New Jersey, also known as the Garden State, has earned its title due to its plethora of natural beauty. But with plenty of foliage and flowers come pests in all shapes and sizes. Something New Jersey homeowners are no stranger to.
The Garden State has recently experienced a warmer winter than usual, with mild temperatures and not near as much snowfall. This is most likely to give way to an early onset of spring. As most homeowners and avid gardeners are probably wondering — what can we expect in terms of spring bugs in the yard and home? Find out here…
Spring Bugs: What You Can Expect Due to an Early Spring
According to the legendary Punxsutawney Phil this Groundhog Day, spring is due early in 2020. Now, this would probably put a smile on most New Jersey (NJ) resident’s faces. It means the early bloom of flowers and trees as soon as mid-February, and warmer temperatures, of course.
But the onset of early spring can bring with it a few woes, too, including allergies and bugs. Allergies are brought on by increased pollen levels in the air. The longer the spring and pollen season, the worse allergies will be.
In terms of spring bugs, NJ is most likely to see the earlier arrival of:
- Termites
- Ants such as carpenter ants, pavement ants, farrow ants
- Carpenter bees
To add to this, you’ll probably see the earlier arrival of summer pests too, such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitos.
Early Spring and Bug Prevalence Explained
So, how exactly does an earlier spring and milder temperatures cause an influx of these pests?
1. Increased Bug Numbers
There are generally two types of insects that weather winter differently. Some insects and their eggs can withstand the winter cold well and weather the winter underground. Some weather winter aboveground and die off due to the cold. But when winter is warmer, this allows for an increased number of aboveground insects to survive. This means that more eggs survive and hatch as early spring and warmer temperatures approach.
2. Increased Food Sources
A mild winter tends to leave behind extra plant growth and moisture. This means that aboveground insects have easy access to food as they hatch and grow in the early spring. Warmer temperatures also encourage insect colonies to build new homes in vulnerable wood and soil, infesting homes and spring trees.
3. Water-Loving Bugs Get the Upper Hand
It’s no secret that mosquitos are a serious pest in NJ. Early spring, warmer temperatures, and excess moisture means that they get the upper hand in terms of breeding. An early spring means mosquito eggs hatch earlier, building up their numbers to become a real problem in summer.
How to Prepare For the Early Arrival of Pests
Don’t wait until summer to spray your home for mosquitos. Get the upper hand and schedule your professional spraying service earlier in the year.
Make sure your pets are protected too. Infested pets can only spread the problem even further. Ensure they’re taking preventative tick and flea medications early on. Do an inspection of your yard and remove all areas of standing water- the perfect breeding ground for mosquitos. If your home is made from wood, get a professional inspection for early signs of termite, carpenter ant or carpenter bee infestations.
Schedule Your Professional Pest Control Today
Now that you know what to expect with early spring bugs in New Jersey, get ahead of any potential bug problems with our professional pest control services. If you have your suspicions of an infestation, schedule in a property inspection as a preventative measure.
Get in touch with us at NJ Pest Control and keep those bugs at bay!
We serve the counties of Morris, Bergen, Passaic, Union, Essex, Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon and Somerset. Give us a call to see if we serve your town within the counties listed.
