Four Insects You Can Expect To See This Spring

Spring is right around the corner and that means one thing (at least in terms of pest control): A lot more insects! As the weather gets warmer, insects start to lay eggs, which then hatch their larva. And of course, those larva need food (it’s the cycle of life, after all). That could be trees or bushes, but it could also be your home.

Aside from ants and termites, there are a number of other insects you might want to look out for in these warmer days. Here are a couple to pay attention to.

Boxelder Bug

Boxelders are quite common throughout our region. They’re typically about ½ inch long with black and red wings. They mainly feed on trees and tree sap, but they can also get into homes, particularly if the home is surrounded by ash, maple, cherry, or other seed-bearing trees. While they tend not to cause significant damage to homes, their feces can leave stains. They also tend to release an unpleasant odor when crushed (similar to the stinkbug).

Carpenter Bees

What looks like a bumblebee but eats your house? A carpenter bee! These flying creatures can be highly destructive, boring holes into wood surfaces to lay their eggs in the spring. The good news is that they tend not to sting. The bad news—they can cause a lot of damage. Signs you might have them include holes in wood, collected sawdust on the ground from their boring, and a seemingly non-stop scratching sound (that’s the sound of them making holes).

Centipedes

These creepy crawlies love the spring for its damp, cool weather. While they’re mostly found outdoors, such as under rocks or in rotten wood, they can find themselves indoors if they can find similar conditions. That’s often in basements, but it could also be crawl spaces, under sinks, or even in closets. They’re also venomous, so if you see them, be sure to stay away and call a professional!

Fleas

If you have pets, you have to be extremely wary of flea infestations. If your pet goes outside and brings in fleas, they can get in your couch, your carpet, your bed—basically anything cloth. And getting rid of them can be a real nightmare because they breed extremely rapidly. In fact, even if your pets don’t go outside, fleas can still be attracted to and infest your home. They simply need to attach themselves to your shoes, clothing, or even your legs. They’re very hard to spot, as they’re so small, but one sign that you have an infestation is if you find small, red, itchy bumps on your skin.