Spring is one of the prime seasons for pests in Columbia, especially ants and termites, with its warm weather and increased moisture making ideal conditions for nesting, swarming, and rapid colony growth.
Early-season prevention is key if you want to avoid costly damage and frustrating infestations. That’s why we have organized a list of what what Columbia homeowners need to know about protecting their homes this season.
Why Spring Is Prime Time for Pests in Columbia, MO
Missouri’s fluctuating temperatures and rains make the perfect environment for many pests to thrive. Insects that have overwintered become active once more as the soil warms. Colonies begin increasing in size, and reproductive swarms emerge.
Two of the biggest springtime concerns in Columbia are:
- Ant infestations
- Termite swarms
Catching these problems early can save you significant stress—and money.
Understanding Ant Activity Around Your Home
Ants begin foraging aggressively when blooming season begins.
Some of the things you will notice are:
- Trails of ants along baseboards or countertops.
- Ants near sinks, dishwashers, or pet bowls.
- Small piles of dirt near cracks in driveways or foundations.
In Columbia, odorous house ants and street ants are common in residential homes. They are capable of establishing colonies quickly inside homes after discovering a steady source of food and/or water. These ants are persistent and may forage in large numbers, commonly leaving trails behind as they move. While they don’t usually cause structural damage, they are capable of contaminating food and becoming a frustrating nuisance to homeowners.
How to Prevent Spring Ant Infestations
To prevent ant problems during springtime:
- Seal entry points such as caulk cracks around windows, doors, and foundations.
- Remove moisture by fixing leaky pipes and ensure proper drainage around your home.
- Keep food sealed by storing food supplies in airtight containers.
- Trim shrubs and tree branches away from the house.
Applying perimeter treatments helps stop colonies before they move indoors.
What Homeowners Should Know About Termites
While ants are annoying, termites are destructive. Springtime is swarm season for subterranean termites in mid-Missouri. Swarms typically occur after warm rains, when winged reproductive termites depart the colony to establish new ones.
Homeowners often mistake termite swarmers for flying ants; however, termites can cause thousands of dollars in structural damage if left untreated.
Signs of Termite Activity
Some of the signs of termite activity to look out for include:
- Swarms of winged insects indoors or near windows.
- Discarded wings on window sills.
- Mud tubes along foundations or crawl spaces.
- Soft or hollow-sounding wood.
If you see a swarm in or around your home in Columbia, it’s critical to take action quickly. Swarming usually means a mature colony is nearby.
How to Prevent Spring Termite Swarms
To prevent termite problems:
- Fix leaky pipes, faucets, and roofs to ensure proper drainage around your home.
- Store firewood, lumber, and mulch far away from your home and ensure that wooden structures don’t touch soil directly.
- Inspect and seal cracks in foundations, walls, and around doors/windows.
- Trim trees and bushes. Remove stumps, roots, and debris that may attract termites.
- Monitor for swarms by keeping doors, windows, and vents screened.
Why you should hire a professional like SETGO Pest Control
DIY sprays may kill visible insects, but they rarely eliminate the source of the problem. Ant colonies can contain thousands of workers, and termite colonies can be made up of hundreds of thousands.
Our pest control plan in helps:
- Identify risk factors specific to your property
- Apply preventative treatments before infestations spread
- Monitor for termite activity during swarm season
- Protect your home year-round
Don’t wait until pests take over—call us today for same-day service: 1-573-801-3961. We can inspect your property, recommend the best plan, and get to work immediately.
