Seasonal Pest Prevention Tips for Homeowners in North Carolina

North Carolina is known for its lush landscapes; from our coastal plains to our mountain ranges, our stunning state is alive all year long. Each season brings its own beauty, as well as a signature variety of pests that you can be sure will accompany the changing seasons. 

To safeguard your home from these seasonal unwanted intruders, pest control technicians recommend a proactive approach. To keep your home pest-free throughout the year, we’ve put together all of our favorite pest prevention tips for every season. 

Spring Pest Prevention Tips 

As the temperatures rise and nature comes back to life, spring in North Carolina signals the reemergence of plenty of critters seeking food, shelter, and company. 

North Carolina Spring Pests 

Here are the most common pests that spring up as the weather gets warmer this season. 

• Ants: Common invaders like fire ants and carpenter ants become more active, scouting for food sources.
• Termites: Swarmers emerge, indicating the presence of termite colonies and the potential for structural damage.
• Mosquitoes: With the increase in humidity and standing water from spring showers, mosquitoes breed prolifically.
• Ticks: Tall grass and outdoor activities expose humans and pets to tick bites, increasing the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

Preparing for Spring Pests 

When the days start getting longer, it’s a good idea to start prepping your home for the coming season. Inspect and seal any cracks or gaps in doors, windows, and foundations to prevent pest entry, and trim any vegetation that might have been overgrown in the winter to reduce hiding spots and pathways for insects.

We also suggest eliminating standing water sources around your property to discourage mosquitoes and other bugs from breeding.

Summer Pest Prevention Tips

As temperatures soar in the summertime, pests become more active, seeking refuge and sustenance indoors.

North Carolina Summer Pests 

Let’s be honest: Summer in North Carolina can feel like a free-for-all when it comes to creepy crawlies coming out of the woodwork. That being said, here are the ones you’ll want to watch out for most: 

• Cockroaches: Heat and humidity create ideal conditions for cockroach infestations, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Flies: Open doors and windows invite flies indoors, posing sanitation risks.
• Bed Bugs: Increased travel and warmer temperatures facilitate the spread of bed bugs in homes and hotels.
• Stinging Insects: Bees, wasps, and hornets establish nests in eaves, attics, and shrubbery, posing risks to occupants.

Preparing for Summer Pests 

Before it gets too hot out there, take some time to protect your home against summer insects. Consider installing screens on windows and doors, or cleaning existing ones, so you can open up your windows for airflow without letting too much of the outside in. Again, trim your vegetation and pay careful attention to your garden and lawn, where insects are likely to nest in warmer months. 

Regularly cleaning and decluttering to eliminate food sources and hiding spots for pests, as well as washing your sheets regularly, can keep bed bugs and other critters from taking refuge in your home. 

Fall Pest Prevention Tips 

As temperatures cool and foliage begins to wilt, new pests can make their way into your home.

North Carolina Fall Pests 

Even nature is looking for ways to get cozier as autumn settles in, with insects and rodents seeking shelter inside. 

• Rodents: Mice and rats invade homes in search of warmth and food, posing health risks and property damage.
• Spiders: Cooler temperatures drive spiders indoors, where they spin webs in corners and crevices.
• Cluster Flies: These pests seek shelter in attics and wall voids, emerging in large numbers on warmer days.

Preparing for Fall Pests 

Proactive steps can help eliminate or reduce infestations in your home in the winter. Inspect and seal cracks, gaps, and entry points around doors, windows, and pipes to prevent rodent entry, and place door sweeps on exterior doors. Clear gutters of debris to prevent water buildup from any coming rain, which may attract bugs. 

Winter Pest Prevention Tips 

While winter in North Carolina may be milder than in other regions, pests still seek warmth and shelter indoors.

North Carolina Winter Pests 

Insect activity tends to dip in the winter, but you may still see some of these insects out and about. 

• Silverfish: These nocturnal insects seek refuge in dark, damp areas such as basements and bathrooms.
• Overwintering Pests: Boxelder bugs, stink bugs, and ladybugs gather in large numbers on sun-exposed surfaces to escape the cold.

Preparing for Winter Pests 

As colder weather sweeps in, make sure to address moisture issues in basements and crawl spaces to deter silverfish infestation. Install screens over vents and chimney openings to prevent pest entry while allowing ventilation. And speaking of chimneys: Store firewood outdoors and away from the house to deter overwintering pests.

When to Seek Professional Pest Control

Despite your best efforts, pest infestations may still occur in any season. It's crucial to recognize when professional intervention is necessary, such as:

• Persistent Infestations: If DIY methods fail to resolve the issue or if infestations recur, it's time to enlist the help of a professional pest control provider.
• Structural Damage: Signs of structural damage caused by pests, such as termite tunnels or rodent gnaw marks, warrant immediate professional assessment.
• Health Risks: Infestations of disease-carrying pests like rodents or mosquitoes pose significant health risks and require professional eradication.

Contact A-1 Pest Control for Seasonal Pest Prevention Tips in Western North Carolina

By understanding the seasonal patterns of pest activity, implementing proactive prevention plans, and knowing when to seek professional pest control, you can effectively protect your home against unwanted intruders throughout the year. If you're a homeowner or business owner who needs an effective pest control plan in Lenoir, Hendersonville, Hickory, Mooresville, West Jefferson, or a town in between, A-1 Pest Control is here to serve you.

For more on seasonal pest prevention tips for your North Carolina home, contact A-1 Pest Control today! Give us a call at  828-481-9140, or fill out the contact form below.