Though East Texas weather can be unpredictable, we know that spring is coming soon. With the warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours, many people enjoy spending more time in their yards. Unfortunately, these warmer temperatures can also mean the return of bugs and other pests to your property.
Where did the bugs go?
Like many animals (and even humans!), the winter greatly affects the habitats of bugs and insects. Cooler temperatures and, often times, hard freezes, are not ideal conditions for some pests to thrive in. The Smithsonian Institute outlines different overwintering techniques bugs utilize to escape the chilly conditions. Insects in different stages of the life cycle may have a greater chance of surviving the winter.
Very few insects in the egg stage will survive winter. As larvae, the bugs may try to bury under layers of leaves and are able to replace the water in their bodies with glycerol (a type of antifreeze). In the pupa stage, bugs are actually able to escape the winter as they develop and will emerge as adults in the spring. Finally, some adult insects may hibernate or migrate. Monarch butterflies and crop pests, for example, may travel further south for the winter, and make the trek back to your property in the spring.
What kind of bugs should I expect as springtime comes?
Take Care of Texas (a campaign sponsored by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) informs us of the ten most common yard pests to keep an eye out for. These pests include: grub, chinch bugs, fire ants, aphids, caterpillars, fleas, spider mites, snails/slugs, beetles, and mosquitos.
While you may recognize any of these throughout the year, termites, fire ants, caterpillars, and mosquitos are particularly prone to invade in the springtime. Many of these pests are most prevalent when your landscape begins to bloom (tomato plants, lush green yards, flower beds, etc). When you start to see buds blooming again, it may be time to check your pest protection plan.
What should I do about springtime pests?
If you are concerned about insects returning to your property or feel overwhelmed at where to begin, you can rest assured that our team of professionals can implement a plan of action and give you peace of mind. We’re here for every stage of pest control (inspection, control, and prevention), and will create a custom protection plan for you and your property.
Petty’s offers year-round pest protection, so you can trust our team is prepared to defend your home from mosquitos, fire ants, fleas, and more this spring. Getting a head start on springtime pests may relieve your lawn from a bug invasion this summer!
At Petty’s Irrigation, Landscape and Pest Control, we care about being the protectors of your property. Reach out to us at info@pettys.com or 800-258-9184 today, or request a free quote by clicking the button below!