Author: Lane Hayden

This year, we’re proud to announce our newest services:

🐿️ Squirrel Concierge Service – We’ll relocate squirrels… or teach them to knock before entering.
🕷️ Spider Interior Design – Let us help your spiders create the perfect web aesthetic for your home.
🐜 Ant Marching Lessons – Tired of ants wandering aimlessly? We’ll train them to march in straight lines.
🪳 Roach Fitness Program – Because faster roaches = more cardio for YOU 😅

…Just kidding 😄

At Coastal Pest Control, we don’t train pests — we get rid of them.

No tricks. Just real protection.

If pests are trying to pull their own prank on your home this spring, give us a call and we’ll take care of it the right way.

📞 757-539-7883
🌐 coastalpestcontrol.com

As we head into the end of March here in Suffolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach and across Hampton Roads, pest activity is starting to ramp up quickly. Warmer temperatures and longer days mean insects are coming out of winter hiding—and into your home and yard.

If you’re seeing more bugs lately, you’re not alone. This is one of the most important times of year to stay ahead of pest problems.

🌸 Why Pest Activity Spikes in Late March

As temperatures rise, pests that have been dormant all winter become active again. Many are searching for food, water, and places to reproduce.

In our local area, this includes:

Subterranean termites beginning to swarm

Ant colonies becoming active

Spiders and other overwintering pests emerging

Early mosquito breeding starting in standing water

This is why March is a critical time for preventative pest control.

🐜 1. Termite Swarmers Are About to Start

Late March into April is prime termite swarm season in Virginia.

Signs to watch for:

Flying insects that look like ants but have equal-length wings

Piles of discarded wings near windows or doors

Mud tubes on foundation walls

If you see swarmers, there’s a strong chance termites are already present.

👉 Pro Tip: The best time to protect your home is before you see termites.

🐜 2. Ants Are Already Moving Inside

Ants are one of the first pests homeowners notice this time of year.

Common issues include:

Ants in kitchens and bathrooms

Trails along baseboards or countertops

Activity increasing after rain

Once ants establish a colony inside or around your home, they can be difficult to eliminate without professional treatment.

🕷️ 3. Spiders & Overwintering Pests Emerge

During winter, many pests hide in:

Crawlspaces

Attics

Wall voids

Now that temperatures are rising, they’re becoming active again—often showing up inside your home.

🦟 4. Mosquito Season Is Starting Soon

Even though summer isn’t here yet, mosquito activity can begin in March.

All it takes is:

Standing water in gutters

Buckets, tarps, or low spots in yards

Warm days and mild nights

Getting ahead now can make a big difference in how bad mosquitoes get later.

🏡 Why Preventative Pest Control Matters

The biggest mistake homeowners make is waiting until they see a problem.

By that point:

Colonies are already established

Infestations are harder (and more expensive) to control

Damage may already be occurring (especially with termites)

A proactive pest control plan keeps your home protected year-round.

✅ What You Can Do Right Now

Here are a few simple steps you can take today:

Seal cracks and gaps around doors and windows

Remove standing water around your home

Keep mulch and wood away from your foundation

Schedule a professional inspection

⭐ Protect Your Home with Coastal Pest Control

At Coastal Pest Control, we’ve been protecting homes in Suffolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and surrounding areas for over 30 years.

✔ Over 1,200+ 5-star Google reviews
✔ Local, experienced technicians
✔ Safe and effective treatments
✔ Customized pest control plans

Whether you need a termite inspection or ongoing pest protection, we’re here to help.

📞 Schedule Your Service Today

Don’t wait until pests become a bigger problem.

📲 Call Coastal Pest Control today at (757) 486-0234

If you live in Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or anywhere in Hampton Roads, termites aren’t just a possibility — they’re a reality. Every year, we see homes with thousands of dollars in damage that could have been prevented with a simple annual inspection.

At Coastal Pest Control, we’ve been protecting homes for over 30 years, and one thing we know for sure is this: the earlier termites are caught, the easier (and cheaper) they are to deal with.

