Spring Swarms
Advice for smart, safe spring pest control

by Kate Pattison

Bees and their relatives are valuable pollinators. Photo by M. C. Cassino.

As we thaw out from winter’s grip, ice and snow will give way to warmer temperatures and new insect swarms. Spring is here! Before panicking amidst the inevitable swarms, review these helpful hints for safe pest control this spring.

Ants. First, get ahead of the game with a thorough spring cleaning: clean out cabinets, rinse recyclables, and seal sugars, grains and pet food in airtight containers to prevent infestations. Seal off ants’ entry points with silicone caulking. Safe indoor repellents include cayenne and black pepper or soapy water. At the point of access, use sticky traps, or bait ants with cornmeal or dessicating powders such as diatomaceous earth or boric acid mixed with jam (asthmatics should take great caution when using such products). Follow label directions carefully. If you find the offending nest outside your house, flood it with boiling water. But don’t go overboard – outdoors, ants are beneficial! They will eat fly and flea larvae and aerate the soil.

Termites and carpenter ants swarm in late February and early March. Termites can get into cracks in concrete, so those spots should be caulked or grouted. Repair leaks and improve ventilation, replace rotten or damaged wood, and paint or seal exposed wood. Infested furniture can be soaked in soapy water.

You can dig out subterranean termite nests and let ants do the real dirty work for you – they will eat the larvae. Boric acid is also effective against termites. If you suspect a termite or carpenter ant infestation in your house, be sure to get a professional inspection.

Stinging insects. Bumblebees, Honeybees, Mud daubers and Carpenter bees are non-aggressive and valuable pollinators. Plug holes they have made in wood structures with steel wool, or cover with fine screen mesh. Almond oil is an effective repellent.

When dealing with wasps, wear protective clothing in light colors. Inexpensive traps are available from many garden supply stores. If you attempt to remove a nest, dusk is the best time. Move slowly, and seal nest in a plastic container or garbage bag, then freeze. Do not shine flashlights or car lights on wasps – it will make them angry! DO NOT attempt to deal with bees or wasps if you think you are allergic. Treat stings with an ice pack, and call 911 immediately if you are stung in the mouth or throat.

If you determine that you need a pest control contractor, take some steps to protect yourself. Look for companies that use Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Ask questions about the contractor’s experience and make sure they do a thorough inspection. It is always a good idea to get a second opinion. Notify the contractor of children, pregnant women, elderly people and pets on the premises. Obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for any chemicals that are to be used. The Better Business Bureau or the NC Structural Pest Control Division can tell you if there are any complaints against a company. Read the contract carefully, and be sure you understand it. If you have any questions, call Toxic Free NC at (919) 833-5333 for help.

Resources for alternative pest control and pest identification:
Olkowksi, William, et al. Commom Sense Pest Control
NCAP: www.pesticide.org/factsheets.html
Beyond Pesticides: www.beyondpesticides.org/alternatives/factsheets/
NCSU Entomology: www.cals.ncsu.edu/entomology

Toxic Free News is a publication of
Toxic Free North Carolina
206 New Bern Place, Raleigh, NC 27601, (919) 833-5333, -1123
http://www.toxicfreenc.org

Mission: Toxic Free NC advocates for alternatives to toxic pesticides in North Carolina by empowering people to make sound decisions about their health and environment.

Staff: Fawn Pattison, Executive Director; Billie Karel, Program Coordinator; Amanda McRae, Administrative Intern

Board of Directors: Allen Spalt, President; Jane Sharp MacRae, Secretary; Erick Umstead, Senior Scientist; Billie Rogers, Emeritus; Mary Jo Windley; Savi Horne; Carolyn Prince; Cindy Soehner; Katherine M. Shea.

Contributors: Billie Karel, Fawn Pattison, Kate Pattison; Webmaster: Billie Karel

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