Cities we serve in Vermont (VT)
Starting with c

Spring problems in

Tiny pantry beetles appear in dry food storage

Small pantry beetles often show up in spring once stored dry goods warm up and household activity increases. They may be found in flour, cereal, rice, spices, or pet food.

For light activity, remove suspect packages, vacuum the pantry thoroughly, wipe shelves, and move replacement items into sealed containers. Check forgotten boxes at the back of shelves, because that is usually where the plot twist lives. Freezing newly purchased dry goods for a short period can sometimes help reduce risk in sensitive items. If beetles keep appearing after a full reset, Richard's Pest Control can help locate the recurring source in your home.

Fungus gnats appear around houseplants

Spring watering routines often wake up fungus gnats in potted plants. They are usually linked to damp potting soil, overwatering, and organic buildup in decorative plant containers.

For a mild issue, let the top layer of soil dry a bit more between waterings, remove dead plant material, and use yellow sticky traps to reduce adults. A light top layer of sand or fine gravel on the soil surface can also make the pot less inviting. The bugs are small, but they reproduce like they have a business plan. If indoor plant pests spread widely or start affecting multiple rooms, Richard's Pest Control can advise on next steps.

Aphids gather on porch plants and around windows

Spring growth attracts aphids to ornamentals, porch plants, and sometimes indoor plants placed near sunny windows. While they are mainly plant pests, they also attract ants and create sticky residue that becomes a household annoyance.

For light infestations, rinse plants gently with water, prune heavily affected tips, and use mild soapy water on outdoor plant leaves where appropriate. Do not overfertilize, because lush new growth is basically an aphid welcome sign. If aphid activity around entry points begins drawing ants indoors, Richard's Pest Control can help you address the broader spring pest pressure around your home.