The change in season brings out pests-here's what to watch for!

Spring has finally sprung here in the Pacific Northwest, and pests are coming out of their dormant "over-wintering" phase. Here's how you can get a springtime step ahead of pests!

This winter was another mild winter, with below-freezing temperatures for a very short period of time. There was very little lowland snow, and in fact we had some unseasonably warm days in January. All of this combines to make what should be a pest-filled spring as bugs emerge and expand their colonies, and rodents continue to multiply - but it doesn’t have to “bug” you if you take some preventative measures.

The most common activity – and usually the first – will be ants. Here in the Pacific Northwest we have moisture ants, pavement ants, carpenter ants and the most prolific – the odorous house ant. Small and black, these ants will show up typically in the kitchens and bathrooms as they are seeking water. While we’ve seen ants in almost sterile conditions it doesn’t take much to unknowingly provide conducive conditions for ants to proliferate. A common mistake made by homeowners is to leave their dog or cat food dishes on the ground, where ants will swarm and become a nuisance. Leave the food dish out for a set period of time, but then remove it rather than leave it out all day – even if it is on the back patio. Not only does this cut down on potential food for ants, but also for rodents, squirrels, raccoons and other nuisance wildlife. There are some suitable solutions available at your local home & garden store, but remember that ant colonies can be quite large and take time to eliminate.

Wasps will also start to emerge and begin building their nests. There are several species of wasps, although most common are the aggressive yellow jacket and the mud dauber wasp. If found early (meaning the nest is a ball smaller than a fist) various sprays readily available through home and garden stores can be effective but always read the label. The best time to treat for a homeowner who doesn't have protective gear is in the evening when there is the least amount of activity. Regardless of the size or location, home treatment should NEVER be done by anyone allergic to stings.

Here are some other springtime tips for reducing pests in and around your home:

• Go through your pantries, cupboards and closets. Check to ensure food containers are tightly sealed. Discard cardboard boxes when possible.
• Avoid leaving pet food out for extended periods of time (especially not overnight). Bird seed should be stored in airtight canisters, preferably with a locking lid, and spilled seed should be swept up.
• Remove conducive kitchen conditions by wiping down all counters, eliminating dirty dishes and remove trash daily. Crumbs and scraps can attract ants and other pests.
• Consider the outside of the home as well as the inside during spring cleaning. Branches overhanging the roof should be cut back 5 feet; rake back any bark or soil that has moved up against siding, and remove any ivy or foliage that is touching the house.
• Keeping your gutters cleaned out will reduce any leaking into your roof and attic as well as eliminates a breeding ground for mosquitoes and a water source for all kinds of pests.
• With warmer weather, move any woodpiles that may have been placed next to the house away. These can be an area of infestation for carpenter ants, spiders, wasps and rodents.
• Periodically look up at the eaves and roof to check for wasp nests. Keep a sharp eye out for signs of pest activity. Whether you treat the pests yourself or contact a professional, immediate action can save you both aggravation and expense.