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Termites Work Quietly — and Constantly

Unlike other pests, termites don’t make themselves obvious. There’s no scratching, no smell, and usually no visible signs until damage is already done.

By the time most homeowners notice:
• Wood may already be compromised
• Structural damage may have started
• Repairs can cost thousands

Annual inspections are designed to catch termite activity before it turns into a major problem.

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Hampton Roads Is a High-Risk Area for Termites

Our coastal climate creates the perfect environment for termite activity:
• Warm temperatures
• High humidity
• Sandy soil conditions

In areas like Suffolk and Virginia Beach, subterranean termites are active almost year-round. That means skipping inspections even for a year can increase your risk significantly.

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Early Detection Saves You Money

A yearly termite inspection is a small investment compared to the cost of repairs.

Without inspections:
• Hidden damage can spread for years
• Repairs can easily reach $3,000–$10,000+
• Insurance typically does NOT cover termite damage

With inspections:
• Problems are caught early
• Treatment is simpler and less expensive
• Your home stays protected long-term

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It Helps Protect Your Home’s Value

If you ever decide to sell your home, a history of regular termite inspections:
• Shows buyers your home has been well maintained
• Helps avoid surprises during home inspections
• Makes the closing process smoother

Many real estate transactions in our area require termite inspections — staying ahead of it just makes sense.

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Peace of Mind Year-Round

One of the biggest benefits homeowners tell us about is simple — peace of mind.

With an annual inspection, you know:
• Your home has been professionally checked
• There are no hidden termite issues
• You’re not taking unnecessary risks

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What We Look for During an Inspection

At Coastal Pest Control, our inspections are thorough and straightforward. We check:
• Crawlspaces and foundations
• Moisture-prone areas
• Mud tubes and entry points
• Signs of past or active termite activity

If we find anything, we explain it clearly and give you honest recommendations — no pressure.

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Protect Your Home Before Termites Become a Problem

Termites don’t take a year off — and neither should your protection.

Annual inspections are one of the easiest ways to avoid costly damage and keep your home safe.

✔️ Locally owned & trusted for 30+ years
✔️ 1,300+ 5-star Google reviews
✔️ Serving Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake & surrounding areas

If it’s been over a year since your last inspection, now is the perfect time.

📞 Call Coastal Pest Control today at 757-539-7883 to schedule your termite inspection.

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Quick Tip for Homeowners

Even if you don’t see termites, watch for:
• Mud tubes along your foundation
• Soft or hollow-sounding wood
• Swarmers (especially in spring)

If you notice any of these, it’s best to have it checked right away.

Tidewater Pest Control | Coastal Pest Control

Pest Control in Virginia Beach, VA | Coastal Pest Control

eastern subterranean termites | what are termite swarmers?

👉 Flying Ants in House Virginia | Termite Signs Suffolk VA

Pest Control in Suffolk, VA | Coastal Pest Control

🪳 1. American Cockroach (The Big One)
• Size: Up to 1.5–2 inches
• Color: Reddish-brown
• Where you’ll find them:
• Crawlspaces
• Basements
• Around water heaters

👉 These are the large roaches homeowners usually panic about.

What it means:
You likely have moisture issues or entry points—not necessarily a full-blown infestation.

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🪳 2. Oriental Cockroach (Water Roach)
• Color: Dark brown to black
• Slower moving
• Loves damp areas
• Common locations:
• Drains
• Crawlspaces
• Under homes

👉 Very common in Suffolk due to high humidity and waterfront properties.

What it means:
You’ve got excess moisture or drainage issues that need addressing.

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🪳 3. Smoky Brown Cockroach
• Color: Dark brown with a shiny appearance
• Excellent flyers
• Attracted to lights
• Found:
• Around soffits
• In attics
• On roofs and trees

👉 Extremely common in Virginia Beach neighborhoods.

What it means:
They’re usually coming from outside, not breeding inside.

