Pest control is a never-ending job. The Spence’s Pest Control team has helped you understand how to master winter pest control already, but keeping your home pest-free is a year-round job. We’ve put together this post to help you navigate your pest control needs throughout the year.

Winter

Rodents: The last thing you want to find in your home is a mouse or a rat. These critters can be incredibly difficult to find in your home and can burrow their way through walls and floors, often chewing through vital wiring for the home. Rodents are particularly dangerous to you and your family because they often infiltrate food supplies, which can transmit various diseases to humans including hantavirus and salmonella. Learn the signs of a rodent problem here.

Roaches: If there’s one pest that’s sure to give you goosebumps, it’s a roach. These seemingly indestructible insects are often attracted to homes because they are seeking shelter and food. For that reason, if you find a roach in your home, you should immediately begin to store all unrefrigerated food in glass containers to cut out the roach’s food supply. Roaches are known to carry diseases and can post a serious health risk to those in your home who suffer from allergies or asthma.

Spring

Moths: It’s no surprise that in the springtime, many insects hatch after going dormant for the long winter months. The last thing you want is for this to happen inside your home. Many homeowners find in the springtime that moths have made their way into the home and suddenly hatched with the arrival of the warm weather. Typically, homeowners find that they have either pantry moths or clothes moths on their hands. It’s important to remember to not use mothball pesticides if you encounter moths within your home as they have been found to contain carcinogenic naphthalene. If you have a moth problem, it’s best to eliminate their food source by sealing away all clothing or food items and to clean the home thoroughly every couple of days to remove all eggs and larvae.

Ants: With over 700 species of ant in the United States alone, it’s no wonder virtually everyone has had an ant problem on their hands at some point. "Ants are more than a nuisance. They can contaminate food, bite when threatened and damage our property," noted Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association. If you have an ant problem on your hands, seek a pest professional immediately. As if contaminating food and biting wasn’t enough, some ant species can even eat through the wood of your home and cause structural damage.

Summer

Stinging Insects: When we refer to stinging insects, we’re mainly referring to wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets. The first thing to remember in the summertime is that bees should not be put into this same category and are vital for the production of our food and our gardens. Wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets are predatory insects that are known for their tempers. Without hesitation, these insects will sting if a human wanders too close to the nest or disturbs the insect. These temperamental little creatures thrive in the summertime and are popular around pools, patios and outdoor living spaces. Because they are predatory, it’s not uncommon to find their nests in or near gardens that attract other insects.

Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are by far the worst thing about summer. These pesky, minuscule flying insects are known as the season’s biggest nuisance, biting people left and right and leaving itchy bumps in their wake. They are known to transmit deadly diseases and can seem unavoidable in the summer months. The Spence’s Pest Control team specializes in mosquito treatment and prevention techniques, so if you have a mosquito problem this summer we can help.

Fall

Spiders: While fake spiders make a great decoration for the Halloween season, their real-life counterparts are certainly not welcome in the home during any time of the year. From granddaddh3y longlegs to black widows and wolf spiders, homeowners are far more likely to encounter a spider in the fall than any other time of year. The frightening thing about spiders is that they can be venomous and have the potential to cause serious health concerns for you and your loved ones.

Crickets: These creatures may seem harmless, but they’re sure to creep you out if you come across a few in your basement. What’s worse is that some species, like house crickets, enjoy hearing themselves chirp all night long, leaving homeowners awake throughout the night. Crickets often are attracted to moist basements. Beyond being a nuisance, the dung left behind by camel crickets can cause staining and damage to items in storage as well.

We understand that sometimes seasonal pests can be persistent, especially if they have found their way into your home already. If you’re concerned about a pest control issue in your home at any time of year, contact Spence’s Pest Control at (804) 794-7738 to schedule an inspection today. Our courteous and knowledgeable staff will keep your home pest-free all year long. We’re the ones to call for the best pest control Richmond has to offer!