Seasonal insect problems

Different seasons bring their own individual challenges with regards to pests and disease. Just like the weather changes with each season, so do the pests that we see. Some pests prefer warm weather and peak in spring and summer while other pests will surge in the winter as they come inside to get out of the cold. Since the majority of pests find their way into predictable places and have usual habits, you can be one step ahead of the problem.

Spring

Spring is a season of new life and beginnings as it brings about an increase in temperatures, the melting of ice, and the blooming of flowers. Spring is the time that most insects are awakening and mating. Here are some common spring pests to look out for:

• Termites – Every spring, termites leave their nests to mate and start new colonies. This is called “swarming”. Termites will travel in droves when the warmer spring weather hits, normally after a rain shower.
• Ants – Certain ant species will forage for food in the warmer months. Rainy weather also drives ants out of their colonies and into homes for shelter.
• Spiders – Spiders become active in the spring as they search for food. The increase in insect activity as they wake from their winter slumber provides ample opportunities for spiders to feed.
• Flies – Flies reach maturity at the beginning of spring. Once they mature, they will flock to areas that humans inhabit as they look for food. They prefer liquids and other sweet foods.
• Moths – The majority of indoor infesting moths are attracted to your home because it offers a great place to lay eggs and feast upon a variety of household items. They enjoy eating all dry goods including clothes, nuts, chocolate, flour, curtains
• Stinging insects – Stinging insects such as bees, wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets awaken from their dormant state and become more active in the spring.
• Bed bugs – Although bed bugs are a year-round problem, their populations can spike in springtime because of the increased travel for Easter and spring break from schools.

Summer

As the hotter months approach, both indoor and outdoor pests are often at the peak of feeding and breeding activities. Summer typically offers a reprieve from insects and pests seeking shelter in your home as many pests’ life cycles are maturing and are less of a threat. These are some of the main pests during the summer months:

• Mosquitoes – Mosquitoes thrive during the warmer months due to the hot weather speeding up their growth cycle allowing them to lay more eggs in a shorter amount of time.
• Stinging insects – Bees, wasps, and other stinging insects are more active during the summer because of the moisture from the spring months. Their season actually begins in spring but their population numbers peak in summer and their bites are incredibly painful and for some with certain allergies, they can be fatal.
• Ants – Ants multiply during the warm months of summer and search for food and sugary substances. It’s likely that they will find their way into your home through any minute cracks, holes, loose doors or windows. By leaving dirty dishes out, food residue and open bins, you’re inviting ants into your home and once you have them, you have thousands.
• Cockroaches – Summer is the breeding season for cockroaches, which is why they’re abundant at this time of year.
• Flies – Flies are most active in Summer as it is their peak breeding season.

Fall

Fall is a time of preparation for a lot of pests to get ready for the cold winter months coming up. Many species will seek out warmth and sheltered places.

• Rodents – Rodents will migrate indoors as the weather cools in search of warmth, shelter, food, and water. Rodents not only spread disease but will also chew through wood supports and electrical wires in your home.
• Fleas – Fleas flourish in warmer weather so as the weather cools, we see their populations indoors thrive. Fleas will hitchhike into your home on both your pets and any other wildlife that come into your home in the fall.
• Cockroaches –  Cockroaches are some of the most common fall pests. Cockroaches cannot survive in colder temperatures so fall is when we see them start to migrate indoors in search of shelter and warmth.
• Spiders – With low temperatures come an invasion of spiders, as your home offers countless places to nest. Spiders also breed in the fall so activity will increase as males go in search of mates.
• Stinkbugs – Stinkbugs are known for having a nasty smelling fluid they eject as a defense mechanism or when they feel threatened.

Winter

Winter months are a time of hibernation and survival for pests. The pests don’t like the cold weather and have a hard time surviving if it gets too cold. Some pests will look for shelter outdoors, while others will look for shelter indoors.

• Rodents – When the temperature begins to drop, rodents are the most common pests we see in the winter. Rats, mice, and squirrels will invade our homes in search of a warm place to stay and an ample supply of food and water.
• Cockroaches – Some cockroaches are still active during this time of year and seek dark damp areas.
• Bed Bugs – Traveling during the holidays can mean an uptick in bedbug activity and because they are difficult to detect.

Professional Pest control

It’s important to know which pests to keep your eye out for in order to prevent a seasonal pest problem. Ongoing yearly pest control services will keep them out.

Call Competitive Pest Services to help prevent any infestations any time of the year – 1300 766 614