– Garth Ruff OSU Extension Henry County
Photo: UAEX.edu
As temperatures rise be on the lookout for pests emerging from hibernation. Most of the insects that will appear in the home are harmless and are likely trying to make their escape to the outdoors, such as lady beetles and stink bugs. However, this is also the time of the year to be on the lookout for more destructive insects such as termites. If you suspect you have a termite problem, take a few of the specimens into your Extension office and they can identify them for you. If confirmed that they are in fact termites, we recommend consulting a professional for treatment.
Other household pests that are becoming increasing active as we go through a spring fall are our rodent species. Mice that have been tucked away in walls and attics are beginning to stir. There are several options for population control including traps and rodenticide baits. If you are going to use rodenticide bait, be sure they are in a bait station where small children and pets will not have access to them. Typically, basements and attics are the best places to set bait stations for optimum control. Be sure to check the stations periodically to monitor bait disappearance.