As winter fades and temperatures rise, spring pests in Canada become increasingly active. The transition from cold to mild weather creates ideal conditions for various pests to emerge from their hiding spots, searching for food, water, and shelter. Many insects and rodents that remained dormant during winter now start breeding and migrating indoors, increasing infestations.
March is a crucial period for pest activity, marking the shift from winter dormancy to spring movement. Melting snow and rising humidity create damp environments that attract pests, while the scarcity of outdoor food sources pushes them toward homes and businesses. From ants and mice to wasps and termites, March begins a season-long battle against unwanted intruders. Understanding which pests are most active in early spring can help homeowners and businesses take preventive measures before infestations become a serious problem.
Why Pests Become Active in March
As winter gives way to spring, March significantly increases pest activity across Canada. Various environmental factors contribute to this surge, making homes and businesses more vulnerable to infestations.
Temperature Increase
Warmer temperatures play a major role in activating dormant pests during winter. Many insects, like ants and termites, rely on heat to trigger their breeding cycles and movement. Like mice and rats, rodents also become more active as they seek food and nesting sites in preparation for spring reproduction.
Moisture and Humidity
The melting snow and increased humidity in March create ideal conditions for moisture-loving pests. Cockroaches, silverfish, and termites thrive in damp environments while standing water from thawing ice provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Rodents are often attracted to basements and crawl spaces that accumulate excess moisture.
Food Sources
Natural food sources remain scarce in early spring, forcing pests to search for alternative options. Rodents who struggle to find food outdoors during winter often turn to pantries, garbage bins, and pet food for sustenance. Similarly, ants and cockroaches seek leftover crumbs, improperly stored grains, and organic waste in kitchens and storage areas.
Most Common Spring Pests in Canada
Ants
As temperatures rise in March, ants become one of Canada’s most common spring pests. They begin forming colonies indoors, drawn by warmth, moisture, and available food sources. While most ant species are a nuisance, some can cause structural damage or contaminate food supplies.
- Carpenter Ants – These large black ants are particularly troublesome because they burrow into wooden structures to build their nests. Over time, their tunnelling weakens wood, potentially leading to costly repairs. Carpenter ants are often found in damp areas such as basements, attics, and wall voids.
- Pavement Ants – These small brown or black ants frequently invade homes for food. They prefer sugary and greasy substances, making kitchens and pantries their primary targets. Pavement ants typically build nests under concrete slabs, driveways, and sidewalks but can easily enter homes through cracks and gaps.
Mice and Rats
In early spring, rodents such as mice and rats remain a significant pest problem in Canada. As the cold winter months end, these pests seek warm indoor shelters to nest and reproduce. Without proper prevention, their population can grow rapidly, leading to infestations that are difficult to control.
- Shelter and Nesting – Although winter is over, rodents still prefer indoor environments with easy access to food and nesting materials. They often hide in basements, attics, garages, and wall voids, where they are less likely to be disturbed.
- Breeding Surge – Early spring marks the beginning of increased rodent breeding activity. Mice can give birth to multiple litters quickly, leading to a rapid rise in infestations.
- Food Contamination and Disease Spread – Mice and rats are known to contaminate food supplies by chewing through packaging and leaving behind droppings and urine. They can also spread diseases such as Salmonella and Hantavirus, posing a health risk to humans.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are among Canada’s most resilient spring pests, becoming more active in March as humidity levels rise. The melting snow and increased indoor moisture provide ideal conditions for these pests to thrive, making them a persistent nuisance in homes and businesses.
- Humidity and Warmth – Cockroaches prefer damp, warm environments, which become more common in early spring. Areas with leaky pipes, condensation, or poor ventilation—such as basements, kitchens, and washrooms—are prime locations for infestations.
- Common Hiding Spots – These pests are often found in dark, sheltered areas like under sinks, inside cabinets, behind appliances, and cracks and crevices. They are nocturnal and tend to scatter when exposed to light.
- Health Risks – Cockroaches are known carriers of bacteria and allergens. They can spread Salmonella and E. coli by contaminating food surfaces and leaving behind feces and skin. Their presence can also trigger allergies and asthma, particularly in children and sensitive individuals.
Spiders
As temperatures rise in March, spiders become more visible as they emerge from their winter hiding spots. While most species found in Canadian homes are harmless, their presence can cause fear and discomfort for many homeowners.
- Increased Activity in Spring – Many spiders remain hidden during the colder months, but they start looking for food and mating opportunities as the weather warms. They often move into corners, ceilings, basements, and storage areas, where they can spin webs and catch prey.
- Common Species – The most frequently encountered spiders in Canadian homes include:
- House Spiders – Typically small and harmless, they build webs in undisturbed areas like attics, basements, and closets.
- Wolf Spiders – Unlike web-building spiders, wolf spiders actively hunt their prey. They are larger, move quickly, and can be found near windows, doorways, and baseboards.
- Fear and Misconceptions – While spiders can be unsettling, most do not pose a threat to humans. They help control other insect populations by feeding on flies, mosquitoes, and other pests.
Wasps and Bees
With the arrival of spring in March, wasps and bees become increasingly active as they prepare for the warmer months ahead. While bees play a crucial role in pollination, wasps can become aggressive, especially as they begin building nests in residential and commercial areas.
- Queen Wasps Emerge from Hibernation – Most wasps die off during winter except for fertilized queens that hibernate in sheltered spots. As temperatures rise, these queens search for locations to establish new colonies, forming wasp nests early.
- Bees on the Move – Honeybees and bumblebees become more active in early spring as they start foraging for nectar and pollen. This is a crucial time for bee colonies to rebuild their food reserves after the scarcity of winter.
