Waste management company We Waste has issued advice and warnings around how to spot and prevent infestations of three common pests that often reappear in March and throughout spring.

A spokesperson from We Waste warns: “March is a key time for increases in pest activity as they seek to find food sources, water, and nesting spots as the weather warms, and homes provide the perfect spots for food and warmth. As well as this, an increase in moisture levels from spring rain and small gaps around properties make it easier for pests to enter homes, meaning it is vital that people focus on prevention this March, and check their properties thoroughly.”

Ants

Ants are typically drawn indoors by food sources via easy entry points. Some of the most common signs to spot ants early include finding small debris near floors, patios, or wall cracks, which can sometimes mean a nest or entry point is nearby. A general increase in the amount of ants you spot can also be a simple telling sign that there could be a deeper issue. Always be sure to check entry points and any food storage areas if you suspect an increase, as ants gravitate towards sugar, crumbs, and tiny gaps around windows, doors and vents.

Simple household habits can make a big difference in preventing infestations occurring. To prevent ants in your home as the weather gets warmer, ensure you keep surfaces clean and store food in containers.

We Waste advises: “Taking the bins out regularly and sealing gaps and cracks in the property is also an essential way to ensure there are no easy access points and nothing they could be attracted to. Taking care of the outside of your property is also key. Trim plants that are in contact with the house and keep outdoor bins and compost areas away from the property where possible.”

If ants keep returning despite taking preventative steps, it may indicate a nearby nest that requires help from professional pest control.



Moths

Searches for ‘how to get rid of moths in the closet’ have risen over 5,000% in the past month. Moths are often discovered only after damage has already occurred, so spotting early warning signs and maintaining good storage habits can help homeowners protect their clothes, fabrics, and upholstery from damage.

Regularly check for any holes in clothing, and thoroughly check your wardrobes, drawers and cupboards, as moths are attracted to dark and undisturbed areas by nature. Keep an eye out for larvae or cocoons too. These larvae look like small, cream white caterpillars, and you may also see silky webbing or small cocoons on clothing or fabrics. Furniture should also be thoroughly examined as moths are attracted to carpets, rugs, or upholstery. Ensure you also check underneath, as this darker area of the furniture can provide an attractive spot for moths.

To prevent moths this spring, always wash clothes before storing them away again, as moths are often attracted to garments with sweat, perfume, or food scents attached to them. Vacuum regularly to ensure carpets stay clean, as this can help to remove moth eggs and larvae, often found in carpets and skirting boards.

We Waste says: “Avoid overcrowding wardrobes, as moths prefer dark environments where fabrics are tightly packed together. Natural deterrents such as lavender sachets or specialised moth traps can help discourage moths from settling.”




Cockroaches

Cockroach activity often increases in spring months as the indoor environment warms up. They are usually most active at night making it a key time to check if you feel you may have some in your home. To spot them, it is advised to keep a look out for droppings, which typically look like small black specks of pepper or coffee grounds. These are often found under sinks, in cabinets, cupboards, behind fridges, or near food storage. A musty scent may also arise when there are quite a few cockroaches in an area, which can be a key indication of their activity. Check for any smear marks which look like brown streaks along walls or surfaces where they have been.

To prevent them, always keep food sources completely sealed, and clean your home regularly, making sure to hoover and thoroughly wipe down surfaces. As always, sealing off any entry points, such as cracks in walls or spaces under doors, is key.

We Waste adds: “Additionally, remove any water sources such as leaky taps, pipes, and ensure sinks are left dry at night as cockroaches are strongly attracted to water sources as they need moisture to survive.”