Spring 2020 – Prepare for These 6 Pests

Posted February 3, 2020

In In The Media, Pest Control, Pest Control Tips, Pest Prevention

Hindsight may be 20/20, but when it comes to protecting your family and home against pests this year, you can be proactive with the help of Isotech Pest Management. We are helping homeowners prepare for the 2020 pest season by offering insights into anticipated pest activity.

At Isotech Pest Management, we have examined trends and used our field experiences and company data to determine the following six pest predictions. Along with these predictions, we are offering preventative tips to help you keep your home pest-free this year.

Mosquitoes

Populations of disease-spreading mosquitoes, such as the yellow fever mosquito and the Asian tiger mosquito, have surged in recent years in some Western states. These mosquitoes, along with the already well-established common house mosquito, can spread diseases such as West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and Zika virus, as well as the parasite that causes heartworm in pets.

Homeowner Tips: It only takes a tablespoon of water for mosquitoes to breed. To protect yourself and your family, eliminate any standing water from your property. When spending time outdoors, always wear an EPA-approved insect repellent to protect yourself and your family.

Rats

In recent years, rat populations have surged in major metropolitan areas across the country. We can expect to see that trend continue and rat populations in suburban areas to increase, as well. Warmer than usual winters, a booming construction pipeline, lack of sanitation control, and an affordable housing crisis are all issues that have advanced the swell of recent rat activity.

Homeowner Tips: Rats can be extremely destructive to homes, so take precautions to make your home less attractive to them. There are four main steps to take: Eliminate excess vegetation, especially dense low-vegetation that can serve as good hiding places for rats. Ensure that no trees overhang your home. Seal any exterior openings larger than a nickel with rodent-proof material such as hardware cloth or flashing. Finally, ensure that all trash is sealed in bags and placed into garbage cans with well-fitting lids.

Termites

Termites cause $6 billion in property damage each year, making them one of the most destructive pests in North America. These wood-destroying pests are a continual problem for homeowners in the Western U.S., and this year termites could prove to be even more significant. The experts at Isotech Pest Management have seen an increase in activity from subterranean and dampwood termites in many areas this year.

Homeowner Tips: To deter termites, eliminate earth to wood contact and avoid moisture accumulation near your home or structures’ foundation. Remove excess wood (stumps, lumber, etc.) from your yard. Termites can be present for years before homeowners ever seen signs of their activity, causing extensive and costly damage. To avoid this, have a termite protection plan in place. Speak to your pest control provider about risk and protection options for your home.

Cockroaches

Cockroach populations have increased dramatically over the past several years, due in large part to warmer weather and increased rainfall. Cockroaches carry diseases, infest stored food, and then spread these diseases through their excrement. Cockroach removal is vital as infestations can be serious if not taken care of in a timely manner.

Homeowner Tips: Cockroaches enter homes in search of food and shelter. Cockroach-proof your home by sealing small cracks and crevices around windows and door frames with a silicone-based caulk. Keep a clean kitchen, mopping or sweeping up any spills. Ensure that door seals, including the one on your garage, are in place and intact. If you’re experiencing cockroach problems, speak with your pest control professional to determine the best solution for your home.

Flies

The house fly and other types of “filth flies” can become nuisance pests, but also are important for their potential to harm humans and animals. Filth flies – house flies, bottle flies, flesh flies – generally live and breed live near human habitats and their numbers have increased in recent years. Increasing population density, waste management practices that haven’t kept pace with growth, and a general trend toward a warming climate for the fly pressure all contribute to increasing this disease-spreading insect.

Homeowner Tips: Fly activity can be difficult to control, but there are preventative steps homeowners can take to keep them at bay. Screen all windows and doors. Keep trash stored away from your home and ensure that all trash cans have tight-fitting lids. If flies are bothering you when sitting outside, use a box or oscillating fan to keep them away. When air is moving, flies have a hard time landing.

Spiders

Spiders thrive in wet environments because there’s more available food—insects. Spiders eat other insects, therefore, heavy rain and record-breaking temperatures over the last few years have created the perfect conditions for the smaller insects that spiders love to eat. With a steady food source, spider populations are increasing. Although beneficial for our ecosystem, most people prefer spiders to stay outside where they belong.

Homeowner Tips: Fortunately, most species of spiders can not survive indoors as their systems are built for outdoor weather. If the thought of spiders lurking is alarming, try changing your white outdoor light bulbs to yellow light bulbs, which attract fewer insects that can serve as food for the spiders. There are a few species of spiders that can live indoors and need to be controlled by spider removal experts.

The experts at Isotech Pest Management agree that a proactive approach is the first step any homeowner can take to prevent pest issues. With these 2020 pest predictions in mind, take time to evaluate your current pest control plan and ensure that you have the protection you need to protect yourself and your family from pests this year.