Spring is the season of renewal, but it’s also when pests wake up and start looking for a new place to call home. While many homeowners think about ants in the kitchen or mosquitoes in the yard, pests often settle in areas we rarely think to check. From your flowerbeds to the back of your garage, they find hidden corners to nest, breed, and wreak havoc.
Here’s a look at the most common pest hideouts and how to stay a step ahead this spring.
1. The Garden
Your garden may be a peaceful escape for you, but it’s a paradise for pests.
What to watch for:
- Aphids and spider mites on your plants
- Ant colonies building near foundation walls
- Snails and slugs hiding under leaves and mulch
What to do:
- Remove debris and decaying plant matter
- Use pest-repelling herbs like mint or lavender
- Keep mulch at least 6 inches from the house foundation
2. The Garage
Cool, dark, and often cluttered, garages are prime real estate for pests.
What to watch for:
- Rodents nesting in cardboard boxes or insulation
- Spiders, especially in corners and behind stored items
- Carpenter ants drawn to damp or rotting wood
What to do:
- Store items in sealed plastic containers
- Sweep regularly and declutter
- Seal any gaps around garage doors and vents
3. Outdoor Sheds & Storage
Sheds often go unused during winter, giving pests plenty of time to move in.
What to watch for:
- Wasps building nests in the eaves
- Mice chewing through bags or stored furniture
- Silverfish and roaches under tools and boxes
What to do:
- Open and air out the shed regularly
- Inspect for entry points or small openings
- Apply preventive pest treatments before peak season
4. Under the Deck or Porch
Shady and sheltered, this space is a haven for pests.
What to watch for:
- Raccoons, opossums, or skunks creating dens
- Termites or carpenter bees near wooden structures
- Mosquitoes breeding in standing water or damp soil
What to do:
- Install mesh barriers or skirting
- Keep the area clean and dry
- Treat wood with insect-repellent sealants
5. Inside Potted Plants
Yes, even your potted plants could be hiding pests.
What to watch for:
- Fungus gnats in moist soil
- Earwigs and pill bugs under pots
- Aphids hiding under leaves
What to do:
- Avoid overwatering
- Inspect new plants before bringing them inside
- Use natural pest repellents like neem oil
Pro Tip:
Even if you don’t see pests, that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Spring inspections by a professional can identify signs you may miss and help you take preventive action before infestations grow.
Don’t let pests take over your hidden spaces, schedule your spring inspection today!