March Pest Watch: What Bugs Are Buzzing in March in NJ

Spring Is Coming: March Bugs to Keep an Eye on in NJ

As winter’s chill begins to fade and temperatures gradually rise, New Jersey’s insect population starts stirring from their winter dormancy. March marks a crucial transition period when various pest species become increasingly active, posing potential challenges for homeowners and gardeners across the Garden State.

Overwintering March Pests Emerge

One of the first signs of spring is the emergence of overwintering pests from their winter hiding spots. Cluster flies, which have spent the cold months tucked away in wall voids and attics, begin seeking ways to exit buildings as temperatures warm. These flies can become a nuisance as they congregate around windows, often appearing sluggish and disoriented.

Similarly, Asian lady beetles and brown marmorated stink bugs, sheltered indoors during winter, become more visible as they attempt to move outdoors.

Termite Swarmers Take Flight

Termites Swarming In March

March is particularly significant for termite activity in New Jersey. As the soil warms and spring rains arrive, eastern subterranean termites begin their annual swarming season. These winged reproductive termites, often mistaken for flying ants, emerge in large numbers to establish new colonies.

Homeowners might notice these swarmers around windows or door frames, particularly on warm days following rainfall. This seasonal phenomenon is a crucial reminder for property owners to schedule professional termite inspections.

Carpenter Ants Awaken

March Pest Watch: What Bugs Are Buzzing In March In Nj 1

Carpenter ants also become more active during March. These wood-destroying insects don’t eat wood like termites, but they excavate it to create nests, potentially causing significant structural damage.

As temperatures rise, worker ants emerge from their winter hibernation to forage for food, making their presence more noticeable inside and outside homes. Look for them, particularly in areas with moisture issues or damaged wood.

Early Spring Mosquito Activity

While many assume mosquitoes aren’t a concern until summer, some species in New Jersey begin emerging in March. These early-season mosquitoes, having overwintered as eggs or adults, become active when temperatures consistently reach above 50°F.

Standing water from melting snow and spring rains provides ideal breeding conditions, making March an essential time for implementing mosquito prevention strategies.

Ground-Dwelling Insects Activate

As soil temperatures increase, various ground-dwelling insects become more active. Springtails, tiny jumping insects that thrive in moist environments, may appear in large numbers around foundations and in gardens. While harmless to humans and plants, their presence often indicates excessive moisture conditions that could attract other pests.

Ant Colonies Resume Activity

Various ant species, including carpenter ants, resume their activities in March. Pavement and odorous house ants, common throughout New Jersey, begin foraging more actively as temperatures rise. These insects often enter homes to search for food and water, particularly in early spring, when outdoor food sources remain limited.

Box Elder Bugs Return

Box elder bugs, which often overwinter in building walls and crevices, become more visible in March as they emerge to feed on developing old tree buds. While these insects don’t cause structural damage, their presence can be a nuisance, especially when they gather in large numbers on sunny exterior walls.

Spider Activity Increases

As insect activity increases, so does the presence of spiders. Typical house and wolf spiders become more visible as they pursue their emerging prey. While most species are beneficial and harmless to humans, their increased visibility can cause concern for homeowners.

March Pests: Prevention and Management Strategies

March is an ideal time to implement pest prevention measures:

  • Seal entry points around foundations, windows, and doors
  • Remove standing water and fix drainage issues
  • Trim vegetation away from building structures
  • Clean up winter debris that could harbor pests
  • Inspect and repair damaged screens
  • Address moisture issues in basements and crawl spaces
  • Store firewood away from buildings
  • Keep food adequately stored and clean up spills promptly

March Pests: Early Warning Signs

During March, homeowners should watch for these warning signs:

  • Swarmers or discarded wings near windows
  • Small piles of sawdust-like material (frass)
  • Increased ant activity inside homes
  • Water damage or softwood
  • Unusual insect activity around light fixtures
  • Visible pest populations on exterior walls

Professional Inspection Importance

March serves as an excellent time for professional pest inspections. As insects become more active, pest control professionals can more easily identify potential problems and implement preventive measures before infestations become severe.

Regular inspections can help detect early signs of termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-destroying insects before they cause significant damage.

Stay Ahead of March Pests

March represents a critical period in New Jersey’s pest activity calendar. As temperatures warm and insects emerge from winter dormancy, homeowners must remain vigilant and proactive in their pest management efforts. Understanding which pests become active during this transition helps implement effective prevention strategies and identify potential problems early.

Contact NJ Pest Control for professional pest control services and expert guidance in managing spring pest challenges. Schedule your comprehensive spring pest inspection today. This will protect your property from emerging pest populations and ensure a pest-free environment as we transition into the warmer months.