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🪳 4. German Cockroach (The One You DON’T Want)
• Small (½ inch)
• Light brown with two dark stripes
• Found in kitchens and bathrooms

👉 This is the true infestation species.

Warning signs:
• Seeing them during the day
• Multiple sightings
• Found near appliances

What it means:
You need professional treatment immediately—these multiply fast.

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🪳 5. Brown-Banded Cockroach
• Small with light bands across body
• Found in:
• Cabinets
• Bedrooms
• Electronics

👉 Less common, but tricky.

What it means:
They spread throughout the home—not just kitchens.

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🚨 Why You’re Seeing Roaches Right Now

Here in Hampton Roads, roach activity spikes due to:
• 🌧️ Recent rain pushing them indoors
• 🌡️ Warmer temperatures
• 🌿 Moisture around foundations
• 🏠 Entry points around doors/windows

By the time you see one, there’s usually a reason they came inside.

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🛠️ What You Can Do (Right Now)
• Seal gaps around doors and windows
• Reduce moisture (especially crawlspaces)
• Keep food sealed and surfaces clean
• Check for leaks under sinks

👉 These steps help—but they usually don’t eliminate the problem completely.

⸻

✅ How Coastal Pest Control Handles It

At Coastal Pest Control, we don’t just spray—we identify the source and stop the problem at its root.

✔️ Locally owned for 30+ years
✔️ 1,300+ 5-star Google reviews
✔️ Treatments safe for families & pets
✔️ Customized plans for Suffolk & Virginia Beach homes

We focus on:
• Entry points
• Moisture conditions
• Species-specific treatments

⸻

📞 Need Help Identifying What You’re Seeing?

If you’re not sure what type of roach you have—or you’re seeing more than one—give us a call.

📞 757-539-7883

We’re happy to take a look and point you in the right direction.

Hampton Roads Pest Control Guide | Coastal Pest Control

What Are These Flying Ants in My House in Virginia? (They Might Be Termites)

If you’ve recently noticed flying ants inside your home in Hampton Roads, you’re not alone.

This is one of the most common calls we get this time of year in Suffolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach.

But here’s the important part:

👉 They may not be ants at all.

In many cases, what homeowners think are flying ants are actually termite swarmers.

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What are termite swarmers?

Termite swarmers are reproductive termites that leave their colony to start new ones.

They usually appear:
• On warm days after rain
• In the spring (March–May in Virginia)
• Around windows, doors, and light sources

Seeing swarmers inside your home can be a sign of an active termite infestation.

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How to tell the difference: flying ants vs termites

Termites:
• Straight antennae
• Equal-length wings
• Thick, straight body

Flying ants:
• Bent antennae
• Front wings longer than back wings
• Narrow “waist”

Even though they look similar, the difference is very important.

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Why this matters for your home

If they are termites, they can cause serious structural damage over time.

Termites feed on wood and can quietly damage:
• Floor joists
• Support beams
• Walls and framing

Most homeowners don’t realize there’s a problem until damage has already started.

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What you should do if you see them

If you see flying insects inside your home this spring:
1. Try to collect a few (or take a picture)
2. Note where you’re seeing them
3. Don’t rely on sprays alone

👉 Spraying may kill what you see, but it won’t eliminate the colony

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Why professional inspection matters

A termite inspection can determine:
• Whether you have termites or ants
• If there is active activity
• What treatment (if any) is needed

Catching termites early can save thousands of dollars in repairs.

⸻

Local termite and pest control you can trust

For over 30 years, Coastal Pest Control has helped homeowners across Hampton Roads protect their homes from termites and other pests.

We provide:
✔ Termite inspections
✔ Preventative treatments
✔ Ongoing pest control plans

⸻

📞 Call Coastal Pest Control today
757-539-7883

⸻

Areas we serve

Suffolk VA
Chesapeake VA
Portsmouth VA
Norfolk VA
Virginia Beach VA
Smithfield VA
Frequently Asked Questions about Termites

As temperatures warm across Tidewater Virginia, mid-March marks the true beginning of spring pest season. Insects that stayed hidden during winter are now becoming active, breeding starts increasing, and homeowners begin noticing more pests around their homes.

