, perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. In Pennsylvania, mosquitoes can spread diseases and make outdoor time miserable with their itchy bites.

Signs of a Mosquito Infestation: Mosquito swarms near standing water, increased biting activity at dusk

• Tips for mosquito prevention

Mice and rats don’t hibernate but may hunker down indoors during the winter. In spring, rodents venture outside more seeking new food sources. 

Signs of rodent infestation: Rodent droppings, gnaw marks on wires or food packaging, or hearing scurrying sounds in walls

• 5 Signs you have a mouse problem
• How long can mice live?
• Bat droppings or rodent droppings?

• Seal Entry Points: Inspect and caulk cracks in foundations, doors, and windows to block ants, flies, bees, wasps, and spiders
• Maintain your yard: Trim overgrown vegetation, remove standing water, and keep mulch away from your home’s foundation to deter ticks and mosquitoes
• Keep moisture away from your house: Ensure rain and water are channeled away from you home and that there is no standing water on the property. Many of the spring pests in Pennsylvania thrive near and around moisture. 
• Inspect your home regularly: Check attics, basements, and crawl spaces for signs of termites, ants, or nesting wasps
• Protect Pets and Family: use tick repellants during hikes and keep pests on flea and tick preventatives
• Schedule Professional Inspections: Early spring is a perfect time for a professional pest assessment. Our technicians at Prudential Pest Solutions use professional methods tailored to Pennsylvania’s unique environment