Your Coastal Virginia Local Guide to Pests
Portsmouth residents know a thing or two about the quirks of coastal weather. With a humid climate, frequent rain, and residing near marshland, this region offers the perfect breeding ground for all types of bugs and pests. From common household pests to potential health risks, you need to know what might be lurking in your walls, your yard, or your crawlspace.
Below is a list of the most common bugs in the Portsmouth area:
Ants – Carp ants or small sugar ants, they're not slow to find their way into houses in search of water and food.
Cockroaches – They breed best during the hottest time of year, cockroaches such as the American and German prefer heat and dampness Portsmouth provides.
Termites – Portsmouth is in a termite infestation high-risk area. Left untreated, these quiet destroyers will cause severe structural damage.
Mosquitoes – And with all that standing water and humidity, mosquitoes adore spring and summer—and not only are they a pest, but they are also disease vectors.
Spiders – Typical household spiders turn up in corners and garages, and poisonous ones like black widows will creep into secluded dark areas.
Wasps & Hornets – Their nests are typically located under eaves, porches, and trees. Hostile activity is more pronounced in late summer.
Silverfish – These small, silvery insects love damp places like bathrooms and basements and can destroy paper, books, and clothing.
Fleas & Ticks – A genuine issue for Portsmouth dog owners in the city's grass and woodlands, they are a pest and a disease-transmitting nuisance.
Stink Bugs – These shield-shaped invaders start sneaking inside as soon as temperatures drop in the fall.
Pantry Pests – Beetles and the Indian meal moths will infest dry cereals and food if stored improperly.
Bug-Masters is here to find and exterminate any of these pests with expert pest control treatments for Portsmouth homes and businesses.
Contact (757) 288-2668 today or fill out our online form to arrange your pest inspection.
What Pests to Watch Out for—Season by Season
Portsmouth's riverfront charm, mild winters, and sweltering, humid summers are a lovely place to call home—but also a haven for seasonal pest infestation. Termites, rodents, and other pests migrate based on weather, moisture, and temperature patterns. Knowing what's most likely to show up and when can give you a head start on the problem.
We at Bug-Masters know Portsmouth's specific pest pressures and provide season-specific pest control solutions for each season.
As spring dampness increases, ground termites emerge to swarm around Portsmouth—usually the first indication of a concealed infestation. Residences and commercial properties, particularly those with crawl spaces or proximity to water, are most at risk. Ants and spiders increase their activity indoors as they forage for food and heat. It's a good time to have your yearly inspection.
When summer arrives, so do mosquitoes, which multiply quickly in standing water. Puddles in the backyard, gutters clogged with leaves, or even birdbaths can be breeding grounds. Roaches love the heat and humidity of Portsmouth, particularly in kitchens and basements. Wasps and yellow jackets, on the other hand, get aggressive, tending to nest along rooflines, decks, and sheds. Pre-summer treatments can help keep them at bay.
As soon as the weather gets cooler, rodents such as mice and rats start searching for warm shelter inside—particularly in older Portsmouth buildings or businesses with structural cracks. Spiders also become more active and are seen more in garages and corners. A fall professional pest inspection will prevent rodents and spiders from becoming a costly winter pest issue.
Even during winter, pests don't disappear in Portsmouth—just come inside. Rodents, roaches, and silverfish usually reside in warm, hidden places like attics, basements, or behind appliances. Winter is the time for indoor pest control maintenance to eliminate hidden infestation and prepare for the following spring.
No matter what the season, Portsmouth pests may be getting you ill and damaging items on your premises.
Bug-Masters to the rescue with local, professional expertise and seasonal treatments for pest control to keep your business or home pest-free. Dial (757) 288-2668 or contact us online to schedule your seasonal inspection today!