- Wasp Nesting Locations – Wasps typically build their nests in eaves, attics, sheds, garages, and wall voids. Paper wasps and yellow jackets are common species that can become territorial and aggressive, especially if their nest is disturbed.
Termites
Termites are a silent but destructive pest that becomes more active in March as they begin swarming in search of new nesting locations. These pests thrive in humid environments and can cause significant structural damage if undetected.
- Swarming Season Begins – Early spring marks the termite swarming period, during which reproductive termites leave their existing colonies to establish new ones. Swarmers are often mistaken for flying ants and can be seen around windows, doors, and light sources.
- Structural Damage Risks – Termites feed on wood, paper, and cellulose materials, making homes and buildings vulnerable to damage. Infestations can go unnoticed for months or years, weakening wooden structures, flooring, and drywall.
- Common in Humid Regions – While termites are found across Canada, they are more prevalent in humid areas, particularly in Ontario, British Columbia, and parts of Quebec. Properties with poor drainage, leaky pipes, or wooden structures in contact with soil are at higher risk of infestations.
Where These Pests Are Most Commonly Found
Spring pests can invade various spaces, depending on their survival needs, such as food, moisture, and shelter. Understanding where these pests most likely appear can help homeowners and businesses take preventive measures before infestations become severe.
Homes
Many pests enter residential properties during early spring to seek warmth, food, and nesting sites. The most vulnerable areas include:
- Kitchens – Ants, cockroaches, and rodents are attracted to food crumbs, spills, and improperly stored pantry items.
- Basements – Dark and humid conditions provide ideal spiders, termites, and rodents hiding spots.
- Attics – Wasps, rodents, and even squirrels may seek shelter in attics to build nests.
- Washrooms – High moisture levels create an inviting environment for cockroaches, silverfish, and other moisture-loving pests.
Businesses
Commercial properties also experience spring pest infestations, especially in areas where food storage, waste disposal, and packaging materials are present. Common problem areas include:
- Warehouses – Mice and rats hide in storage boxes, pallets, and wall voids.
- Restaurants – Cockroaches, ants, and rodents are attracted to food spills and garbage.
- Storage Units – Termites and silverfish can damage stored paper products, cardboard, and wooden furniture.
Gardens and Yards
Outdoor spaces become breeding grounds for pests as the weather warms up. Common problem areas include:
- Flowerbeds – Termites, ants, and ticks thrive in damp soil and mulch.
- Patios – Wasps may build nests under decks and eaves, while rodents seek shelter in outdoor furniture.
- Garbage Areas – Unsealed trash bins attract rats, raccoons, and flies looking for food waste.
Preventative Measures for Spring Pest Control
Taking proactive steps in early spring can help prevent pest infestations before they become serious. Homeowners and businesses can reduce the likelihood of pests invading their spaces by focusing on exclusion, sanitation, and moisture control.
Seal Entry Points
Pests often enter through small gaps and cracks in walls, windows, and doors.
- Inspect and seal cracks around windows, doors, and foundation walls using caulk or weather stripping.
- Repair damaged screens on windows and vents to prevent flying insects like wasps and mosquitoes from entering.
- Install door sweeps to block gaps under doors where rodents and insects may sneak in.
Reduce Moisture
Many pests, including cockroaches, termites, and mosquitoes, thrive in humid environments.
- Fix leaky pipes and plumbing issues to prevent water accumulation.
- Improve ventilation in basements, attics, and washrooms to reduce excess moisture.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clean to prevent standing water, which attracts mosquitoes and other pests.
Proper Waste Disposal
Garbage and organic waste attract rats, raccoons, cockroaches, and ants.
- Use tightly sealed garbage bins to prevent pests from accessing food waste.
- Empty trash regularly to avoid the buildup of food scraps and odours that attract pests.
- Keep outdoor bins away from entry points to reduce the risk of pests entering homes and businesses.
Store Food Securely
Improperly stored food is a major attraction for ants, rodents, and cockroaches.
- Store grains, cereals, and pet food in airtight containers rather than open bags.
- Avoid leaving crumbs or spills on countertops and floors, as even small amounts of food can attract pests.
- Keep fruits and vegetables refrigerated to prevent flies and other insects from breeding.
Regular Cleaning
A clean environment reduces pest-hiding spots and eliminates potential food sources.
- Vacuum and mop floors frequently to remove crumbs and food debris.
- Declutter storage spaces, such as garages, basements, and attics, to reduce pest nesting areas.
- Wipe down kitchen surfaces, sinks, and appliances to eliminate grease and food residue that attract cockroaches and ants.
Professional Pest Control Services
While preventive measures can help reduce the risk of spring pest infestations, some problems require professional intervention to ensure complete eradication. Pestong offers expert pest control solutions across Canada, using safe and eco-friendly methods to protect homes and businesses from unwanted intruders.
Why Professional Help is Important
Certain infestations, such as termites, rodents, and cockroaches, can be challenging to eliminate without professional treatment.
- Persistent Infestations – DIY methods may not be effective for pests that reproduce quickly or hide in hard-to-reach areas.
- Health & Safety Concerns – Pests like mice, rats, and cockroaches can spread diseases, while wasps and bees pose stinging risks.
- Structural Damage – Termites and carpenter ants can cause severe damage to wooden structures if not treated promptly.
- Long-Term Prevention – We ensure not just elimination but also preventative measures to keep pests from returning.
Safe & Eco-Friendly Pest Control
Pestong prioritizes eco-friendly and humane pest control methods to minimize environmental impact while ensuring safety for families and pets.
- Uses non-toxic, child- and pet-safe treatments whenever possible.
- Implements integrated pest management (IPM) techniques to target pests effectively while reducing chemical use.
- Offers customized treatment plans tailored to specific pest problems and property types.
