These 4 bugs could be in your Boise home as weather warms. How to keep them out
Boise’s bug populations are about to skyrocket.
Warmer weather in Idaho encourages ants, termites, flies and other pests to start swarming, according to Cascade Pest Control, a Pacific Northwest pest control company.
“As temperatures warm and spring rains fall, insect populations wake up and heed the call to mate and nest,” Cascade Pest Control said on its website.
As the bugs leave their wintertime hiding places, they “sneak into kitchens, bathrooms, and structural wood,” the Puget Sound, Washington, company said.
Here’s what bugs to expect and how to fight them off:
What insects should I be on the lookout for in spring?
According to Cascade Pest Control, these are the most common pests in the Boise area in the spring:
- Ants: Can damage home foundations and ruin foods
- Termites: Can cause intense wood damage
- Wasps and bees: Aggressive stingers that may nest near or under your home
“Idaho is home to a wide variety of insects and pests,” Treasure Valley company Candor Pest Control said. “Each of these plays a role in the local ecosystem, but they can also be a nuisance in homes and gardens.”
According to the Candor Pest Control website, insects are attracted by food, moisture and nesting locations.
What are signs that my home has an infestation?
Cascade Pest Control encourages homeowners to look for ant trails near food and water sources, nesting areas, bug corpses, foundation damage and termite mud tubes to check for possible infestations.
“Keeping homes clean and sealing entry points are crucial steps in preventing infestations,” Candor Pest Control said.
What are the best ways to prevent pests?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests following these pest prevention tips:
- Remove and clean up food, water and nesting materials.
- Store food items in sealed containers.
- Use a trash can with a tight seal and regularly remove garbage from your home before it overflows.
- Repair any leaks.
- Don’t leave pet food and water bowls out overnight or unattended.
- Seal any cracks and holes in your home.
- Check mail and packages for bugs before bringing them inside.
How to safely control pests in your home
If you find yourself battling with bugs inside your home despite taking preventative measures, you can purchase pesticides or contact a pest control company, experts said.
Take caution when using pesticides on your own and “always read and follow label directions,” the Environment Protection Agency said.
Homeowners should start with bait and traps before moving on to pesticides — preferably ready-to-use ones that don’t require mixing chemicals, the agency said.
“Use fogging devices only when absolutely necessary,” the agency said. “If you hire any outside persons to help control pests, ask them to find and correct the source of the problem before applying pesticides.”
Are more bugs coming to Boise?
Once Idaho moves through spring and into summer, pests will become more intense.
“Many pests thrive in the warm, dry heat of a Boise summer,” Cascade Pest Control said. “Many insect populations reach their highest numbers in mid- to late summer.”
As temperatures continue to rise, expect to see the following bugs invading Boise:
- Wasps
- Yellow jackets
- Paper wasps
- Hornets
- Bees
- Hornets
- Flies
- Ants
- Cockroaches
This story was originally published April 8, 2026 at 4:00 AM.
