Unfortunately, no season is safe from pests, and Fresno is home to many seasonal pests. So, if you live in the Fresno area, which pests should you be on the lookout for?
Spring
Earwigs: Earwigs are attracted to moisture and are primarily active during the spring months due to the extra rainfall. During the spring, earwig eggs also hatch, making spring a prime time of year for these critters. Earwigs are not dangerous to humans, but they are a pest to have around the home. The best step you can take to prevent earwigs is to make sure your bathrooms are well ventilated and any leaks are taken care of immediately.
Ants: Ants can be found throughout the United States, and California is no exception. The Argentine ant is particularly common and is sometimes referred to as the “sugar ant” because of its love for sugar. If you notice ants in your home, it’s crucial that you immediately clean any crumbs or spills up thoroughly to cut off potential food sources, as well as begin treatment before the colony expands.
Termites: Termites are wood-destroying pests that wreak havoc on homes in California. Fresno is home to many types of termites, including dampwood termites, drywood termites, and subterranean termites. Common signs of termites include molted skin, damaged wood, feces, and mud tubes. If you notice these signs, we recommend immediately contacting an exterminator to have the problem stopped in its tracks.
Summer
Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are irritating pests with itchy bites that can transmit hazardous diseases to humans. Some of these diseases include West Nile, malaria, and Zika. While these diseases can be a danger to all humans, pregnant women and their unborn children are at a heightened risk because contracting them can cause congenital disabilities. If you have standing water on your property, mosquito treatments are strongly recommended to reduce the number of mosquitoes and mosquito breeding that occurs on your property.
Ticks: Ticks are bloodsucking pests that live off of the blood of mammals, such as humans, dogs, and cats. They can often be found thriving in tall, long grass or overgrown vegetation, which is why long clothing and tick preventative measures before and after hikes are essential. Ticks are often brought into our homes by our pets, so using tick prevention products on our pets can be another way to prevent these pests from breaching our homes.
Stinging Insects: Stinging insects, like bees, wasps, and yellowjackets, are never fun to have around because nobody wants to risk suffering from a painful sting. Many types of stinging insects, especially bees, are legally protected because of their important role in pollinating plants. So, if you notice a hive or nest on your property, it’s best to contact a pest control professional who can safely remove and relocate it.
Fall/Winter
Rodents: Rodents are adaptable mammals who often seek shelter in our homes during the fall and winter months. Once inside our homes, they will breed quickly and expand the infestation. Unfortunately, rodents are a health hazard to humans because they can contaminate our food, spread disease, and cause a fire hazard by chewing through our wiring. Common signs of rodents include feces, eaten food, chewing marks, and hearing squeaking or scratching.
Cockroaches: Cockroaches are disgusting bugs that can cause many health problems because they contaminate food by spreading bacteria and human pathogens. They are often found in areas of our homes close to moisture and food and will frequently hide underneath appliances. To prevent cockroaches, keep your counter and floors clean, take your trash out regularly, and vacuum often to destroy potential food sources.
Spiders: Spiders are creepy pests with eight legs that look for shelter in our homes during the colder months. Most spider bites are harmless to humans. However, California is home to the infamous black widow spider, which is venomous. A human bitten by a black widow spider may even require medical attention. Other spiders are usually benign and may even eat other more harmful insects that wander into our homes.