This is one of the most important times of year to take action before infestations grow.

Here’s what Coastal Pest Control is already seeing across Suffolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and surrounding areas.

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🐜 Ant Activity Ramps Up Fast in March

Ants are usually one of the first spring pests homeowners notice.

In mid-March, ants begin:

• Entering kitchens and bathrooms searching for food and water

• Creating trails along baseboards and foundations

• Establishing new colonies near homes

Once warm weather fully arrives, ant populations grow quickly — early treatment makes a huge difference.

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🐜 Termite Swarming Season Begins

In Tidewater Virginia, termite swarms often start in March when warm, humid days appear.

Signs of termites include:

• Winged insects near windows or doors

• Small piles of discarded wings

• Soft or hollow-sounding wood

Swarming means an active colony is nearby, and damage may already be happening.

March is the ideal time for termite inspections and prevention.

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🪳 Cockroaches Become More Visible

Roaches start moving more as temperatures rise, especially in:

• Kitchens and pantries

• Bathrooms and laundry rooms

• Crawlspaces and garages

Spring is when roach populations begin multiplying rapidly if not controlled early.

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🕷️ Spiders, Silverfish & Other Spring Pests Appear

Many overwintering pests start coming out in March, including:

• Spiders

• Silverfish

• Earwigs

• Stink bugs

Seeing more pests now usually means activity will increase heading into summer.

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Why March Pest Control Saves You Trouble Later

Waiting until pests are everywhere often means bigger infestations and higher treatment costs.

Early spring service helps:

✅ Prevent summer outbreaks
✅ Control ants before colonies grow
✅ Stop termite damage early
✅ Keep indoor pests under control

March is one of the smartest months to protect your home.

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Coastal Pest Control — Serving Tidewater for Over 30 Years

Proudly protecting homes in:

Suffolk • Chesapeake • Virginia Beach • Norfolk • Portsmouth • Tidewater communities

With over 30 years of experience and more than 1,200 five-star reviews, Coastal Pest Control knows exactly how to handle the pests common to our area.

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📞 Call Coastal Pest Control today to schedule your spring pest inspection

Get ahead of pests now — before spring turns into infestation season.

According to the Virginia Cooperative Extension, many common household pests thrive in warm, humid environments like Tidewater

https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/

Why Ants Suddenly Appear in Hampton Roads Homes in Spring

Why ants show up this time of year

As temperatures warm up across Suffolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach, many homeowners start noticing ants in their kitchens, bathrooms, and garages.

Spring is when ant colonies become active again after winter. Worker ants begin searching for food and moisture, and even a tiny crumb can attract hundreds of ants into your home.

Once a scout ant finds food, it leaves a pheromone trail that guides the rest of the colony directly inside.

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Common ants we see in Hampton Roads homes

At Coastal Pest Control, the ants we most commonly treat include:

Odorous House Ants

These small brown ants are one of the most common pests in Virginia homes. When crushed, they give off a smell similar to rotten coconut.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are larger and can damage wood structures by hollowing out galleries inside wood.

Pavement Ants

These ants typically build nests under sidewalks, driveways, and foundations.

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Why DIY sprays often make ant problems worse

Many store-bought sprays kill the ants you see but do not eliminate the colony.

In some cases, spraying ants causes colonies to split into multiple colonies, making the infestation worse.

Professional pest control focuses on targeting the entire colony, not just the visible ants.

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How to prevent ants in your home

You can reduce the chances of ants invading by:

• Keeping kitchen counters clean
• Sealing small cracks around windows and doors
• Storing food in airtight containers
• Eliminating standing water around your home

However, if ants have already found a food source inside your home, professional treatment is often the fastest way to eliminate them.

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Local pest control you can trust

For over 30 years, Coastal Pest Control has helped homeowners throughout Hampton Roads protect their homes from ants and other pests.

