Pest Activity Calendar
Pests don't take vacations; they change shifts. Depending on the temperature, humidity, and time of year, different insects and rodents become more active as they forage for food, seek shelter, or enter their mating seasons.
Being proactive is the easiest way to keep your home pest-free. We put together this seasonal activity chart so you know exactly what to look out for, month by month.
As you can see from the chart, pest pressure shifts as the weather changes. Here is a quick breakdown of what drives these seasonal spikes:
Spring: The Awakening
As temperatures rise and spring showers roll in, pests emerge from overwintering.
- Termites: Spring is peak "swarming" season, meaning winged termites are out looking to start new colonies.
- Ants: Worker ants begin foraging aggressively to feed their growing colonies.
- Mosquitoes: As soon as temperatures consistently hit 50°F, mosquito eggs begin hatching in standing water.
Summer: Peak Activity
Summer brings the heat and humidity that most insects thrive in. This is when pest populations explode.
- Stinging Insects: Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets build their nests and become highly territorial.
- Ticks and Fleas: High grass and warm weather make summer the prime time for these biting pests to latch onto pets and people.
Fall: The Migration Indoors
When the leaves drop and the evening air gets crisp, pests realize winter is coming. Their top priority becomes finding a warm place to hide.
- Rodents: Mice and rats start looking for tiny entry points into basements, garages, and attics.
- Spiders: While they are around all year, fall is mating season for many spiders, making them much more visible inside your home.
- Overwintering Bugs: Stink bugs and boxelder bugs will cluster on the sunny sides of houses and slip through cracks to ride out the winter.
Winter: Seeking Shelter
While insect activity drops significantly outdoors, the pests that made it inside are now your roommates.
- Mice and Rats: They nest in insulation and forage through pantries.
- Cockroaches: They thrive in the dark, warm, and damp areas of your home, like under sinks and behind appliances.
Stay Ahead of the Calendar
The best time to stop a pest problem is before it starts. By knowing what's active this month, you can take the right steps to protect your property. If you're noticing any of the pests on this month's calendar, give the experts at PestNow a call. We'll build a targeted treatment plan to keep your home protected in every season.
