What time of year are pests most active?

Pests can infest homes and businesses at any time of the year; however, certain seasons tend to see increased pest activity. Property owners need to take proactive measures to prevent pest infestations and limit the damage and health risks that they can cause. Read on to find out what time of year are pests most active. 

Pest activity throughout the year

Spring and summer may be known for increased pest activity, but it’s important to remain vigilant all year round. Pests can remain active in various forms throughout all seasons, even during the colder months of autumn and winter. Keep reading to learn what time of year are pests most active. 

• Spring. Pests start to become more active once spring arrives, with the rising temperatures and increased vegetation bringing them out of hiding. Insects such as ants and flies begin searching for food and nesting sites. 
• Summer. Pests are most active during the summer months thanks to the warm weather and plentiful sources of food. Wasps and bees thrive at this time of year, often invading homes and gardens in search of food, water, and shelter. Rodents such as mice and rats are more active as they seek refuge from the heat in cool, dark areas.
• Autumn. Temperatures may start to cool in the autumn, but that doesn’t mean you can forget about pests. Many pests, including rodents, spiders, and cockroaches, seek warm, sheltered environments at this time of year, invading homes and businesses as a result. You may still notice ants during the autumn; however, you can expect them to disappear once the first frost arrives. 
• Winter. Pest activity generally decreases in winter due to the cold temperatures; however, some species can continue to be a problem. Indoor pests such as rodents, spiders and cockroaches may seek refuge indoors, where temperatures are warmer, and food is more easily accessible.

Key factors influencing pest activity

There are some key factors influencing pest activity, ranging from temperature and moisture to the availability of food sources. 

• Temperature. Warmer temperatures typically result in increased pest activity, while colder temperatures may cause pests to become dormant or seek shelter indoors. The reason for this is that colder temperatures may slow down pests’ metabolisms and reproductive cycles, leading them to conserve energy and seek warmth for survival.
• Moisture. Water is essential for the survival of many pests, which means they often seek out environments which are rich in moisture. Excess moisture from rain, humidity, or even plumbing leaks can create the perfect conditions for pest infestations. 
• Food sources. The availability of food sources plays a significant role in pest activity. Most pests are attracted to areas where food is plentiful and easily accessible, whether it’s crumbs on the kitchen worktops or rubbish bins left open. As a result, proper food storage and waste management are essential for deterring pests from infesting homes.

How to prevent pest activity 

Pests can have a serious impact on your property and human health. They can potentially cause serious property damage and raising the risk of serious diseases like dengue fever, Lyme disease, and salmonellosis. To prevent pest activity, it’s essential to implement proactive measures, including:

• Sealing entry points. Check around your property for any cracks or gaps that pests use to gain entry. Seal off these entry points using caulk or weatherstripping to prevent pests from finding their way into your home or business.  
• Maintain cleanliness. Keeping your property clean is essential if you want to keep pests at bay. Remove any food debris, spills, and clutter that could attract pests, making sure you clean worktops, floors, and cupboards regularly. Additionally, ensure you store food in airtight containers to discourage pests. 
• Remove standing water. Since many pests are attracted to high-moisture environments, eliminating sources of standing water, such as clogged gutters and leaky taps, is essential.  
• Trim vegetation. Overgrown vegetation outside your home or business can provide places for pests to hide before gaining entry into the building. Keep bushes, shrubs and other vegetation trimmed back as much as possible. 

Pest control in Doncaster 

Now you know what time of year are pests most active, you may be looking for a pest control service. At Topline, we are a leading provider of pest control in Doncaster, serving property owners throughout the city. Whether you’re dealing with an ant infestation during the summer months or mice have made themselves at home in the winter, we can assist. We use a range of methods to tackle pest problems safely and effectively, from chemical methods which use insecticides, rodenticides, and pesticides to kill or repel pests, to biological methods which involve the use of natural predators to control pest populations. 

With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, we possess the knowledge and expertise required to achieve excellent results every time. We’ll tailor our service to meet your specific needs, making sure we deal with your infestation promptly and effectively. Don’t simply turn a blind eye to pests in your home or business premises; reach out to us today and find out how we can eliminate them once and for all. By enlisting our services now, you can mitigate the effects of pests on your property, reducing the risk of damage and disease. 

Contact us  

If you require professional pest control in Doncaster, get in touch with our team. You can reach us by calling 01302 969049 or by sending us a message via our website. We’re on hand to discuss your pest problem with you and provide effective solutions tailored to your needs. We provide prompt service here at Topline, with our pest controllers on hand to assist you at the earliest opportunity.