Our quarterly pest control plans help stop infestations before they become a major problem.

📞 Call 757-539-7883 to schedule service today. https://coastalpestcontrol.com/pests/ants/

As February comes to a close and temperatures begin to slowly rise across Suffolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and the greater Tidewater area, pests start becoming more active — even if it still feels like winter.

Late February is the transition period when many insects wake up, rodents remain active indoors, and termite season gets closer by the day.

Here’s what homeowners should be watching for right now.

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🐜 Ants Begin Emerging Indoors

Warmer daytime temperatures often trigger ants to start searching for food and water.

Common late-February ant problems include:

• Trails in kitchens and bathrooms

• Ants coming in through tiny foundation cracks

• Moisture-loving ants in crawlspaces

Early treatment now prevents full spring infestations.

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🐭 Rodents Are Still Nesting

Mice and rats stay busy all winter — and by late February many have already had new litters.

Watch for:

• Scratching in walls or ceilings

• Droppings near food storage

• Damage to insulation and wiring

Stopping rodents now prevents larger populations in warmer months.

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🐜 Termites Are Getting Ready to Swarm

In our Tidewater climate, termites often swarm as soon as early spring warmth arrives.

Late February is ideal for:

• Professional termite inspections

• Moisture control around foundations

• Checking crawlspaces and wood structures

Catching termite activity early can save thousands in repairs.

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🕷️ Overwintering Pests Start Moving Around

Stink bugs, spiders, cockroaches, silverfish, and other insects that hid during winter become more visible as temperatures fluctuate.

Seeing more bugs now is a sign populations are building — not shrinking.

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Get Ahead of Spring Pests Now

Waiting until pests are obvious in spring often means bigger infestations and higher treatment costs.

Late February pest control helps:

✅ Prevent spring outbreaks
✅ Reduce indoor pest activity
✅ Protect your home from termites
✅ Keep rodents under control

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Coastal Pest Control — Tidewater’s Trusted Local Pest Professionals for Over 30 Years

Proudly serving:

Chesapeake • Virginia Beach • Norfolk • Portsmouth • Suffolk and Tidewater communities

With over 1,200 five-star reviews and three decades of local experience, Coastal Pest Control knows exactly how to protect homes in our region.

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📞 Call Coastal Pest Control today to schedule your late-winter pest inspection

Stop pests now — before spring makes them multiply.

https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/category/pests.html

Eastern subterranean termites are the most common termite species found in Virginia and the Tidewater region. One of the earliest and most alarming signs homeowners notice is the sudden appearance of flying insects inside the home. These are known as termite swarmers.

Understanding what swarmers are — and what they mean — can help prevent costly structural damage.

what are termite swarmers?

Termite swarmers are winged reproductive termites whose purpose is to leave an existing colony and form a new one. They are not responsible for feeding on wood or damaging structures themselves, but they signal that a mature termite colony is nearby.

Swarmers emerge in large numbers and are often mistaken for flying ants.

Key facts about termite swarmers:

• they are reproductive termites
• they leave established colonies
• they appear in large numbers at once
• they shed their wings after landing

why do eastern subterranean termites swarm?

Swarming is how termite colonies reproduce and spread. When environmental conditions are right — usually warm temperatures combined with moisture — a mature colony releases swarmers to establish new colonies.

After swarming:

• males and females pair off
• wings are discarded
• termites search for soil and wood contact
• a new colony may form underground

Even a single successful pair can eventually cause significant structural damage.

when do termite swarmers appear in virginia?

In southeastern Virginia and coastal areas, eastern subterranean termite swarmers typically appear:

• late winter through spring
• after rainfall followed by warm temperatures
• during daytime hours
• near windows, doors, and light sources

Swarmers are attracted to light, which is why they are often found inside homes near windowsills or sliding glass doors.

are termite swarmers dangerous?

Swarmers do not bite, sting, or cause damage themselves. However, seeing swarmers indoors is a serious warning sign.

