As the winter chill starts to wear off and the days are finally starting to feel a little longer in Northwest Arkansas, the return of warmer weather means more than just plants blooming again. It also means pest activity is about to explode.

From ants marching across your kitchen floor to termites reawakening underground, this is the season when pest problems start quietly and grow quickly. But with the right proactive steps now, you can stop an infestation before it starts.

What Pests Come Out First in Spring?

Spring signals a surge in insect and rodent behavior. When the weather starts to warm up, it’s the start of most pests’ breeding season. Here are the usual suspects you can expect to see first:

• Ants: Small colonies expand fast this time of year, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Ants remain fairly active no matter what time of year, but their colonies will start growing soon.
  
• Termites: Warm soil and rising moisture levels bring termite swarmers out of hiding. That means all the untreated wood around your home could be subject to serious damage.
  
• Spiders: Spring cleaning often reveals webs in corners, crawlspaces, or garages. Spiders (especially daddy long-legs) seek the warmth and comfort of your home all winter, but they become easier to see once your home has a bit more light and has been decluttered a bit.
  
• Wasps & Bees: These buzzing invaders begin scouting for nesting spots. They are ready to start expanding their colony, and your home might be the perfect spot for them.
  
• Rodents: Mice and rats that nested in your attic over winter may now head for the pantry. And if they aren’t raiding your kitchen, they might be gnawing through your insulation.
  

Why This Transition Season Matters

Pest problems often begin subtly: a few stray ants, a suspicious mud tube on your foundation, or unexplained scratching in the walls. But left alone, these are the early signs of major infestations that can damage your home and threaten your health.

Spring is also the season when many pests breed, which means a small issue today could turn into a full-blown infestation by summer.

Simple Winter-to-Spring Pest Prevention Tips

Get ahead of pests with these homeowner-friendly prevention steps:

• Seal cracks and gaps in your siding, foundation, and around windows and doors
  
• Keep mulch and wood piles at least 18 inches from your home’s exterior
  
• Clean gutters and remove yard debris that trap moisture
  
• Check for standing water around the yard that attracts mosquitoes
  
• Deep clean kitchen areas, especially around appliances where crumbs collect
  
• Schedule a pest inspection to spot early signs of termite or rodent activity
  

Why Flex Pest Control Is Your Seasonal Ally

Flex has helped hundreds of Arkansas homeowners get ahead of seasonal pest problems with:

• Fast, friendly local service tailored to our local climate
  
• Safe, targeted treatments for ants, termites, rodents, and more
  
• Year-round protection plans with free re-treatments if pests return
  
• Free estimates and same-day service when you call before noon
  

When it comes to pest control, once or twice a year won’t cut it. You need quarterly inspections and ongoing maintenance plans to keep your home protected from the discomfort (and potential dangers) of pests in the area.

Don’t Let Spring Pests Get a Head Start

You don’t need to wait for pests to show up before acting. A simple inspection now can save you time, money, and frustration later.

Request your free spring pest inspection today and keep your home pest-free all season.