As winter fades and temperatures rise, pests become more active and start making their way into homes. Spring offers the perfect conditions for many insects and rodents to breed, forage, and nest—making this one of the busiest times of year for pest activity. The combination of moisture from spring rains and warming weather makes your home and yard a prime target. While some pests are simply a nuisance, others can cause significant property damage or pose health risks.
Whether you’ve dealt with seasonal intruders in the past or just want to be more informed, here’s a breakdown of the most common springtime pests, where they hide, what signs to watch for, and how to better protect your home from becoming their next destination.
Common Springtime Pests and Warning Signs
Ants
As outdoor colonies expand with the warmer weather, ants become more aggressive in their search for food and water indoors.
Where they hide:
- Along baseboards and cracks near windows or doors
- Behind appliances
- Near sinks, pantries, and bathrooms
What to look for:
- Visible trails of small ants around food sources
- Entry points near doors or foundation cracks
- Small dirt mounds or nests around your home’s perimeter
Termites
Termites are one of the most destructive pests a homeowner can face. Spring marks swarm season, when reproductive termites emerge to start new colonies.
Where they hide:
- Inside walls and wooden beams
- Basements and crawl spaces
- Around leaking pipes or moisture-rich areas
What to look for:
- Winged termites near light sources
- Discarded wings on windowsills or floors
- Mud tubes along your foundation
- Hollow-sounding or damaged wood
- Uneven paint or bubbling surfaces
Cockroaches
Roaches thrive in warm, humid environments and tend to stay hidden during the day, making them difficult to detect until the infestation is significant.
Where they hide:
- Behind refrigerators, stoves, or dishwashers
- Inside kitchen cabinets and drawers
- Under bathroom sinks and around drains
- Basements and laundry areas
What to look for:
- Droppings that resemble black pepper or coffee grounds
- Egg casings and shed skins in hidden spots
- Persistent musty odors
- Nighttime sightings when lights are turned on
Silverfish
These fast-moving, silver-colored insects prefer cool, dark, and damp places. While they don’t pose a direct health threat, they can damage stored items and indicate a moisture problem.
Where they hide:
- Attics, closets, and basements
- Behind baseboards and wallpaper
- Under sinks and around leaky pipes
What to look for:
- Small holes in paper products, cardboard, or fabric
- Yellow stains or droppings on stored items
- Sightings of silvery, fast-moving bugs
Spiders
Spiders become more active in spring due to mating season and an increase in insect prey.
Where they hide:
- Ceiling corners and window frames
- Inside storage boxes or closets
- Garages, attics, and basements
What to look for:
- Cobwebs in corners and behind furniture
- Egg sacs in secluded areas
- Frequent spider sightings, especially in darker rooms
Bonus Protection: TAP® Pest Control Insulation
Watching for early signs of pests is a smart start, but proactive prevention is even more effective. One of the best long-term solutions for home pest defense is TAP® Pest Control Insulation. This multi-functional product is installed directly in your attic and combines thermal efficiency with built-in pest protection.
What makes TAP® different:
- Made from recycled paper and treated with a borate-based pesticide
- Targets common pests like ants, cockroaches, termites, silverfish, and more
- Kills insects that come into contact with the insulation
- Works 24/7 with no upkeep required
- Improves home energy efficiency and temperature control
TAP® is especially helpful during spring’s pest surge, intercepting insects in their nesting zones before they reach your living spaces. It’s a smart, silent defense layer that offers long-term peace of mind.
Spring brings sunshine, fresh air, blooming landscapes—and unfortunately, a significant uptick in pest activity. Understanding what pests to expect and knowing the early warning signs can help you catch problems before they escalate. From ants and termites to cockroaches and silverfish, these invaders are often closer than you think.
With a combination of:
- Regular inspections
- Early detection
- Smart upgrades like TAP® Pest Control Insulation
You can protect your home from the most common spring invaders and enjoy the season with fewer interruptions.