Indoor swarming often indicates:

• an active termite colony nearby
• possible infestation under or inside the structure
• favorable moisture conditions for termites

Spraying or killing swarmers does not eliminate the colony.

termite swarmers vs flying ants

Many homeowners confuse termite swarmers with flying ants. Correct identification is critical.

Termite swarmers:

• straight antennae
• equal-length wings
• thick, straight bodies

Flying ants:

• bent antennae
• uneven wing lengths
• narrow “pinched” waist

Misidentifying swarmers can delay proper treatment.

what should you do if you see termite swarmers?

If you notice swarmers inside your home:

• do not disturb the area
• avoid using household sprays
• note where the swarmers appeared
• schedule a professional termite inspection

Early detection is one of the best ways to reduce repair costs and prevent further damage.

why eastern subterranean termites are a concern

Eastern subterranean termites live underground and build mud tubes to access wood inside homes. Because damage occurs out of sight, infestations often go unnoticed until swarmers appear or structural issues develop.

Homes in humid, coastal, and wooded areas are especially vulnerable.

the bottom line

Termite swarmers are one of the earliest visible signs of eastern subterranean termite activity. While they only appear briefly, they indicate that conditions are right for termites — and that a colony may already exist nearby.

Understanding swarmers helps homeowners act early, before termites cause serious damage.

Frequently Asked Questions about 

https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/termite-swarmers-what-do-they-mean-for-you

While February may feel like the quiet season for pests, late winter is actually when many infestations start building behind the scenes. Cooler temperatures drive insects and rodents indoors, and as the weather slowly begins to warm across Suffolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and the surrounding Tidewater area, pest activity ramps up fast.

Catching problems now can save you bigger headaches this spring.

Here’s what Coastal Pest Control sees most often in February.

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🐜 Ants Start Searching for Food and Warmth

Even though outdoor ant colonies slow down in winter, ants frequently move inside homes looking for warmth and moisture.

Common February ant issues include:

• Kitchen and pantry

• Ants coming in around windows and doors

• Moisture-loving ants in bathrooms and crawlspaces

Once spring hits, these small indoor colonies can explode into major infestations.

Tip: Seal cracks, wipe down food areas daily, and address ants early before warmer weather arrives.

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🐭 Rodents Stay Active All Winter Long

Rats and mice don’t hibernate — and February is prime time for indoor nesting.

Signs to watch for:

• Scratching sounds in walls or attics

• Droppings in cabinets or garages

• Chewed wires, insulation, or food containers

Rodents multiply quickly and can cause serious damage if left untreated.

Early control now prevents large spring populations.

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🐜 Termite Season Is Closer Than You Think

In Tidewater Virginia, termite swarming season usually begins in early spring — sometimes as soon as March when temperatures rise.

February is the perfect time to:

• Schedule termite inspections

• Address moisture issues around foundations

• Check crawlspaces and wood structures

Catching termites early can prevent thousands in structural damage.

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🕷️ Spiders & Overwintering Insects Become More Visible

As temperatures fluctuate, pests that hid all winter begin moving around again — including spiders, stink bugs, cockroaches, and silverfish.

Many of these pests live inside wall voids and crawlspaces year-round.

A professional winter treatment keeps populations low before spring breeding starts.

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Why Late Winter Pest Control Matters

Most homeowners wait until pests are obvious — but by then infestations are already well-established.

February service helps:

✅ Prevent spring outbreaks
✅ Reduce indoor pest populations
✅ Protect against termite damage
✅ Keep rodents under control

It’s one of the smartest times of year to get ahead of problems.

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Trust Coastal Pest Control — Serving Tidewater for Over 30 Years

At Coastal Pest Control, we’ve been protecting homes and businesses across:

• Suffolk

• Chesapeake

• Virginia Beach

• Norfolk

• Portsmouth

• Surrounding Tidewater communities

With over 30 years of local experience and 1,200+ five-star reviews, we know exactly what pests affect our area — and how to stop them.

https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/category/pests.html