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Though you may not be dealing with an infestation right now, recognize that the risk of a pest invasion never really goes away, especially in winter. So, keep an eye out for storm damage as the week's pass, and, sooner rather than later, consider acting on the following best practices for pest prevention:

• Trim back trees to bar rodents from easy access to the underside of your roof overhang.
• Declutter the basement, attic, and any utility rooms so as to eliminate any potential nesting grounds.
• Examine the fascia board along the roofline, replacing any areas of rotted wood.
• Repair loose mortar and replace worn weatherstripping around all windows and doors.
• Store food in sealed containers and keep crumbs off the floor.
• Seal any and all cracks or gaps on the home exterior with a silicone-based caulk.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home, not only off the ground but also covered.
• Avoid ice dams by using a roof rake to dissipate potentially problematic accumulations of snow.
• Hire a professional sweep to clean the stack, inspect the flue, and install a cap over the chimney. 

Certain telltale signs suggest the presence of an ongoing infestation—chewed box corners or piles of sawdust where you wouldn't have expected to encounter them are a sign. At the same time, however, remember that many people whose homes suffer pest damage don't realize there's a problem until it's too late. If you're concerned about insects or rodents on your property, don't hesitate to call in a professional who is fully licensed and trained to pinpoint the obvious and not-so-obvious signs of an infestation. These licensed pest professionals can advise you on how best to ensure the continued protection of your home from its foes.

As the winter thaw begins, so does the emergence of insects that have been waiting for better weather conditions to emerge. Here are a few that you may encounter:

- Termites – “Beware the ides of March “, may have been written by Shakespeare, but it also helps mark the emergence of termites and termite swarmer’s.

The reproductive part of the colonies cast members start to emerge as environmental conditions permit. Most home and business owners find out the hard way when they enter a space with hundreds of flying insects near a window area and discarded wings as far as the eye can see. 

- Carpenter Ants –Also a wood-destroying insect, will begin to emerge as the colony begins to gain strength and momentum. Unlike termites that eat wood, this insect will simply carve out galleries in rotted, soft wood, and begin to grow in numbers. A telltale sign is a small to large pile of sawdust in an area that was clean in the past, also referred to a frass. 

- Mosquitos - It’s no secret that mosquitos are a serious pest in NJ. Early spring, warmer temperatures, and excess moisture means that they get the upper hand in terms of breeding. An early spring means mosquito eggs hatch earlier, building up their numbers to become a real problem in summer.

These are just a few instances that all depend on the surrounding landscape and early spring weather patterns that may change insect habits, as they are keen on adapting to the hand they have been delt. 

The season for insect activity is now in full swing. Better weather conditions will take insects out of Diapause and colonies of all types will begin to grow in size, seek out food sources, look for ideal conditions to live in, as well as invade homes for many different reasons.

- Ants – Whether it's Carpenter, Acrobat, Odorous House, Argentine or Citronella, all spices of opportunistic feeders are out and on the prowl. Soldiers head out and find that piece of fruit that was left out and by the time you notice it's too late. They can let other colony members know exactly where to go and you now have activity throughout a structure. 

- Bees and Wasps – Yellow Jackets, Carpenter Bees, Honey Bees which are a vital part of our food supply, due to pollination are all out and about. While Wasps are predators by nature, and typically aggressive, they can ruin a good day in the backyard at any time. Bees, however, tend to be the opposite. They are non-aggressive and looking to pollinate and create geometric wax hives to live in. Wasps tend to build a paper type nest and will protect it at all costs. 

- Fleas and Ticks – With wildlife traveling through our yards and across our lawns, they tend to sometimes bring unwanted guests. 

The Deer Tick is the most common in New jersey and known for its ability to carry Lyme Disease. They tend to seek out bushy or wooded areas but are not uncommon in residential settings. We also tend to let our dogs and cats outside in the yard from time to time. When they come back into your home, you should always check them to make sure no unwanted visitors are hitch hiking in as well. Make sure all pets are being treated consistently for these insects. 

As the weather begins to turn chilly at night, insects begin preparing to overwinter in homes or go below frost lines to hunker down for a long quiet winter, but not before gathering as much food as possible and making sure only the strongest of their colonies survive. 

- Marmorated Beetle, also known as the Stink Bug – As the story goes, in September of 1998, in Allentown, PA, this insect native to Japan was introduced to us. Truly a nuisance insect that can do damage to landscape plants, fruits, and crops. As the temp drops, they begin to make their way into the eaves and attics of homes to begin a long winter vacation and rest for a spring emergence. 

- Flying insects – From Fungus Gnats, Fruit Flies, and many other different types of flying insects, they will also begin to seek out basements, crawl spaces, or warmer areas before making their way into our kitchens and bedrooms against our wishes and to enjoy better temperatures indoors. 

- Wildlife – all types of wildlife, from squirrels to raccoons to groundhogs, begin to go under decks and sheds and in through gutter lines as well, creating damage to our homes. Exclusion and proper construction of these areas is key to not only removing the animal from structures, but also preventing them from re-entering. 

As long as weather conditions and environmental circumstances are perfect, insects will last as long as the pattern does. Once they deteriorate, the battel to begin to protect your home has begun.