April marks the beginning of a seasonal surge in pest activity, especially in basements, crawl spaces, and other dark, damp corners of the home.
After months of snow and cold, pests like spiders, ants, and centipedes are waking up—and many of them are heading indoors.
Spring Means Spiders in Cleveland Homes
While most spiders are harmless, their sudden appearance can still be alarming. Basements and crawl spaces provide the perfect habitat for these eight-legged invaders—dark, quiet, and full of small prey like flies and other insects.
Common spiders you might see in Cleveland this spring:
- Cellar spiders (aka “daddy longlegs”)
- House spiders
- Occasionally, the brown recluse (rare but possible)
Spiders tend to stay hidden through the winter, then emerge in spring as their food sources return. If you’re spotting more webs or spiders in your lower level, it may be time for a professional pest inspection.
Ants Are on the March
Ants in Cleveland become especially active in April as soil temperatures rise and moisture from melting snow and spring rain softens the ground.
Watch for:
- Pavement ants in cracks and along foundations
- Carpenter ants, which can cause structural damage in damp wood
- Trails of ants in kitchens, pantries, and bathrooms
Moisture and food access are what draw ants inside. A few early steps now—like sealing entry points and storing food properly—can help avoid a full-blown infestation.
Centipedes: Creepy, Quick, and Common in Spring
If you’ve seen something fast and leggy dart across your basement floor—you’ve met the house centipede. These moisture-loving creatures thrive in Cleveland homes with damp crawl spaces, leaky basements, or high humidity.
Prevent centipede invasions by:
- Running a dehumidifier in basement areas
- Sealing cracks and crevices
- Fixing any plumbing leaks quickly
While centipedes eat other pests and aren't harmful to humans, most homeowners prefer not to share space with them.
April Is Prime Time for Pest Prevention in Cleveland
Pests emerge early in the season, often before homeowners realize they’re active again. Taking a few proactive steps in April can help you stay ahead of spring pest problems:
- Inspect basements and crawl spaces for entry points
- Seal cracks, gaps, and utility openings
- Clear out clutter that could serve as shelter
- Address any moisture issues promptly
- Schedule a spring pest control treatment in Cleveland, OH
Stay Pest-Free This Spring in Cleveland
From snow-covered ground to spider-filled basements, Cleveland’s spring pest season starts in April. If you want to keep your home bug-free, now’s the time to act. Early prevention is the key to a pest-free spring and summer, whether ants in the kitchen or centipedes in the bathroom.
Need help? Contact a trusted pest control company in Cleveland, OH today and book your spring inspection and treatment.