Spring in Southern Oregon brings warm temperatures, blooming wildflowers — and a surge of pest activity that catches many homeowners off guard. As soil temperatures rise and winter moisture lingers, multiple species simultaneously become active after months of dormancy. The homeowners who act early save themselves significant headaches and expense. Here are the six pests we're seeing most this spring across Grants Pass, Medford, and the surrounding communities.
1. Termites — Swarm Season Peaks in April and May
Subterranean termites swarm when soil temperatures consistently reach 70°F — typically April through June in the Rogue Valley. If you see winged insects emerging from soil, walls, or wood structures, act immediately. Swarmers are the reproductive members of a mature colony that is already established and actively damaging your home.
2. Carpenter Ants — Scouts Appear First
You'll see individual large black ants foraging along your foundation and fence lines in early spring. These are scouts from satellite colonies searching for new nesting sites. Don't wait until you see trails — a single scout finding a moisture-damaged window frame can establish a satellite colony within weeks.
3. Spiders — Black Widows Emerge From Winter Harborage
Black widow spiders become active as temperatures warm. They over-winter in protected locations — woodpiles, under decks, in garage corners, crawl spaces — and emerge hungry in spring. Check and clean these areas thoroughly before working in them. Always wear gloves when handling firewood or moving stored items in garages.
4. Yellow Jackets — Queens Are Building Right Now
This is the most important time to address yellow jacket activity. In spring, a single mated queen is building her nest from scratch. A nest discovered in April might have 30-50 workers. That same nest by August will have 3,000-5,000 highly defensive workers. Early intervention eliminates the colony before it becomes dangerous.
5. Earwigs — Moisture Brings Them Indoors
Spring rains saturate the soil around foundations, driving earwigs to seek drier conditions indoors. You'll find them in bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. While harmless, large earwig populations indicate excess moisture around your foundation — a condition that also attracts more dangerous pests.
6. Rodents — Spring Breeding Season Begins
House mice and Norway rats begin their most active breeding cycle in spring. A pair of mice can produce 5-10 litters per year, with 5-6 pups each. A small population in March becomes a significant infestation by June. Check attic insulation, crawl spaces, and garage areas now for evidence of nesting.
Your Spring Pest Prevention Checklist
- Inspect foundation for cracks and gaps — seal with steel wool and caulk
- Clear firewood, debris, and leaf piles away from the house perimeter
- Check crawl space vents and screens for damage
- Trim trees and shrubs so no branches touch the structure
- Look for mud tubes on foundation walls and crawl space joists
- Fix any dripping faucets or condensation issues under sinks
- Clean and inspect garage corners, especially near the floor
A spring inspection from A-One Natural Exterminators identifies problems before they become expensive. Call us at (541) 472-1094 for a free estimate — we serve all of Southern Oregon including Grants Pass, Medford, Ashland, Cave Junction, and surrounding communities.