How to Protect Your Family from Pests This Spring

Spring is one of the busiest seasons for pest activity on Long Island. As temperatures climb through April and into May, carpenter ants emerge from overwintering, termite swarms start appearing, tick populations become active, and mosquitoes begin breeding. Families who get ahead of these pressures have a much easier time than those who wait until the problems are inside the house.

What Pests Are Active Right Now on Long Island

Carpenter ants wake up in early spring. Their colonies spend winter inside wood and expand outward as temperatures rise. Consistent sightings over multiple days suggest a colony is established somewhere inside the structure.

Subterranean termites swarm in spring, typically on warm days after rain. Subterranean termites have straight antennae, equal-length wings, and a broad, uniform body without the pinched waist typical of flying ants.

Ticks are a genuine health concern in Suffolk County. The black-legged (deer) tick is well established throughout Long Island. Lyme disease transmission risk climbs starting in late April.

Mosquitoes start breeding as standing water warms up. Addressing breeding sources in spring is far more effective than trying to knock down an established population in July.

Tick Safety for Families With Kids and Pets

• Check everyone after time outdoors, especially children and pets. The nymph stage (May-June) is particularly easy to overlook.
• Keep grass mowed short at the yard edges where maintained lawn meets wooded areas.
• A yard perimeter treatment by a licensed applicator can significantly reduce tick exposure.
• Talk to your vet about tick prevention for dogs. Pets are efficient tick transporters into the home.

Cutting Pest Entry Points Before the Season Peaks

• Eliminate standing water. Old tires, clogged gutters, and neglected containers all collect water mosquitoes use for breeding.
• Seal around pipes and utility entries. Carpenter ants and rodents both exploit small gaps where pipes and wires enter the structure.
• Move firewood off the ground and away from the house. Stacked wood against the foundation is reliable habitat for carpenter ants, termites, and mice.
• Check and repair window screens. Torn or ill-fitting screens are open invitations for mosquitoes and flies.

When to Call a Professional

• You have found a termite swarm near the foundation, or mud tubes anywhere on the structure.
• Carpenter ant scouts are appearing consistently inside the house over several days.
• Your yard has heavy tick pressure, particularly if children play in it regularly.

Quest Pest serves Long Island homeowners year-round. To schedule a spring inspection or treatment, call (631) 228-4498.