Spring is just around the corner, and it will bring lighter evenings and warmer days.
However, the arrival of spring will also mean the arrival of troublesome pests which could damage plants.
Joshua Houston, a property expert at WhatCost, said: “After the winter season, the UK sees a rise in pest activity. This is due to the increase in temperature and the return of plant life.
“Pests can cause you a lot of money in damages, so it’s important that you are aware of what to look for.
“Fortunately, these tips are simple and very affordable. Follow them, and your pest problem should be sorted in no time.”
Aphids
Aphids survive in winter as eggs on plants, and then once spring arrives, they hatch, which leads to a rapid population increase.
To locate an aphid, look for a tiny pear-shaped insect on plants that can come in many colours.
The expert said: “They are a nightmare for plants in your garden, as they will suck juices from leaves and stems, which results in discolouration.
“Not only this, but they also produce a waste production called honeydew, which attracts ants due to its sugar content.”
Luckily, they’re super simple to get rid of and need a simple spray with a hose pipe to knock them off the plants.
Fleas
Fleas thrive in warm conditions, and the most common way to get them through your front door is through pets.
The expert explained: “They are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide, which makes dogs and cats their perfect form of transport.
“When on a victim, they are very irritable due to their continuous biting and potential to spread disease. Locating fleas is quite simple; inspect your pets for small insects that move fast.”
Get rid of fleas by bathing pests quickly and then using treatment from the vets to make sure they disappear fast.
Wasps
Areas in and around homes are common targets for wasps, especially in the spring when the Queen wasp emerges.
The property pro noted: “Traps, sprays and removing food sources can all be used to deter them. However, if you have a significant infestation, it will be safer to call a professional to deal with the issue. Remove a nest yourself can lead to injury.”
Earwigs
Earwigs grow in population during the spring season and are considered pests because they bite garden plants, damaging or sometimes killing them.
Even though they’re not dangerous to humans, they can be found in the bathroom, bedrooms and even the boiler room.
Woodlice
The expert continued: “Woodlice love spring due to the damp and mild conditions; they are very small and have segmented exoskeletons.
“The reason they’re an annoyance is because they cause damage to wooden structures. This could be furniture inside and outside of your home.
“The weakening structures present a danger to the homeowner, as, for example, a chair could collapse when sat on.
“There are multiple ways to solve your woodlice problem, such as sealing entry points to wooden areas, using specialist powders or setting traps.”
