In Glendale, Arizona, spring brings warmer weather, and with it comes a surge in activity from a variety of pests seeking food, water, and shelter. In other words, all kinds of creatures and critters, ranging from tiny to sizable. Some are insects, some reptiles, and others furry freeloaders. Read on to learn about some of the most common household invaders you might encounter during the spring.
Spring in Glendale offers a delightful transition from the cooler winter months to the scorching summer heat. It’s also known for its abundant sunshine. Residents and visitors alike enjoy mostly sunny skies with very little rain. Better still, humidity levels are typically low throughout the season, making the warm temperatures feel more comfortable.
However, March through May is also allergy season in Glendale. Blooming trees and other vegetation can increase pollen counts, triggering allergies in some people. If that wasn’t enough, this is the time of year that many creepy-crawlies come out en-masse, like the following residential household intruders and invaders:
- Scorpions. While peak scorpion season runs from April to October, their activity can already start to pick up in the spring as temperatures rise.
- Ants. Several ant species become more active in the spring, including acrobat ants, pavement ants, and odorous house ants. They’re attracted to crumbs, spills, and moisture sources inside your home.
- Cockroaches. These year-round pests become more active in warmer weather. They seek out dark, damp areas like kitchens and bathrooms for food and water.
- Spiders. While not necessarily harmful, spiders become more noticeable in the spring as they hunt for insects. Common species in Glendale include wolf spiders, cellar spiders, and jumping spiders.
- Beetles. Ladybugs, carpet beetles, and palmetto bugs (also known as cockroaches) can all become more active in the spring, seeking shelter indoors.
- Rodents. Mice and rats, ever on the hunt for food and nesting sites, become even more active in the spring as they search for new territories.
- Snakes. Although less common inside homes, snakes might become more active in the spring and could venture near houses in search of food or water, especially if there are easy access points.
Because of the conditions detailed above, there is always a spike in pests in the area. Unfortunately, insects, rodents, and more can spread quicker than a wildfire. But, it’s not just about what normally happens during these three months. Additional factors also play a role, like unseasonable weather conditions. For instance, an unusually warm or humid spring can lead to a more significant surge in pest activity.
What’s more, the location of your neighborhood can likewise come into play. That’s right. If your particular neighborhood has a history of specific pests, you might be more prone to infestations. (After all, this makes sense, given all pests – just like humans – require food, water, and shelter to survive.) And, your block could very well be one of the most attractive in the overall, surrounding community.
Prevention Tips
Fortunately, taking certain preventative measures can minimize the risk of these pests taking up residence in your Glendale home by doing the following:
- Seal entry points. Look for cracks around windows, doors, foundations, and utility lines and seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
- Maintain a clean home. Don’t leave crumbs or food scraps around. Regularly clean up spills and store food in sealed containers.
- Address moisture issues. Fix leaky pipes and faucets to eliminate moisture sources that attract pests.
- Store trash properly. Use sealed trash cans and dispose of garbage regularly.
- Trim vegetation. Keep bushes and trees trimmed away from your house to reduce potential hiding spots for pests.
By staying informed about common spring pests and taking preventative measures, you can enjoy a pest-free spring season in your Glendale home. If you do encounter a pest problem, consider seeking professional pest control services for a comprehensive solution. Here are some signs that homeowners should call a professional pest control service in the spring:
Active Pest Sightings
- Frequent sightings of insects. Seeing ants, spiders, roaches, or other insects inside your house on a regular basis indicates a potential infestation.
- Rodent activity. If you see droppings, hear scratching noises, or notice chew marks on food packages or furniture, you might have a rodent problem.
- Scorpion encounters. Even a single scorpion sighting indoors warrants a call to a professional, especially during peak season, which starts in April.
Signs of Infestation
- Nesting materials. Discovering spiderwebs, ant trails, or rodent nests inside your house suggests an established infestation.
- Unusual odors. A foul odor might indicate the presence of dead rodents or insect droppings.
- Pet behavior changes. If your pets become unusually alert or your dog starts barking at unseen objects, it could be a sign of pest activity.
Prevention and Peace of Mind
- Early intervention. Don’t wait for a full-blown infestation before calling a professional. Addressing a pest problem early on is easier and more cost-effective.
- Professional expertise. Pest control professionals have the knowledge and tools to identify the specific pest, assess the extent of the problem, and recommend the most effective treatment plan.
- Long-term solutions. Professionals can not only eliminate existing pests but also implement preventative measures to reduce the risk of future infestations.
- The severity of the infestation. A small number of ants might be manageable with DIY methods, but a large cockroach infestation requires professional intervention.
- Your comfort level. If you’re uncomfortable dealing with pests yourself, or if the pests seem aggressive or dangerous (like scorpions), call a professional for peace of mind.
- Time constraints. Professional pest control services save you time and effort compared to DIY methods (which don’t usually produce long-lasting, effective results).
Don’t wait until a minor pest problem becomes a major headache. If you notice any signs of pest activity in your Glendale home this spring, consider calling Invader Pest Management. We are a professional pest control service with the expertise and targeted solutions that can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. Get in touch today and get the peace of mind you deserve by enjoying a stress-free environment that isn’t under threat from pests.