Spring is a time of renewal. Plants start blooming again, the days get longer, and the weather becomes considerably warmer in Idaho. Unfortunately, spring also brings about the resumption of pests in the yard and in the home, too. These pests are not only annoying, but many of them pose a real danger, too. As we move further into spring, below are the most common pests you should be on the lookout for.
Ticks
Ticks are one of those pests that are very dangerous to both animals and humans. Ticks are parasites that need warm-blooded hosts to survive. Ticks will bite an animal or human and they can stay attached to the host anywhere between three and ten days, depending on the species of tick, the life stage of the pest, and the immunity of the host. When they bite, they can transmit Lyme disease to the host. Symptoms of Lyme disease include lethargy, chronic rashes, partial paralysis, and joint pain.
Just like the hosts they feed off of, ticks like to stay warm. During the winter months they will hide in leafy or wooden areas where they are shielded from the cold temperatures. Once the snow starts falling, they will bury themselves in debris and any other items they can find. As the weather starts to warm up in spring, ticks emerge and they are most active from April to September.
Mosquitoes
Everyone thinks mosquitoes are a nuisance, but they are much more than that. Once the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, mosquitoes will usually go dormant to prepare for winter. Mosquitoes will start to emerge in late April or early May, when the temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees. Like ticks, mosquitoes can also spread disease, with the most common in Ada County being West Nile virus. Cases are seen in this part of the state every year.
The devices people use to prevent large mosquito populations in their yard, such as citronella candles and bug zappers are ineffective. An Idaho pest control company can apply treatments to the exterior of a home to keep mosquitoes out and to keep everyone who uses the yard safe.
Wasps
Wasps will find attics and wall voids to shelter in during the winter months. When the weather gets warmer, they will find places such as overhangs and eaves on homes to build their nest. These areas provide protection for the wasps, but it poses a threat to anyone who lives in the home and has to be in the vicinity of the nest. Wasps deliver very painful stings that are a nuisance to anyone, but that are very dangerous to those who are allergic to them. Wasps also feed largely off of other insects. This means that not only is the presence of a wasp nest a danger in itself, but it can also indicate that other large pest populations are nearby.
Removing a wasp nest is very dangerous and homeowners should never try to do it on their own. A Nampa wasp control company will know how to remove a wasp nest properly so the people in the home can feel safe once again.
Fleas
Most fleas and their eggs die once the temperature drops below the freezing point in winter. In Idaho, there is a small break from flea season but it starts in March and can go right through December. Fleas are another very annoying parasite that need warm-blooded hosts to survive. An infestation in the home can cause both humans and pets to become very itchy, and excessive scratching can result in hair loss and irritated skin, particularly in pets. If left untreated, fleas can also cause a pet to suffer from tapeworm if the pet swallows an infected flea, usually when they groom themselves.
Mice and Rats
It is a common misconception that mice and rats only enter the home during winter. While it is true that they will seek warmth inside homes once the temperature starts to drop, they will come inside any time of the year. The truth is that mice and rats often find it easier to find water, shelter, and food inside rather than outdoors. Over the harsh winter months, the exterior of homes can also become damaged. Loose siding and cracks and gaps in foundations, around utility lines, and windows also all make it easier for mice and rats to find a way inside. Our Nampa rodent control experts can help take care of any type of mice, rat or vole infestation.
Our Pest Control Experts in Idaho Can Get Rid of Springtime Pests
If you are finding larger populations of pests inside your home or in your yard this spring, our Treasure Valley pest control experts at Armis Pest Management can help. Our skilled technicians know how to safely eliminate all types of pests so you can fully enjoy your home once again. Call us today at 208-650-7378 or contact us online to request a free inspection.
