Different seasons of the year bring different pest problems. Because most pests have predictable habits, you can plan ahead before they become a problem. Knowing which pests are prevalent at different times helps you develop an effective pest-control strategy.
Spring
At springtime, you need to be on guard for the following pests:
- Termites
- Clothes moths
- Pigeons
Termites
In spring, termites begin mating and building new colonies. This is their “swarming season”, as they prefer warm weather, especially after rain.
Clothes moths
Springtime is also when clothes moths begins breeding.
An interesting fact about clothes moths: The larvae, not the adult moths, damage fabrics and clothes.
Read more: How to prevent and get rid of moths
Pigeons
Pigeons’ mating season occurs each springtime. As pigeon numbers increase, so does the amount of droppings they leave behind. This can become a dangerous source of diseases.
Other spring pests
Other common spring pests include stinging insects, ants and cockroaches. Increased travel at this time of year can lead to bed bug infestations as well. Also, during a cold spring, rodents might come indoors seeking warmth and shelter.
Summer
Many pests enjoy the warm, lazy, hazy days to summer, including:
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes become very common in summer. The warm weather leads to an increase in mosquito eggs. Mosquito bites can lead to irritating itches
Read more: How to prevent mosquitoes and midges
Stinging insects
Have you ever had an idyllic summer picnic ruined by a swarm of wasps, bees or hornets? During the hot summer months, stinging insect populations can soar.
Ants
Although ant season usually starts in spring, they don’t become a serious problem until the summer. They begin to breed and build new colonies. In July, you’re likely to see swarms of flying ants.
Read more: How to get rid of ants
Cockroaches
Although cockroaches can be problem at any time of the year, they breed during the summer. A cockroach infestation brings many problems, such as food-borne illnesses and allergic reactions.
Flies
Flies also breed during the summer, and you can see large swarms of them during these months. They can be an unsightly problem and spread disease.
Read more: How to get rid of flies in your house
Bed bugs
Bed bugs can become a problem at any time of the year. However, increased travel and hotel stays during the summer can lead to an increase in infestations. Bed bugs can easily move from hotel beds to travellers’ luggage.
Read more: How to prevent bed bug bite when travelling
Other summer pests
The warm weather can also lead to flea problems, a particular nuisance for pet owners. Birds and rodents are also active during the summer.
Autumn
As the cold autumn days draw in, many pests start to seek shelter indoors. Common pests at this time of year include:
Stink bugs
These bugs, as their name suggests, can raise quite a stink if they infest your premises. When threatened, they release a strong-smelling, foul liquid that repels attackers. The smell is likely to repel your customers too! Stink bugs also damage crops, making them a serious worry for the agriculture sector.
Spiders
Many people are afraid of spiders, and in the autumn, spiders tend to move indoors in search of warmth. Also, this is prime mating time for spiders.
Read more: How to prevent and get rid of spiders in your house
Fleas
Most pests move indoors during the autumn, searching for warmth, shelter and food. Fleas can become a serious problem for pet owners.
Other autumn pests
If the autumn is mild and warm, stinging insects may linger for a few months, still posing a serious problem. Also, pests such as cockroaches and rodents begin to move indoors at this time of year.
Winter
The cold winter chill leads to many pests migrating indoors. At this time of year, you need to prepare for the following pests:
Rats
Rats are possibly the most serious winter pest, because they can cause a lot of damage to property, as well as spread dangerous diseases. Rats are powerful rodents and can damage electrical machinery, leading to production problems and safety risks.
Mice
Mice also migrate inside at this time of year, search for shelter and food. They nibble paper and fabrics, and gnaw on electric wires, causing damage to property. They can also spread germs and cause food contamination.
Other winter pests
Cockroaches and fleas move indoors during the winter, in order to avoid the cold. Bed bug infestations can also increase as a result of Christmas travel.
Looking for year round protection from pests? Contact the experts at Rentokil today.
Leave a Reply