Pests can be quite the burden if you find them in your home. In some instances they can even cause major damage. Knowing what to look for and having a pest inspection if you suspect something else is living in your house can help decrease the impact these creatures have on your life. Follow this guide to help deal with seasonal pests that might try to make your house their home: 

Ants 

According to Westside Pest Solutions Inc., these insects are during the early spring. If your home has a concrete floor or does not have a basement, you might be at increased risk for ant infestation. 

One of the first steps to eliminating the presence of ants in your home is knowing why they are flocking there in the first place. Do It Yourself noted that ants send a scout or two to check out a potential new home for the colony. These scouts are on the look out for a steady source of food and water. Unfortunately kitchens often supply these pests with these needs. Keep your kitchen clean and ensure there aren't any sticky spills that may attract these insects. 

Carpenter ants are a specific type of ant that can cause a significant amount of damage to a home. According to Orkin, these insects burrow into hollow wood and create nesting areas. Typically these pests range between 3.4 to 13.0 millimeters long and can cause a substantial and expensive damage to your residence. 

If you suspect an infestation of carpenter ants, hire a pest control company to check out your property as soon as possible. The earlier you know about the presence of these types of ants the quicker you can treat them. If treated quickly, carpenter ants may not have any impact on the value of your home. 

Bedbugs 

Sleep tight and make sure the bedbugs don't bite by knowing signs of infestations and how to eliminate them quickly. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, bedbugs feed on humans and other mammals and . 

Bedbugs hide in the seams of couches, chairs and in the folds of curtains when they are not feeding in beds. They may also be located along the box spring, and in the cracks of bed frames headboards. Signs of infestation include: 

  • Live bedbugs 
  • Reddish stains on the bed 
  • Dark spots or bed bug excrement 
  • Pale yellow bedbug eggs and eggshells 

If you believe you have bedbugs, hire a professional exterminator to address the situation. Again, the earlier you are able to treat this issue, the better it is for your home. 

Termites 

These pests can cause a great deal of damage to the structure of your home. Termites are responsible for billions of dollars of structural damage annually, according to the EPA. Mud tubes, swarms of small cream-white insects and hollow spots in your wood are some signs that termites are present in your home. 

Treatment of these insects varies and depends on the type of termite and infestation. Additionally, these bugs can be exterminated with or without chemical-based treatments. 

Preventing infestation is one of your first lines of defense. EPA recommended keeping your home dry and free of leaks, filling any cracks or holes that might allow termites to enter and keeping trees and shrubs trimmed away from exposed wood surfaces. 

Centipedes 

These long, leggy bugs can be quite terrifying. They have poisonous jaws and a bite from this insect can be painful, according to Orkin. Additionally, if someone in your home has an insect allergy, these pests can pose a greater health risk. 

Centipedes prefer wet habitats, noted Orkin. Keeping your basement ventilated and investing in a dehumidifier may help decrease the risk of infestation. If you have a compost pile, keep it far away from your home as these offer the preferred breeding conditions for centipedes.

Bees and wasps 
As the weather warms up, bees and wasps become more active. These two types of insects require different treatment for control and wounds. Wasps tend to be more aggressive while honey bees attack only when provoked, and wasps live in smaller colonies than honey bees, according to Orkin.  

The sting of these insects may cause a variety of symptoms. If an individual is allergic, the reaction could be deadly. Throughout the warmer months keep an eye out for an influx in bees or wasps. 

If you do notice a more substantial abundance of nests around your property, it is crucial to remove these safely. Enlist the help of a professional to reduce the risk of injury. 

Pests can be annoying, but by arming yourself with more knowledge you can cut down on the risk of infestation by knowing what conditions these insects prefer and when to call a professional for assistance.