Every season brings about different pest problems and activity. So, if you live in the Chicago area, which pests should you be on the lookout for during each season?
Here are a few of the top pests to keep an eye out for:
Spring
Flies: Flies will often find their way into our homes around April and May. Watch out for flies and tiny dark clusters of spots in the upper parts of your wall or ceiling.
Asian lady beetles: Asian lady beetles will begin to emerge during springtime. Once there is enough sunlight and a more temperate climate, these beetles will start breeding and laying eggs until June.
Termites: Termites are a massive problem in the Chicago area, especially subterranean termites. Subterranean termites are most active from March to May, though they can be active throughout much of the year, depending on the weather. Subterranean termites will create extensive colonies underground with mud tubes that allow them to travel back up to the surface. If you suspect you have termites, look for common signs like decaying wood, feces, molted skin, and mud tubes. Don’t hesitate to call a professional if you suspect you have termites because termites can cause extensive damage to your property in a short period of time.
Ants: Ants, especially carpenter ants, are most active during the spring and summer. They will begin looking for food, and if your home has any available, they will settle into your home happily. Ants are especially attracted to sweet-tasting foods. If you don’t want an ant problem, we recommend keeping any possible food sources, such as crumbs on the ground, to a minimum. Ant baits can effectively take care of a small ant problem, but don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help if the problem persists.
Summer
Yellowjackets and wasps: These stinging, flying insects are irritating and frightening. Nobody wants one of these flying around their head or home. Typical signs of these pests include nests around the eaves of your house, inside thick vegetation, and even underground in abandoned rodent dens.
Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are one of the most irritating summer pests. Unfortunately, mosquitoes are disease-carrying, and they can spread these hazardous diseases to us through their bites. Mosquitoes typically hang around standing water and will breed intensely during the summer months. There are various professional and DIY mosquito treatments available to help you keep mosquitoes under control on your property, along with mosquito repellents to keep them off you.
Bed Bugs: Bed bugs can be active year-round but are typically most active from August to January. Most people aren’t aware that they have bed bugs as they are nocturnal bugs that only come out to feed on human blood occasionally. While their bites are not considered medically dangerous, they are psychologically disturbing to have. If you notice signs of bed bugs, such as red spots on your sheets or new bites on your body in the morning, immediately reach out to a professional. Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eradicate, and professional help is strongly recommended.
Fall/Winter
Rodents: Rodents are a significant problem in the Chicago area. Rats are especially prominent in urban inner-city settings during the winter when they are looking for shelter. In fact, mice are considered the number one pest problem during cold temperatures in Chicago. Common signs of rodent infestation include holes or chewing marks in your home, feces, and disappearing food.
Spiders: Like rodents, spiders will look for warmer shelter during the winter months. If they find easy access to their preferred food, insects, in your home, they will likely decide to make your home their new home. Typical signs of spiders include cobwebs, egg sacs, and seeing spiders on your wall.
Silverfish: Silverfish prefer warm, humid temperatures. When the temperature drops, they look to find a more comfortable shelter in our homes. You will typically find silverfish in your bathroom or near hot water pipes since they prefer a more humid environment.
