Tunneling activities during spring can create lumpy lawns. Males are actively drumming on buildings and defending territories during mating season. Many insects that winter on plants can be controlled with dormant applications of horticultural oils. Recently transplanted pines may need protection. Overwintered adults become increasingly active in and around homes during warm periods.
Early spring is often the period when adult stages are most frequently encountered in homes.
Foraging ants in homes are common until temperatures allow them to seek food outdoors. Major Ips beetle flights are likely to have started by this time and may threaten at risk spruce and pines. Spray oils on dormant trees to kill overwintered aphid eggs. Overwintered larvae remain exposed on the trunk and can be controlled at this time. Remove and destroy damaged tree limbs and canes infested with borer larvae before insects emerge.