It’s officially 2021 here in Kansas City! As you head into the new year you probably have a lot on your mind. Between the ambitious resolutions, bold predictions, and hope for a better tomorrow, it’s easy to let things like seasonal pest control slip your mind.
That’s where we come in! We’re here to provide a friendly reminder to look into preventative pest control options and to help you prepare for seasonal pests that may threaten your home and family throughout the coming year.
Keeping track of seasonal pest control threats is no small or easy task. Every type of pest and its species are different. Plus, regionality can make many pest control methods tough to apply universally.
So, to help, we built an all-new Pest Calendar that you can use as a reliable resource throughout the year.
Pest Control Calendar
Seasonal Pest Control Threats
Now let’s use the calendar to break down some of the many pest issues you might face season to season here in Kansas City and the rest of the Midwest.
Winter
Today we’ll start at the end, given that most people have retreated into their homes for the colder months in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter can be a blessing to areas that are often troubled with large insect infestations due to the fact that bugs can’t function properly in colder temperatures. Most species begin a period of very little activity.
Unfortunately, winter can also be a curse due to the threat of the local rodent population. Rodents are pesky little survivors. They are some of the only pests that can be active throughout the whole year and tend to seek out shelter in the winter months. This usually means your homes are the perfect place for a rodent winter vacation.
One thing you can do as a homeowner in the Kansas City area is to keep an eye out for small droppings or strange smells around your home. You may also find smaller gnawed holes or notice that your pets are acting strangely in certain areas. All of these are signs that you could be dealing with a rodent problem and may need to seek help.
Spring
Everyone knows that spring brings new beginnings, but in the pest world, it can also bring about the start of insect season. Ants, mosquitoes, bed bugs, and other residential pests start to make an appearance. Large periods of warmer temperatures and rain create a perfect environment for insects to thrive.
The biggest threat in the springtime is termites. After lying dormant in winter, termite colonies begin to swarm. The swarming process not only creates a large amount of activity, but it marks the time when new colonies start to be created. It’s at this time that termites can make their way into your homes and buildings, remaining there until they’ve eaten away at critical points in the building.
To stay vigilant make sure to clean up any dead wood in the yard. Then, search your windows and doors for wings that the swarming termites shed when they reach your home.
If you see any of these signs it’s imperative that you schedule an inspection to prevent an infestation from taking root.
Summer
As the rains start to fade and the heat kicks in, local insect populations begin to explode. Ants will begin making their way around patios and indoors in search of food and water. Mosquitoes will breed in standing water, multiplying in surrounding areas. Other insects like ticks and fleas begin to become more prevalent and embrace their parasitic nature.
Make sure to inspect outdoor areas for all pests mentioned above along with hornet’s nests and ensure that any food waste doesn’t attract nearby colonies and makes life hard for you.
Fall
Even though autumn in Kansas City can be one of the most beautiful times of the year, it can also bring some unique pest threats. Ant activity will likely begin to die down during this time, but other insects like mosquitoes and bed bugs will continue to remain active.
Fall is an important time to keep a watchful eye for spiders as well. They will often come closer to home as they prepare to retreat in for the winter. If spider problems are not properly identified early on, chances are you’ll be dealing with the unpleasant results by the end of fall/early winter.
Staying Protected
Protecting your home and business throughout the seasons is not an easy task. As the threats change, so does the method of how they must be treated. We understand that for most homeowners and proprietors, maintaining that level of vigilance and proactivity is just not realistic.
That’s why at Gunter Pest & Lawn, we specialize in the continual treatment and prevention of pests throughout the year. We operate throughout all seasons, anticipating and addressing different needs as they arise so that you don’t have to.
If you’re interested in protecting your home or business from pests throughout the year, then you may want to seriously consider our quarterly pest control plan. Our technicians will visit periodically, assessing and treating issues as they arise. If something seems out of place between appointments, you can call us back at no extra charge.
Explore our website to learn more about your local Kansas City pest threats and various treatment options. We also encourage you to utilize our Pest Control Calendar to protect your home and keep your family safe year-round.
