The arrival of spring weather brings an influx of insects and rodents. Though they vary in type, depending on the region, they’re still a problem most homeowners face. Some are more than just a nuisance; left to their own devices, they can do serious damage to homes.

“Because we have such a high rodent population in the northwest, we always have a large amount of rodent pressure,” said Dan Huie of United Pest Solutions in Seattle. “There are some mice, but it’s mostly rats. With the dense vegetation we have and the moist climate, there’s always enough food and enough protection for them out in the wild. They’ve kind of acclimated and have kind of taken over the city.”

Termites are also making their presence felt this spring; everywhere from the northeast part of the U.S. down to the southwest. Termites, also known as swarmers, tend to emerge from their nest on the first warm spring day of the year and can number in the thousands in one area, making them easily visible to homeowners.

Winged termites can easily be confused by homeowners with flying ants but can cause significantly more damage. Homeowners who see a swarm of flying insects around their property would be well-served to contact a professional. Wood-feeding termites cost homeowners $5 billion a year in damages, according to the National Pest Management Association.

Stinging insects also thrive in the spring, said Phil Coulson of Custom Care Pest Services in Boise, Idaho.

“Things go seasonal,” Coulson said. “In the last 30 days or so, things are starting to warm up and we’re seeing emerging wasps, hornets and yellow jackets. We’re getting calls for spiders and ants that are popping up.”

There are a few common denominators that homeowners can address on their own to minimize pests being attracted to their homes. To start, trim branches and shrubs that could reach the home.

“That is basically a highway for insects coming from trees and tree limbs,” Coulson said.

Soil and mulch that is piled high enough to reach siding is also a gateway for insects to make their way inside the home, Huie said. Keeping garbage cans and pet food containers covered with lids can also reduce the temptation for pests to linger.

Homeowners dealing with insect and rodent issues can have more effective treatment outcomes by establishing regular service. Most pest control companies offer quarterly treatments that range in price from about $80 to $120. Often, these companies offer a guarantee to come back in between treatments and treat for free if homeowners continue to experience issues.

Before hiring a pest control company, check that it holds the proper licenses for your area and has liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Look for a company that follows Integrated Pest Management principals, in which pests are controlled in the most efficient way possible with minimal exposure of chemicals being introduced into the environment.

“With a (preventive) maintenance customer, the basic principal we try to accomplish is eliminate the pests that are there today by treating inside, outside and under the home and then maintain a pest-free environment inside by controlling the pests on the exterior of the home before they get inside,” Coulson said.

Angie Hicks is the founder of Angie’s List, a resource for local consumer reviews on everything from home repair to health care. Her column is distributed by MCT News Service.