In the region of Columbia, South Carolina the spring months bring a warm climate and tropical temperatures that make it perfect for parties, picnics, festivals, and other outdoor activities. However along with the vibrant colors of nature blooming comes another emergence, pests. Whether they be as simple as pestering mosquitoes or as detrimental as sneaky termites, understanding the most common pest to watch out for during the warmer months will not only provide knowledge to new and seasoned residents but also give them the power to take proactive measures to protect their homes.
Carpenter and Fire Ants
Carpenter ants are the black ants you see that are common in forestry areas while Fire ants are the red ones that are an incredibly invasive species, originally native to South America. Carpenter and fire ants are attracted to moisture, firewood, and food scraps. Both ant types can cause structural damage in the walls and electrical wires when tunneling through. They also will inhabit themselves in foods that resemble the dirt they reside in. Fire ants deliver a painful sting that leaves the skin red, inflamed, itchy, and swollen. To avoid any conflict with ants be sure to keep surfaces clean of any sweet food and beverages away, seal off cracks in the home, and manage moisture points in your space.
Termites Invading The Home
Termites enter the home via wood connected to soil or cracks in the infrastructure. Termites love humid environments so any with high heat temperature and moisture they are attracted to. Termites feed on wood rapidly leading to hollowed surfaces in the home. These can lead to floors and ceilings drooping or even collapsing if unnoticed. Some ways to avoid a termite problem are to manage airflow with a device like a dehumidifier and control drainage as they can not survive without wood moisture. These pests are extremely sneaky and can go unnoticed for many months so contacting pest control Columbia SC for regular cleaning can be used as a preventative strategy.
Mosquitoes Entering the Home
If a door or window is opened for too long mosquitoes can easily fly into the home. These creatures latch on to available skin and suck the blood from people. Alongside being genuinely annoying mosquitoes also pose health risks with their ability to transmit diseases they’ve gathered from other victims. Ways to limit the risk of mosquitoes are getting screens put on windows and doors for when they are opened and insect repellent on the skin when outdoors.
Cockroaches and What Attracts Them
Cockroaches are notorious for their ability to survive anything, even the atomic bomb. These pests enter the home to seek shelter during the spring with their ability to squeeze through tiny cracks. Ways to avoid a cockroach problem is by maintaining a clean environment as they are attracted to food scraps and garbage. If they come from a neighboring household be sure to prepare traps and call pest control Columbia SC to help maintain the problem.
Rats and Mice
Rats and mice are common in these climates, invading homes to escape the heat and rain and have available food. Once inside they can damage property, contaminate food, and spread diseases. The best way to avoid a rat or mouse problem is to close off any gaps in the home and store away opened food.
Navigating Pest Control in Columbia, SC
In endurance, navigating spring pests in Columbia, SC can be challenging. By being familiarized with the top pests to watch out for, being able to implement preventative measures will minimize the risk of invasion and infestation. Utilizing pest control Columbia SC can help with the regular sanitization of the home to protect it.
