Spring Fever: The Bugs Are Coming
Spring fever is here, and Arkansans are eager to enjoy sunshine, warmer days, and time outdoors. But humans aren’t the only ones excited for spring. Insects get spring fever too, and many of them want inside your home. That’s why spring pests in Arkansas are a problem homeowners should be ready for.
Bugs wake from hibernation and start looking for food, water, and shelter. Unfortunately, your house checks all three boxes. One female spider can lay up to 3,000 eggs in just a season. That’s thousands of uninvited spring breakers.
So, before these critters move in, here’s what you need to know about spring pests in Arkansas and how to keep them away.
Common Spring Pests in Arkansas
When temperatures rise, you can expect more insects and critters to show up. The following are among the most common spring pests in Arkansas:
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Ants – They march indoors searching for crumbs, spills, and moisture. Carpenter ants are especially destructive since they tunnel through wood.
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Bees – While helpful to pollination, bees often build hives in walls, eaves, or sheds when left unchecked.
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Termites – These silent destroyers swarm in spring, looking for new places to build colonies and feed on wood.
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Spiders – Most are harmless, but their webs and egg sacs quickly multiply indoors.
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Flies – Attracted to garbage and food, flies are more than a nuisance; they can carry bacteria.
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Gnats – These tiny pests thrive in damp soil and kitchen drains.
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Mosquitoes – Spring rains leave standing water, which mosquitoes use for breeding.
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Centipedes – Drawn to dark, damp areas like basements and bathrooms.
And don’t forget about other critters. Snakes emerge from winter hiding in spring, and year-round pests like squirrels and raccoons may still seek shelter in attics, garages, or sheds.
How to Prevent Spring Pests in Arkansas
You can reduce the chances of an infestation with some practical steps. Even if you already have a pest control plan, prevention adds another layer of protection.
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Seal entry points – Caulk cracks, repair window screens, and check gaps around doors, pipes, and cables.
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Reduce moisture – Fix leaky faucets, clear gutters, and make sure drainage directs water away from your home.
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Keep kitchens clean – Wipe counters, sweep floors, and store food in sealed containers. Garbage should always be bagged and secured.
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Limit clutter – Cardboard boxes, piles of wood, and yard debris make perfect shelters for pests.
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Maintain your yard – Trim shrubs away from the foundation, mow regularly, and remove standing water where mosquitoes breed.
These habits make your home less attractive to unwanted spring visitors.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes DIY prevention isn’t enough. Termites, carpenter ants, and large infestations of mosquitoes or spiders often require expert help. A professional pest control service can identify the source of the problem, treat it effectively, and prevent it from returning.
For more seasonal advice, see the National Pest Management Association’s homeowner tips.
Spring is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Arkansas, but it also brings a wave of activity from insects and wildlife. By staying proactive, you can enjoy the season without worrying about pests invading your home.
