Blog Archives

What an Early Spring Means for you

2/12/2020

What Does Warmer and Wetter Weather Affect in the World of Pest Control?

As we all know, Groundhog Day was just a few short weeks ago, and Punxsutawney Phil didn't seem to find his shadow anywhere. Luckily for us, that means an early spring is on the horizon.
But how lucky are we exactly?
Sure, an early spring means leaving that coat at home, and enjoying all that the wonderful activities that being outdoors has to offer, but it also means an early return of all of those spring pests who like to get in the way of our outdoor fun.

Mosquitoes

So where exactly have the mosquitoes been over the past few months? Do they just up and vanish? Maybe take holiday, or go on a family cruise? Nah, let's get to the bottom of this.
In the colder months, mosquitoes (or at the least the female mosquitoes) take a sort of hibernation. Many female mosquitoes find a warm hole to "sleep it out" when the weather consistently drops below 50 degrees. Others, lay their eggs in frozen water where the eggs go into diapause (a state of suspended development) waiting for thaw and for more consistent warmer weather, so they can hatch hungry and desperate for something to eat.

With the more consistent warmer weather, those eggs will be ready to hatch, and the sleeping mommas will be ready to come out and feast as well. There are many locations throughout your yard that could be a mosquito egg hatchery in waiting. All it takes is one capful of standing water to create the right breeding grounds. Check your yard for any areas of standing water: flower pots, birdbaths, grill covers.

Termites

When the weather is in the 70s on a more consistent basis, male and female termite swarmers make their way from below ground to look for a mate and start new colonies. With an earlier spring, we will most likely experience a earlier swarmer season. It's incredibly important in the Charleston area that your home is protected from termites.

Formosan termites and other subterranean termites are the culprits behind 90% of the annual termite damage to home and structures. Charleston is the first siting of Formosan termites in the 1950s, and our warm, wet climate makes this area PERFECT for these guys to get to work eating our homes. In the United States, we spend close to $5 billion annually in repairs. The average home repair for termite damage is over $3,000. If an infestation takes over your home, there could be major structural damage in as little as 6 months.

Don't Let These Seasonal Pests Frighten You

Despite the warmer weather bringing back so many of the creepy crawlies, there is definitely a way that you can protect your home and your peace of mind. Keep control of your home with regular pest control treatments, investing in termite protection, and keeping your yard free of mosquitoes with monthly yard treatments.