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March 17, 2025
Maine’s four distinct seasons are one of the best things about living here - but they can also bring different pest problems throughout the year. Whether it's ants and ticks in the warmer months or rodents seeking shelter when temperatures drop, pests are always looking for ways to get inside. Today, we’re taking a close look at a few of the pests that make each season a little less enjoyable, sharing tips to keep insects and rodents out, and offering up the best solution for pest problems in Auburn, Yarmouth, Buckfield, and throughout Central and Southern Maine!
Spring: The return of ants and ticks
Although the official first day of spring is in March, it may not seem like it until a few weeks later. But when the snow finally melts, the flowers bloom, and we can spend time outside again, it’s such a lovely feeling. Unfortunately, we’re not the only ones who enjoy the transition; so do the pests. Carpenter ants start looking for damp wood to nest in, other ant species begin foraging indoors and out, and ticks wait in the grass, ready to hitch a ride on you or your pets. They’ll stick around all summer if you don’t address them early.
What to do:
- Seal cracks, gaps, and openings around windows, doors, and the foundation to keep ants and other house-infesting pests out.
- Keep food sealed and store pet food in airtight containers.
- Clean up crumbs and spills immediately to reduce the food supply for ants.
- Mow the lawn regularly and remove leaf litter to reduce tick-hiding spots.
- Use vet-approved tick prevention on pets.
- Check family and pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.
Summer: The busy season for wasps and mosquitoes
Summer in Maine means warm weather but also brings mosquitoes and wasps out. The heat and humidity offer the perfect conditions for mosquitoes to multiply while wasps get to work building nests around homes and outbuildings. Between the itchy mosquito bites and painful wasp stings, these pests can definitely get in the way of your summer fun.
What to do:
- Eliminate stagnant water in clogged gutters and remove other standing water so mosquitoes cannot breed.
- Keep your outdoor spaces tidy and knock down any wasp nests early before they become a danger.
- Keep windows and doors closed when not in use.
- Replace or repair ripped or torn screens.
Fall: Rodents start seeking shelter
As soon as the temperatures drop in the fall, rodents begin searching for a warm place to overwinter. Your home may offer these rodents everything they need to survive: food, water, and shelter. Don’t underestimate these critters either; they only need a small opening to sneak inside. Watch for rodent droppings under the kitchen sink, gnaw marks on food packages in the pantry, rub marks along the garage walls, or noises coming from the walls, ceiling, or attic, especially at night. Before they start looking for a way in, implement the following prevention tips.
What to do:
- Inspect your home for cracks or holes that rodents might use as entry points.
- Trim back bushes and trees near your home, as they can act as highways for rodents to access your roof or walls.
- Store firewood and other outdoor materials away from your home.
Winter: The pest-free season... or is it?
During the colder months, many pests slow down or hibernate, but that doesn’t mean all of them disappear. In fact, rodents like mice and rats still pose quite a risk to homes and belongings during winter. Also, spiders often move indoors in search of warmth and food sources. If your home isn’t appropriately sealed or other pest prevention measures are not taken, these unwanted houseguests may disrupt the winter season.
What to do:
- Inspect your home’s insulation and seal any holes or cracks to keep the cold – and pests – out.
- Store food securely and clean up any crumbs to avoid attracting critters.
- Ensure your home is dry and free from leaks that could attract pests like rodents.
A year-round pest control plan is the best solution
Year-round pest control services can help keep your Maine home free from pests, regardless of season. With a proactive plan, you won’t have to worry about seasonal pest problems or unexpected infestations; your pest control specialist will take care of it for you!
Here at Pine State Pest Solutions, we offer home pest control plans that include the following:
- Routine inspections to catch pest activity early.
- Exterior pest treatments to prevent crawling insects from entering.
- Soffit/window applications to control flying and stinging insects.
- Interior and exterior rodent baiting and control, as needed.
- Sealing of potential entry points.
- Additional services per your plan of choice.
Don’t wait until the pests have invaded; protect your home with a year-round pest control plan. Whether it's ants in spring, wasps in the summer, or rodents in fall, a proactive strategy is the best way to ensure your home stays pest-free all year long.
We also highly recommend signing up for seasonal mosquito and tick control to stop these biting pests from driving you indoors while trying to soak up the Vitamin D!
Serving Central and Southern Maine since 2011, count on our locally owned and operated pest control company to safeguard your home from pests, regardless of the season. Reach out today!
This blog originally published on December 31, 2019; it has been updated to reflect the most up to date information.
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