Common Spring Pests in Olympia and How to Prevent Them
Common Spring Pests in Olympia and How to Prevent Them
Introduction
As winter fades away and Olympia begins to bloom with the colors of spring, it’s not just flowers and sunshine that return—pests come out too. Warmer temperatures and increased moisture create the perfect environment for ants, rodents, spiders, and other common pests to become active again.
While spring is a beautiful time in the Pacific Northwest, it’s also one of the most critical seasons to take preventative pest control seriously. In this post, we’ll highlight the most common spring pests in Olympia, how they impact your home, and most importantly, what you can do to prevent them.
1. Ants
Spring is prime time for ants, especially as they begin foraging for food to support their colonies. In Olympia, the most common offenders are odorous house ants and carpenter ants.
Why They’re a Problem:
Odorous house ants often invade kitchens in search of sugar and grease.
Carpenter ants, on the other hand, can cause serious structural damage by tunneling through wood.
How to Prevent Them:
Wipe down counters and sweep floors to eliminate crumbs.
Seal entry points like cracks around windows and doors.
Store food in airtight containers.
Trim branches and shrubs away from the house to reduce access points.
If ants become persistent, professional extermination is often the most effective way to eliminate colonies at the source.
2. Rodents
Though rodents are typically more active in the fall and winter, spring offers them a chance to breed, and it’s not uncommon for rats and mice to remain inside homes where food and shelter are easy to find.
Why They’re a Problem:
Rodents chew through wires, insulation, and wood.
They contaminate food and carry diseases like salmonella and hantavirus.
How to Prevent Them:
Seal all gaps and cracks around the foundation, vents, and roofline.
Store dry goods in metal or glass containers with tight lids.
Remove pet food and birdseed from outdoor areas at night.
Keep outdoor garbage tightly sealed and away from the home.
3. Spiders
Olympia’s damp climate makes it a haven for spiders, especially in basements, crawl spaces, and garages. Most are harmless, but nobody wants webs in every corner of their home.
Why They’re a Problem:
Some species, like the hobo spider, can bite and cause mild reactions.
Spiders often indicate other insect issues (their food source).
How to Prevent Them:
Reduce clutter in storage areas.
Vacuum regularly, especially in corners and behind furniture.
Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations.
Control other bugs that spiders prey on—this reduces their interest in your home.
4. Termites
Spring is swarm season for termites, especially subterranean termites, which are common in the Pacific Northwest. These pests cause millions of dollars in property damage every year.
Why They’re a Problem:
They silently destroy wooden structures.
By the time damage is visible, it may already be extensive.
How to Prevent Them:
Keep woodpiles, mulch, and cardboard away from your home's foundation.
Ensure proper drainage around your home to reduce moisture.
Fix any leaks under sinks, around windows, or in the crawl space.
Schedule a professional termite inspection every 1–2 years.
5. Wasps and Hornets
Though wasps and hornets are more active in the late summer, spring is when they start building their nests—often under eaves, in attics, or trees around your property.
Why They’re a Problem:
Their stings are painful and potentially dangerous for allergic individuals.
Nest removal can be dangerous without proper equipment.
How to Prevent Them:
Inspect your property in early spring for signs of nest building.
Seal small holes and cracks in siding and soffits.
Avoid leaving sweet drinks or foods outside.
Call a pest control professional if you spot an active nest.
6. Silverfish and Earwigs
These moisture-loving pests are often found in bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. They’re harmless but can be disturbing in large numbers.
Why They’re a Problem:
Silverfish eat paper, glue, and fabrics, causing damage to books and clothing.
Earwigs often enter homes through small openings and seek out damp areas.
How to Prevent Them:
Use a dehumidifier in basements and crawl spaces.
Seal gaps around doors, windows, and pipes.
Keep leaves and debris away from your home's foundation.
Fix leaky faucets and improve ventilation in bathrooms.
General Spring Pest Prevention Tips
Even if you don’t see pests now, spring is the perfect time to prepare. Here are some general tips that apply to most pests:
Inspect Your Home: Check for signs of pest activity and entry points, especially around foundations, windows, and attics.
Reduce Moisture: Fix leaks and improve ventilation—many pests are drawn to damp environments.
Yard Maintenance: Keep grass short, trim shrubs, and remove debris like fallen branches and leaves.
Secure Trash: Use tightly sealed bins and store them away from the house.
Schedule a Professional Inspection: An expert can identify early warning signs and apply preventative treatments tailored to Olympia’s environment.
Why Prevention is Better Than Treatment
Dealing with a full-blown infestation is time-consuming, stressful, and expensive. By investing a little time and effort into spring prevention, you’ll save money on extermination, avoid property damage, and keep your family healthy.
Professional pest control companies like All-Shield Pest Control understand the seasonal behavior of pests and offer custom solutions designed to prevent infestations before they start.
Final Thoughts
Spring is a time of renewal, but it’s also a time when pests wake up—and they may be heading straight for your home. Whether it's ants in the kitchen or rodents in the attic, the best defense is a good offense.
At All-Shield Pest Control, we help Olympia homeowners stay ahead of pest problems with seasonal inspections, preventative treatments, and fast, effective service when issues arise.
Ready to protect your home this spring? Contact All-Shield Pest Control today to schedule your seasonal pest inspection and enjoy a pest-free season with peace of mind.
