Seasonal pest guide for Northern Colorado
Seasonal Pest Guide for Northern Colorado: What to Expect and How to Protect Your Home
Northern Colorado’s varied climate — cold winters, warm summers, and fluctuating spring/fall conditions — creates predictable patterns in pest activity. Knowing what pests are most active each season and how to prevent infestations helps homeowners, landlords, and short-term rental operators protect properties and avoid costly damage. This seasonal pest guide covers the common pests in Northern Colorado, signs to watch for, prevention tips, and recommended professional treatments.
Why a seasonal pest plan matters
Pests behave differently by season: activity, sheltering, and breeding cycles change with temperature and moisture.
Early prevention reduces the need for intensive treatments later.
For short-term rentals and commercial properties, pest-free spaces maintain reputation and compliance.
Winter (December–February): Rodents and Overwintering Insects Common pests:
House mice and deer mice: Seek warmth and shelter inside structures.
Rats (roof rats, Norway rats): Less common than mice but present, especially near food sources.
Overwintering insects: Boxelder bugs, cluster flies, and certain spiders may gather in walls, attics, or sun-facing siding.
Signs to watch for:
Droppings in cupboards, behind appliances, or in garages.
Noises in walls or ceilings at night (scratching, scurrying).
Dead insects or clusters of bugs around windowsills and eaves.
Prevention tips:
Seal entry points: gaps around pipes, vents, foundation cracks, and door sweeps.
Store food and pet food in sealed containers; remove birdseed from garages.
Declutter attics, basements, and garages to remove nesting material.
Install chimney caps and screen vents.
Recommended treatments:
Rodent proofing and trapping programs.
Exclusion work: sealing and screening entry points.
Targeted interior pest control for overwintering bugs when clusters appear.
Spring (March–May): Ants, Termites, and Emerging Pests Common pests:
Ants (including pavement ants, carpenter ants): Forage as temperatures warm.
Termites (subterranean): Spring swarms and increased activity as the ground thaws.
Spring beetles, ticks, and early flea activity where wildlife is present.
Signs to watch for:
Ant trails indoors or near foundations.
Mud tubes on foundations or hollow-sounding wood (possible termite activity).
Discarded wings near windowsills or doors (termite swarm evidence).
Increased tick activity in grassy, brushy areas — check pets and people after outdoor activity.
Prevention tips:
Keep woodpiles, lumber, and mulch away from foundation walls.
Reduce moisture: fix leaks, ensure proper grading and gutter downspouts.
Treat foundation perimeter and maintain a barrier for termite-prone properties.
Maintain landscape: trim back shrubs and remove debris where ants nest.
Recommended treatments:
Professional termite inspections in spring; baiting or trench/termiticide options depending on infestation.
Ant control using perimeter treatments and targeted interior baits.
Tick and flea yard treatments if property borders natural areas or has wildlife.
Summer (June–August): Stinging Insects, Bed Bugs, and Flies Common pests:
Yellow Jackets and paper wasps: Extremely active in late summer, aggressive near food and garbage.
Bed bugs: Peak travel season increases introductions via short-term rentals and guests.
Flies (house flies, cluster flies): More abundant in warm weather.
Signs to watch for:
Visible wasp nests under eaves, in wall voids, or ground nests near patios.
Bites or blood spots on sheets, tiny dark fecal spots, molted skins — signs of bed bugs.
Increased fly numbers around trash, compost, or pet areas.
Prevention tips:
Secure garbage cans with tight lids and clean spills promptly.
Inspect secondhand furniture and guest rooms regularly; use mattress encasements for short-term rentals.
Seal cracks in exterior walls and screens; maintain window and door screens.
Educate occupants about avoiding wearing perfume/bright clothing near nests and keeping food covered outdoors.
Recommended treatments:
Yellow Jacket nest removal by professionals — DIY nest disturbance is dangerous.
Hybrid bed bug heat treatments coupled with targeted chemical treatments for fast, effective elimination.
Fly control via sanitation, exclusion, and targeted exterior/interior treatments.
Fall (September–November): Wildlife, Spiders, and Prep for Overwintering Common pests:
Wildlife seeking shelter: raccoons, opossums, skunks, and bats.
Spiders: Common house spiders and occasional nuisance species move indoors.
Cluster bugs and boxelder bugs often gather on sun-exposed walls to overwinter.
Signs to watch for:
Scratching or movement in attics or crawl spaces.
If you need help with any of these pests. Call Prime Pest Solutions today!