What is lurking in your home away from home? With spring in the air, just like insects and other pests - humans crawl out of winter hibernation and prepare for the season.

For second homeowners returning to their home after many months of vacancy you may be surprised what you will find when you arrive. Many homeowners with properties in the Capital Region and Adirondacks may find their vacation properties have become home to such crib crashing critters as raccoons, squirrels, mice, birds, termites, spiders, ants and even bears in their several season hiatus. With the purchase of vacation homes on the rise, more and more second homeowners are starting their vacations with a common creepy crawly problem— ridding their getaway of unwanted pest guests.

As more people purchase vacation homes in natural settings and leave them vacant during the colder months, it is only natural to discover that Mother Nature has moved in while they were out. “People are upset when they open up their cabin or beach house for the season to find ants in the kitchen, spiders in the bathroom, and small wildlife in the chimney or crawlspace,” said Missy Henriksen, of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). “If you don’t properly pest-proof your home, nature will find its way in through cracks, crevices, holes, vents and chimneys and can create a really dangerous situation.”

Insects can sting and bite, cause minor skin irritations and extreme allergic reactions in some cases, while termites can cause thousands of dollars in property damage. Animals that seem cute and harmless in their natural environment can attack and become defensive if they are trapped or have set up camp indoors.

“Pest management is important for all homes especially second homes, since they are left vacant for long periods of time,” said, Sarah Thomas-Clark, Vice President at Thomas Pest Services, Inc. "As a homeowner the last thing you want to be doing is dealing with insects or rodents. Instead you should be enjoying your property," said Thomas. “If possible, second homeowners should try to open their home for the season prior to the whole family coming for vacation, but either way, they should at least go prepared with the phone number of a local pest professional to safely remove their pest and wildlife problem.”

If you do own a second home in Lake George, Edinburg, Northville or other surrounding areas, we hope you do not have to worry about any spring pests. If you need assistance making a smooth transition, contact Thomas Pest Services, your local pest control expert who is ready to help! Thomas Pest Services is licensed and trained in insect and rodent control and would like the opportunity to protect your Capital and Adirondack Region home and property. For questions, contact us by phone 1-877-518-BUGS (2847), online, email, twitter or facebook.

We at Thomas Pest Services, Inc. are grateful to: the National Pest Management Association for the pest information and/or photo images incorporated into this work.