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Spring Pest Prevention Guide for College Station

In the spring of College Station and Bryan, the flowers bloom, days are stretched, the weather turns warm, and with that, the termites, mosquitoes, fire ants and cockroaches come roaring back to life after a short and quiet winter. Aggieland's subtropical climate invites pest season way earlier than it does in further north. It starts in February and by the time homeowners notice it, the populations are already large. This guide by Brazos Pest & Mosquito walks you through what arrives when, the signs to look for in Aggieland and what to do to stay ahead of the pests.

The Bryan-College Station Spring Pest Calender

Understanding when each pest peaks gives you a chance to act before the population explodes and there’s not much you could do.

February

  • Termite swarmers emerge during warm spells
  • Fir ant mounds reactivate on warm afternoons
  • Overwintering rodents are seeking stable food sources

This is the perfect time for a termite inspection and perimeter sealing before population builds.

March

  • Ant colonies start growing
  • Subterranean termites start build swarming tubes in preparation for swarming
  • Cockroach activity increases as warmth returns
  • You start noticing mosquitoes around standing water

April

  • The entire Brazos Valley is hit by termite swarms
  • Fire ant colonies expand across lawns
  • There is nothing stopping mosquitoes from growing their population in moist areas
  • Wasps and hornets start building nests in eaves and soffits

May

May is the moistest month of the year with nearly 4 inches of rain across a time period of 14 days and humidity at 79%.

  • Mosquito populations explode
  • Termite swarm season continues
  • Fire ants are fully active and territorial
  • Fleas and ticks surge as outdoor pet activity increases

Any prevention measures not already in use are urgently needed at this time.

Spring Pest Prevention Tips for BCS Homeowners

Subterranean Termites

  • Schedule a professional termite inspection, preferably before April
  • Fix any leaks, clean gutters and improve drainage away from the foundation because termites follow moisture
  • Store firewood 20-30 feet away from your house if you need to
  • Push mulch and soil at least a foot away from your foundation
  • If you see swarmers indoors, remove them and call a licensed pest control company immediately

Mosquitoes

  • Check your entire property after a rain and empty anything holding standing water
  • Place mosquito dunks in birdbaths, decorative ponds, and anything that cannot be emptied
  • Clean and flush gutters before April
  • Get a professional mosquito barrier treatment before May if you plan to use your yard regularly

Bryan residents can get free mosquito dunks from the Municipal Service Center.

Fire Ants

  • Treat fire ant mounds in early spring by applying broadcast bait in February or March
  • Use a broadcast bait treatment across the entire yard rather than treating individual mounds. This method reaches foragers from all colonies and is more efficient.
  • Check outdoor electrical boxes, HVAC units and irrigation control panels for ant activity in March before Spring service visits
  • Keep high-traffic lawn areas monitored throughout April and May and treat new mounds within 24-48 hours of appearance

Cockroaches

  • Seal gaps around water pipes across the entire home
  • Check door sweeps on all exterior doors and replace any that show daylight under them
  • Fix any dripping faucets and leaks
  • Place boric acid bait on top of kitchen cabinets, in early spring, before populations build up
  • Keep outdoor perimeters clear of leaf litter, woodpiles and debris against the foundation

Wasps and Hornets

  • Clean up spills and food right away
  • Keep your yard clean and trees around your house trimmed
  • Fix gaps in roof edges, vents and siding
  • Inspect eaves, garages, sheds and porches in early spring
  • Plant mint, basil or lemongrass as their smell repels them

When to Call a Professional vs Handle it Yourself

SituationDIY or Professional
Small fire ant mounds in yardDIY
Small new wasp nest in MarchDIY
Termite swarmers seen indoorsProfessional, same day
Annual termite inspectionProfessional
Fire ants in electrical equipmentProfessional
Early-stage cockroach activityEither
Large established wasp colonyProfessional

Professional Pest Control in Bryan & College Station

Many pest control companies offer a free inspection and discounted setup fees or bundle pricing when you sign up for an annual or quarterly plan in late winter. February is the best time to buy a plan as the first treatment lands exactly when it matters the most.

Contact Brazos Pest & Mosquito for Pest Control

We is a licensed, family and locally owned pest treatment company with a perfect 5-star rating from the customers. We are a family and pet-safe pest control company with 15+ years of experience in business. Contact us for a free pest inspection!

Start Now, Not in May

The most common mistake most BCS homeowners make is waiting until pests are visible before taking action. By the time you see ant mounds or mosquitoes, chances are the populations are already established and prevention has given way to control. The safest and most cost-effective spring protection time is February and March, before the rainy season and, after that, heat locks in. A termite inspection, a gutter cleaning, a broadcast fire ant treatment and a few mosquito dunks in standing water cost less than $200 combined and can save you thousands.