Nothing’s better than enjoying a warm day after a long winter. Don’t let insects ruin your adventures! Here in Arkansas, there are a lot of pests that swarm in spring and put local homeowners at risk of long-term infestations. It’s important to stay ahead of these pests to prevent colonies from settling into your backyard.
What is an Insect Swarm?
A swarm refers to a sizable assembly of flying insects. They are common in spring as the weather warms up and pests look for food, water, and mates. Most swarms last between one and several days, though they can be pretty disconcerting to come across. If a swarm forms near your home or building, they may try to establish their colony nearby, leading to persistent issues that can be difficult to eradicate.
Common Swarming Insects in Arkansas
The last thing you want to deal with is a year-long infestation caused by a one-day swarm. To prevent a springtime swarm from escalating, be on the lookout for these common swarming pests in the Arkansas area:
Termites
Termites are known across the country for swarming in the springtime. Identifying them can be tricky, but you can differentiate them from winged ants by looking for their straight antennae and equal-size wings. Since termites typically thrive in wooden structures, watch for these key indications of an infestation:
- Mud tubes along walls or floors
- Discarded wings or dead insects
- Piles of sawdust-like droppings (called “frass”)
- Damaged wood or live insects
Termites can infest various wooden structures, ranging from fences and sheds to attics and firewood. While not toxic, they can cause extensive damage, necessitating expensive repairs running into hundreds or thousands of dollars. If you suspect a termite infestation in your property, it’s imperative to promptly contact a pest control professional to identify and treat the root cause of your termite problem.
Ants
Spring is a lovely time of year, but we aren’t the only ones who think so! Ants are very active throughout this season as they wake up from their winter slumber. While searching for food, water, and mates, they may be drawn right into your home. Though most ants aren’t toxic, they can be unnerving and annoying to find in your home. If you want to keep ants out of your space, follow these tips:
- Routinely wipe down counters
- Sweep, vacuum, and mop your floors
- Store food in airtight containers
- Clean the bottom of your sink
- Don’t leave pet food out all day
Bees
Honeybees and bumblebees are beneficial insects, so a distant swarm is nothing to worry about – if anything, it means you can look forward to happy and healthy flowers this summer! However, these stinging bugs aren’t something you want to encounter in or near your home. Here are some tips that can help you prevent bees from swarming around your property:
- Seal off potential entry points: Conduct a thorough inspection of your property and seal off any potential entry points or gaps where bees could build a nest, such as cracks in walls, eaves, and roofing.
- Keep your yard tidy: Bees are attracted to cluttered and messy environments, so keep your yard neat and tidy. Trim your trees and bushes regularly and remove any debris, such as piles of leaves or wood.
- Avoid sweet smells: Bees are attracted to sweet smells, so avoid using perfumes, scented candles, and other sweet-smelling products when you’re outside.
- Use natural bee repellents: Certain smells, such as peppermint oil, citrus oil, and cinnamon, are natural bee repellents. Use these scents to deter bees from building a nest in your yard.
Wasps
You probably know a bee when you see one. But when it’s stacked up against a hornet or wasp, it can be a little tougher to know what you’re dealing with. Wasps are black and have markings of white, orange, or yellow, with pinched waists. Yellow jackets are usually yellow and black and are not hairy, unlike honeybees.
As the weather warms up for spring, queen wasps come out of hibernation and begin looking for food. This time of year is when they may establish new colonies, which is why it’s important to prevent wasps from building a nest on your property:
- Clean up food after a barbeque or picnic
- Store trash in lidded bins
- Pick up fallen fruit in your yard
- Avoid leaving out nectar or bird food
- Keep pet food bowls indoors
- Check your eves and deck for signs of a nest
Struggling With Springtime Pests?
The experts at Delta Pest Control Inc are here to help! Our cutting-edge technology and tailored pest management strategies safeguard residences and enterprises throughout the state by focusing on continuous prevention, elimination, observation, and exclusion. Our certified and licensed pest experts are exceptionally trained and possess extensive knowledge of the distinctive pest-related issues in Arkansas. As we are a part of your local community, we empathize with your concerns and are equipped to handle them effectively. Just give us a call today to get your free pest inspection!
