Spring Pest Guide

Spring pest activity intensity by month

The spring emergence sequence — week by week

Soil temperature drives this sequence more than calendar date. Adjust 2–3 weeks earlier in the Gulf South and 2–3 weeks later in the Upper Midwest.

1. 1

   Weeks 1–2 after last frost

   Overwintering cockroaches and spiders resume feeding indoors; carpenter ant scouts appear.

   Why it matters: First warm days trigger metabolism restart in insulated structures

2. 2

   Weeks 3–4

   Termite swarms begin in the South. Watch windowsills and light fixtures for discarded wings.

   Why it matters: Termite swarms are calibrated to soil temperature — the single strongest indicator of activity

3. 3

   Weeks 5–6

   Wasp queens emerge from hibernation and begin scouting nest sites. Perimeter treatment now prevents 80% of summer nests.

   Why it matters: One killed queen prevents an entire summer colony of 3,000+ workers

4. 4

   Weeks 7–8

   Ant colonies begin exponential expansion; mosquito eggs hatch as standing water warms.

   Why it matters: This is the last low-pressure treatment window before summer

The spring prevention playbook

1. 1

   Walk the foundation and seal every gap over 1/4 inch with silicone or copper mesh

   Winter freeze-thaw opens new entry points every year

2. 2

   Clear leaf litter and mulch back 12 inches from the foundation

   Prevents the moist harborage that termite scouts test first

3. 3

   Inspect and empty every container that held water over winter

   First mosquito generation lays eggs before you notice adults

4. 4

   Schedule a professional inspection before April swarms

   Catches termite activity when treatment costs 40% less than post-damage repair

5. 5

   Treat perimeter for wasp queen interception in early May

   Prevents 8–15 summer nests per typical residential lot

Questions this raises