Spring is Here—Are You Ready for the Pests?
As the temperatures rise in St. Louis, so does pest activity. Spring is the time when ants, termites, mosquitoes, wasps, and rodents become more active, looking for food, water, and shelter in and around your home. Without proper prevention, these pests can quickly turn into a major problem.
In this guide, we’ll share actionable spring pest prevention tips to help homeowners in St. Louis keep their homes pest-free. From spring cleaning to yard maintenance and when to call a professional, we’ve got you covered.
Common Spring Pests in St. Louis
🐜 Ants
Ants become more active in the spring, searching for food sources inside kitchens, pantries, and garbage cans. If you see a trail of ants, it’s a sign they’ve found something worth coming back for!
🛑 Termites
Spring marks termite swarming season in St. Louis. If you notice flying termites or discarded wings near windows, it could indicate a nearby colony. Termites cause billions of dollars in damage each year, making early prevention essential.
🦟 Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes breed in standing water and become a major nuisance in late spring and summer. Beyond itchy bites, they can also carry diseases like West Nile virus and Zika.
🐝 Wasps & Bees
Spring is when wasps and bees start building nests around homes, under eaves, inside attics, and around decks. Wasps can be aggressive when disturbed, making DIY removal risky.
🐭 Rodents
While rodents are active year-round, spring means they’ll start breeding more and seeking new food sources. Mice and rats can chew wires, contaminate food, and spread diseases.
Spring Cleaning for Pest Prevention
Spring cleaning isn’t just about dusting—it’s also a great way to eliminate food sources and hiding spots for pests.
🧹 Declutter Your Home
- Pests love dark, undisturbed places, so reduce clutter in basements, attics, and garages.
- Get rid of old newspapers, cardboard boxes, and storage piles.
🚪 Seal Entry Points
- Inspect doors and windows for gaps where ants, spiders, and mice can squeeze through.
- Seal any cracks in walls, foundations, and around utility pipes.
🍽️ Deep Clean Your Kitchen & Pantry
- Wipe down countertops and vacuum crumbs from floors.
- Store food in airtight containers to keep ants and rodents away.
- Take out the trash regularly and clean garbage bins.
🌿 Yard Maintenance
- Trim bushes and trees so they don’t touch your home (this helps keep pests like ants and rodents from getting inside).
- Rake up leaves and clear out debris where pests may hide.
- Store firewood away from your house—termites love damp wood!
Preventing Mosquitoes: Stop Standing Water
Mosquitoes lay eggs in as little as a bottle cap of water, so reducing standing water is key.
- Dump out water from flower pots, birdbaths, and clogged gutters.
- Check for leaky outdoor faucets and fix them.
- Add mosquito-repelling plants like citronella, lavender, or marigolds to your yard.
Keeping Termites & Ants Away
🛑 Termite Prevention Tips
- Look for mud tubes, discarded wings, or hollow-sounding wood—all signs of termites.
- Keep wood mulch at least 12 inches away from your home’s foundation.
- Schedule a termite inspection—early detection can save thousands in repairs!
🐜 Ant Prevention Tips
- Use caulk to seal tiny cracks where ants can enter.
- Keep pet food dishes clean and don’t leave food out overnight.
- If you see an ant trail, wipe it down with vinegar and water to erase their scent.
When to Call a Professional Pest Control Service
Signs You Need Pest Control Help
If you notice:
✔️ Multiple pest sightings over several days.
✔️ Droppings, gnawed furniture, or damage to food packaging.
✔️ Nests, mud tubes, or increasing wasp activity near your home.
A professional pest control service can identify problems early and provide a customized treatment plan to keep your home pest-free.
Why Choose STL Pest Control?
At STL Pest Control, we’ve been protecting St. Louis homes since 1989. Our team specializes in:
✅ Safe, eco-friendly pest control tailored for your home.
✅ Termite inspections & treatments before damage gets worse.
✅ Seasonal pest prevention plans to keep bugs out year-round.
Don’t wait until you have a pest infestation—spring is the perfect time to protect your home!
📞 Call STL Pest Control today at [Your Phone Number] or schedule an inspection online!
Final Thoughts
Spring should be about enjoying the warm weather, not dealing with pests in your home. By taking proactive steps—cleaning, sealing entry points, and removing standing water—you can keep pests from taking over.
Need expert help? STL Pest Control is here for you. Call us today and enjoy a pest-free spring!