Pest activity fluctuates throughout the year, with different pests becoming more visible and prevalent in each season. Understanding which pests are more likely to cause infestations in each season can help property owners take proactive steps to prevent or manage infestations.
Spring: Increased Activity and Reproduction
As temperatures warm, many pests become more active and begin to reproduce, often leading to increased sightings and the risk of property infestations.
- Ants: Spring marks the beginning of ant activity. As they search for food and moisture after winter, ants may invade homes, particularly kitchens where they look for sweet or greasy foods.
- Wasps and Bees: Wasps and bees also start building nests in spring. While bees are generally harmless, wasps can become aggressive, especially near human activity.
- Rodents: Mice and rats that sought shelter indoors over winter may start to venture out, but their nests inside homes can remain a persistent issue, leading to property damage and health risks.
- Feral Pigeons: Feral pigeons nest all year round, but in the spring and summer, mating goes into overdrive. Particularly if you have solar panels on your roof, pigeons will nest creating an incredible mess of guano waste and nesting material as well as so much noise early in the mornings that can disrupt even the heaviest sleepers.
Summer: Peak Activity and Property Infestation Risks
In summer, pest activity reaches its peak as pests search for food, water, and shelter from the heat. Many insects thrive in warmer temperatures, which can lead to infestations.
- Flies: Houseflies and fruit flies become more common in summer. With warmer temperatures speeding up their reproductive cycle, infestations can quickly become overwhelming, especially in homes with exposed rubbish or food.
- Cockroaches: Cockroaches are particularly active in hot, humid weather, and they often seek indoor environments that provide food and water. They can quickly establish large populations, posing health risks due to the bacteria they carry.
- Spiders: Summer also brings an increase in spider sightings as they hunt other insects that are also more active during this time. While most spiders are harmless, larger populations can be unsettling and indicate a high level of insect activity in the home.
Autumn: Preparation for Winter
Autumn is a transitional season for many pests that begin seeking shelter from the cooler temperatures, increasing the risk of indoor infestations.
- Rodents: Mice and rats start moving indoors in autumn, looking for warm places to nest during the winter. They are particularly problematic as they can chew through wires, insulation, and other materials, causing significant property damage.
- Spiders: Many spider species reach adulthood in autumn, making them more noticeable indoors. Their presence often signals an abundance of other insects that they prey on.
Winter: Indoor Infestation Risks
Winter sees a reduction in outdoor pest activity due to the colder temperatures, but certain pests still pose a risk of indoor infestation as they seek warmth and shelter.
- Rodents: Winter is a peak season for rodent infestations as rats and mice become more reliant on human shelters. They can cause extensive damage by gnawing on structural elements, contaminating food, and spreading diseases.
- Cockroaches: Cockroaches may become more concentrated indoors as they avoid the cold. They thrive in dark, humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms and can pose health risks.
- Bed Bugs: Although bed bugs are present year-round, their prevalence in winter can increase as people spend more time indoors. Bed bugs thrive in warm environments and can quickly infest bedding, furniture, and carpets.
Our Pest Control Calendar
Please see the Pest ID Pest Calendar we have created below for more information on types of pest prominence per seasons in the year:
Summary
Each season brings its own pest-related challenges, with different species becoming more or less commonplace depending on the time of year. Property owners can benefit from understanding seasonal pest patterns, as this knowledge helps in taking timely preventive measures to minimise infestation risks.
If your pest problem is beyond advice and prevention, get in touch with our professional team today.
