National Pest Management Association shares insight on what pests to watch out for this spring and how to keep them at bay.

Spring is in full swing and many Americans are in for a pest-filled season due to the mild winter. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) shared its bi-annual Bug Barometer last month to give people an idea of what to expect this spring and it’s a doozy. From ants to ticks, the warm weather is bringing an uptick in pests across the country.

Spring is such an exciting time of year – the weather is getting warmer, sunny summer days are on the horizon, gardens need tending to and outdoor activities are back in season – and of course, it’s time for some spring cleaning!

“Make sure that you address the pest hot spots around your home in between wiping down the windows and shampooing the rugs. Warm, moist areas such as basements or cabinets under sinks can be a breeding ground for spring pests,” says Jim Fredericks, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at NPMA.

Fredericks highly recommends adding these to your spring cleaning checklist to ensure a pest free home all season long.

• Dispose of any standing water on your property such as birth baths, buckets or puddles as they can attract mosquitoes
• Clean food and drink spills right away and avoid letting dishes pile up in the sink so you don’t provide food for cockroaches and ants
• Vacuum and sweep often
• Dispose of garbage regularly and use trash cans with a sealed lid
• Remove old landscape materials, debris and excess vegetation from the property to reduce potential nesting sites for ants
• Clean up debris and eliminate earth to wood contact outside the house to discourage termites.
• Never try to remove stinging insect nests on your own when doing yard work – call a pro!

If pests become an issue in your home or you suspect an infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to address the problem, and visit PestWorld.org for additional information on pest prevention.

About the National Pest Management Association

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,500 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. For more information, visit PestWorld.org or follow @PestWorld on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok and YouTube.

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