Spring is coming and so are critters. Here are 5 insects and animals to watch for in Iowa.
All the perks of warm weather come at a cost: the return of critters.
As temperatures rise, here is a list of animals and insects that reawaken during the springtime and could cause you problems in Iowa.
More: Goodbye, winter. The first day of spring is rapidly approaching for Iowa.
Ants
Wrap up your fruits and sweet treats: An Iowa springtime is sure to bring ants. House ants are also attracted to water and they often enter a house through bathroom or kitchen sinks, according to Terminix.
Multicolored Asian lady beetle
You're probably thinking "What gives?" It seemed like ladybugs — the familiar red ones or the similar-looking Asian lady bottle — were active in the fall. While red ladybugs are considered harmless and a benefit to gardens, the multicolored Asian lady beetle, which often appears orange, is often considered a nuisance.
Both hibernate during winter and reappear in the spring, making it a common time for infestations. In the fall they are drawn to warmth. And the ones you are starting to see now are the same ones you couldn't kill in the fall, according to Iowa State University.
Take comfort in the fact that these spotted bugs don't breed in homes. Light traps are recommended for catching them and getting them out of a home.
Stink bug
There are multiple species of stink bugs. The brown marmorated stink bug is an invasive species to Iowa and North America. After spending winter months hiding, these bugs often reoccur during March through September, according to Orkin.
Closing all cracks and gaps in households while keeping screens and windows properly sealed will prevent the odorous insect from infiltrating your home.
Raccoons
It seems as though trash pandas are always running around in the cover of darkness regardless of the season. But, spring makes for the ideal repopulation time. Raccoon mating occurs from January to June, with the majority of babies being born in April and May, according to the Wildlife Rescue League. They eat anything from berries to vegetables to egg and grasses.
Iowa has seen an increase of complaints about raccoons, and some have disturbed agriculture operations, resulting in open season hunting for them.
More: Raccoons beware: Iowa lawmakers approve year-round hunting season for furry menaces
Snakes
There are 28 species of snakes in Iowa, according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Naturally, the cold-blooded species conclude the hibernation as temperatures increase. But don't worry: Only four of the 28 Iowa snakes are considered dangerous to pets and humans. The most common snake in the state is the garter, with a thin yellow stripe down its neck.
To avoid running into these backyard serpents, keep your lawn short and remove any wood piles or debris.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 5 spring bugs and critters you can expect to see in Iowa
