The spring and early summer can bring an onslaught of precipitation and humidity that some pests love. If you’ve seen an uptick in mosquitoes or termites lately, the reason could be an increase in moisture all around you. Damp basements, leaky roofs and softened lumber are havens for insects that thrive in wet surroundings.
Why are these pests everywhere all of a sudden and how can you combat them? Our experienced technicians are ready to go to battle for you. Read on to learn how moisture abets infestation and how you can keep these ramped up pests away from your home.
Mosquitoes
We’ve all stepped outside after a rainy spell only to discover that mosquitoes have taken over the entire outdoors. How does this seemingly instantaneous coup take place? It has to do with the mosquito life cycle.
Like many insects, mosquitoes have a four-stage life cycle: egg, larvae, pupa and adult. What many people don’t realize is that mosquitoes lay their eggs in water. All those puddles, pools, birdbaths, flower pots and other areas where water collects in your yard are breeding grounds for the world’s most dangerous animal. Mosquito larvae hatch and live in the water for about one week before pupating into adults. So, you can expect the mosquito population to explode about a week after the rain starts.
Do mosquitoes like humidity?
Mosquitoes and humidity are like bread and butter. Mosquitoes thrive in warm humid climates. It accelerates their life cycle and more rain/humidity means more mosquitoes.
How to prevent mosquitoes.
The best mosquito prevention is to eliminate their breeding grounds. Empty or drain any areas of standing water around your home and yard. This means refreshing birdbaths regularly, clearing clogged gutters and landscaping so that water drains away.
The second way to keep mosquitoes away is by using a trusted pest control expert. Gregory can safely treat your yard to abate mosquitoes by preventing them from landing on your vegetation. Keep them away with regular treatments throughout their breeding season. Learn more about fewer mosquitoes in your yard.
Termites
Termite colonies can grow exponentially in the right conditions and can reach 50,000 or more members. Termites thrive in moist climates and rain plays an important part of their life cycle.
Do termites come out after rain?
Spring rains soak the ground and signal to winged termites that it’s time to begin searching for new habitats to colonize. Once they find a proper nesting ground with a nearby food source, these alates will ditch their wings and begin breeding. This is why you may see flying termites after rain or piles of discarded wings around your home. Have your home inspected if you see any signs of termites in the spring.
Do termites like humidity?
Subterranean termites thrive in moist environments and go so far as to build mud tubes so that they can avoid hot sun or dry air as they travel between their nest and their food sources. They prefer a wet humid environment and the soft wood that it produces. If your home is humid, has a leaky roof or you have water damage, you might be a target for hungry termites.
How to prevent termites.
Keeping a clean, dry home and watching for any termite signs is your best prevention strategy. Repair any leaks or plumbing problems quickly so that water doesn’t soak into your walls or structure. Be aware that termites can hide deep inside of wood and leave little evidence of their presence until there are hundreds or thousands of them. If you do have termites, treat them before they can inflict major damage.
Moisture Control and Pest Control
If you have damp, unventilated areas where pests regularly congregate, it may be time for some home improvement. The Gregory team can inspect your home and designate vapor barriers, dehumidifiers and ventilation solutions to dry your home out and make it less appealing to pests. Find out more on our basement moisture control page.
Pest Control in the Rainy Season
Be prepared for the spring infestation with pest control protection from Gregory. Whether it’s a one time treatment or an ongoing plan that proactively keeps pests in check, your local Gregory pest control specialist can keep seasonal infestations like termites and mosquitoes from spoiling an otherwise lovely time of year. Call Gregory today to learn more.