Cities we serve in Vermont (VT)
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Spring problems in

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.

Boxelder bugs wake up and gather near sunny windows

As the weather warms, boxelder bugs often emerge from overwintering spots and collect near sunny windows, siding, and indoor light sources. They are mostly a nuisance, but in numbers they are annoying enough to earn a file in your memory.

For light spring activity, vacuum them up instead of crushing them, because crushed bugs can stain and smell. Wipe window sills and frames with mild soap or vinegar water, and reduce easy entry points with simple caulking around screens or trim. Outdoors, trimming back nearby seed-bearing trees where practical may help reduce pressure over time. If swarms keep entering the same areas, Richard's Pest Control can inspect the structure and identify the likely access points.

Ticks start appearing in the yard and on pets

Ticks become more active in spring, especially along wooded edges, tall grass, leaf litter, and shaded yard transitions. Even a light presence should be taken seriously because the risk is not the number, but what one of them may carry.

For low-level tick pressure, keep grass short, trim vegetation at property edges, remove leaf litter, and create a cleaner border between lawn and wooded areas. Check pets and clothing after yard time, and keep pet prevention up to date. Yard tidiness is not glamorous, but ticks dislike losing their hiding spots. If you continue finding ticks around the same yard zones in , Richard's Pest Control can advise on a targeted plan.