Springtime Pest Emergence in NC: What Homeowners Need to Know

Different zones within Raleigh offer vastly different living environments—not just for people, but for pests, too.

• Urban areas like Downtown Raleigh, Glenwood South, and the Warehouse District are packed with restaurants, apartment buildings, and underground infrastructure. These features provide abundant food and shelter for pests like cockroaches, rodents, and ants. High human activity also means more waste, which attracts pests year-round.
• Suburban communities such as Brier Creek, North Hills, and Cary offer more green space but still have plenty of homes packed closely together. These areas tend to attract mosquitoes, spiders, and ants that thrive in gardens and lawn areas. Shared fences and close proximity make it easy for infestations to spread between properties.
• Rural or semi-rural neighborhoods, like parts of Wake Forest or Apex, may seem peaceful, but they’re often surrounded by woods or fields—natural habitats for mice, squirrels, raccoons, and snakes. When weather changes or food sources dry up, these pests are more likely to move indoors in search of warmth and food.

Pro tip: No matter where you live, sealing entry points and maintaining a clutter-free yard can go a long way in reducing your pest risk.

Living near water in Raleigh can mean beautiful views and cooler breezes—but it also comes with a higher risk for certain pests.

• Mosquitoes breed in even the smallest amounts of standing water. Homes near Lake Johnson, Crabtree Creek, Neuse River Trail, or the Durant Nature Preserve are especially vulnerable in the warmer months.
• Termites, especially subterranean species common in North Carolina, love moisture. Homes with poor drainage, leaky spigots, or damp crawl spaces are termite magnets.
• Rodents like rats and mice also congregate near water. If your home is near a marshy area or a neighborhood retention pond, rodents might be more active nearby, especially in colder months.

Pro tip: Eliminate standing water in bird baths, plant trays, and gutters. Install French drains or improve grading to move water away from your foundation.

The age and construction of your home can significantly impact pest activity.

• Older homes in neighborhoods like Mordecai, Five Points, or Historic Oakwood often have aging wood, shifting foundations, and outdated sealing techniques. Cracks in brick, unsealed basements, and gaps in window frames all make great entry points for pests like ants, roaches, and rodents.
• New developments in areas like Southeast Raleigh or parts of Holly Springs may not have the same structural issues, but they deal with habitat disruption. Construction clears fields and wooded areas, displacing wildlife and insects that then look for nearby homes to invade. This can result in temporary surges of spiders, ants, beetles, and even snakes.

Pro tip: If you live in an older home, schedule regular pest inspections and invest in sealing/caulking services. New home? Use a pest barrier treatment around the perimeter during the first year.

Your yard can either attract pests or repel them, depending on how it’s maintained.

• Overgrown bushes and trees touching your home can act as pest highways. Squirrels, carpenter ants, and spiders all use branches to access your roof or attic.
• Thick mulch beds hold moisture, which attracts termites, earwigs, and pill bugs. If mulch touches your home’s foundation, you’re basically rolling out a welcome mat.
• Vegetable gardens, flower beds, and compost bins, if not well-managed, can draw insects and small rodents.

Pro tip: Keep branches trimmed back at least 3 feet from your home. Maintain a 6-inch gap between mulch and your siding. Use crushed stone near your foundation to reduce moisture and deter termites.

Learn what mosquito-repelling plants you should consider adding to your landscape.