The warmer weather helps us shake off the winter doldrums as spring awakens our active energy.
But we’re not the only ones who get energized by the warmth: various pests are also waking up in our homes and cottages.
April, May and June bring activity from mice, ants, spiders, wasps, hornets and more.
“May is the unofficial start of pest season, but some common pests started becoming more active in April,” explains Nathan Kaye, co-owner of OneTek Pest Solutions. “Mice are active in April as their winter supplies are running low and they need to restock their nests.”
Cluster flies are also very active in April as they begin to leave their overwintering areas, which are typically in attics. Nathan says they are looking for a way out of your home or cottage and as such will cluster around interior windows, which is where they got their name.
In May, mice continue to be extremely active, while ants and spiders start building nests indoors and out. Nathan says this is a good time for the first preventative maintenance spray of the year with an application to the exterior of your building.
“We’re specifically targeting ants and spiders with this first spray as they will find their way into homes and cottages,” says Nathan, who has over 20 years experience in the pest control business. “Ant colonies, especially carpenter ants, can be particularly destructive to your property, while spiders can multiply quickly and take over before you know it.”
As most property owners can attest, June brings out all manner of pests both big and small. However, the ones to be most worried about at this time of year are wasps and hornets.
“They’re starting to build their nests,” says Nathan. “At this point, they’re small and easy to manage for almost anyone. As part of our maintenance program, we’ll investigate and treat or knock down any burgeoning nests on your property. If they get too big, they become very hazardous to people who may stumble upon them.”
Maintenance program
With pests being a year-round concern, it’s essential to have a regularly scheduled pest maintenance program, says Nathan’s business partner Bryan Carrigan. OneTek will schedule visits three to nine times a year – depending on what pest control is needed – and keep a watchful eye for other potentially harmful situations.
The company provides control services for all insects, rodents and other pests to Simcoe, Muskoka, and the surrounding areas.
“We’ll shield you from unwanted invaders,” says Bryan, “so your only worries are how to best enjoy your home or cottage.”
TEXT CHRIS OCCHIUZZI | PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN