Seasonal Pest and Wildlife Trends: What to Watch For

Homeownership comes with a long list of responsibilities, but few are as universally dreaded as pest control. Whether it’s the scratching sound in the attic during winter or the trail of ants in the kitchen during summer, pests and wildlife have a knack for timing their invasions perfectly with the changing seasons.

Understanding the behavior of local wildlife and insects is your best defense. Pests don’t act randomly; they are driven by biological needs—food, water, shelter, and breeding—that fluctuate throughout the year. By anticipating these seasonal shifts, you can move from a reactive stance (panic and traps) to a proactive one (prevention and peace of mind).

This guide breaks down the year by season, highlighting which critters are most likely to pay you a visit and how you can stop them before they get comfortable.

Spring: The Awakening

As temperatures rise and flowers bloom, the pest world wakes up. Spring is the primary breeding season for many species, meaning their activity levels skyrocket as they search for mates, nesting sites, and food for their young.

Termites Swarm

One of the most destructive spring events is the termite swarm. As the ground warms up, winged termites (alates) emerge from their colonies to mate and establish new ones.

• What to watch for: Discarded wings near windowsills and doors, mud tubes on foundation walls, and hollow-sounding wood.
• Prevention: Eliminate wood-to-soil contact around your home and ensure proper drainage to keep the foundation dry.

Ants on the March

Ants are notoriously active in spring as they forage for food to support their expanding colonies. Rain can also drive them indoors as they seek dry ground.

• What to watch for: Trails of ants in the kitchen, pantry, or bathroom.
• Prevention: Seal cracks and crevices around the house. Keep the kitchen spotless—even a few crumbs can attract a scout ant who will bring the whole colony.

Stinging Insects Queens

Queen wasps and hornets emerge from hibernation in early spring to look for suitable spots to build new nests.

• What to watch for: Large, solitary wasps flying around eaves, porch ceilings, or sheds.
• Prevention: Inspect your property early. It is much easier (and safer) to deter a single queen from building a nest than to remove a colony of hundreds later in the summer.

Summer: The Peak Activity Season

Summer provides the ideal conditions for most pests: heat and humidity. Populations hit their peak, and the competition for resources can drive them into your living space.

Mosquitoes Take Flight

Warmer nights and summer storms create perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Beyond the annoyance of itchy bites, they can carry diseases like West Nile virus.

• What to watch for: Swarms near standing water, particularly at dawn and dusk.
• Prevention: Eliminate standing water in birdbaths, gutters, and flowerpots. Keep vegetation trimmed to reduce resting spots for adult mosquitoes.

Flies and Gnats

High temperatures accelerate the decomposition of organic matter, which is a magnet for house flies, fruit flies, and gnats.

• What to watch for: Small flying insects hovering over fruit bowls, trash cans, or drains.
• Prevention: Take the trash out frequently and ensure lids are sealed tight. Keep produce in the fridge and clean garbage disposals regularly.

Bat Maternity Season

Bats are beneficial for eating insects, but you don’t want them in your attic. Summer is typically when bats give birth and raise their pups.

• What to watch for: Guano (droppings) on the porch or near attic vents, and high-pitched squeaking sounds at dusk.
• Prevention: Do not seal entry points during summer. If you trap the mother outside, the pups inside will die, leading to odor issues. Wait until autumn for exclusion work.

Autumn: The Great Migration Indoors

As the days shorten and the air cools, the priority for pests shifts from reproduction to survival. They need a warm place to overwinter, and your heated home looks like a five-star hotel.

Rodents Seek Shelter

Mice and rats are the most common fall invaders. They can squeeze through impossibly small openings—a mouse only needs a hole the size of a dime.

• What to watch for: Droppings in cupboards, gnaw marks on food packaging or wires, and scratching noises in walls.
• Prevention: Seal all exterior gaps with steel wool and caulk. Check where pipes enter the house and ensure garage doors close tightly.

Overwintering Insects

Certain insects, like boxelder bugs, stink bugs, and lady beetles, congregate on the sunny sides of homes in the fall before moving into wall voids to hibernate.

• What to watch for: Large clusters of bugs on siding or windows.
• Prevention: Repair damaged window screens and seal gaps around window frames. If they get inside, vacuum them up rather than squishing them, which can release unpleasant odors.

Spiders Move In

While many spiders are present year-round, you might notice them more in the fall. Some species enter homes looking for mates, while others are simply following their food source (other insects) indoors.

• What to watch for: Webs in corners, basements, and garages.
• Prevention: Reduce clutter in storage areas where spiders like to hide. Knock down webs regularly to discourage them from settling.

Winter: The Silent Residents

Winter activity is generally lower, but the pests that made it inside during autumn are now your roommates. This is the season when structural damage often occurs unnoticed.

Cockroaches Hunker Down

Cockroaches crave warmth and moisture. If they find a way into your home, they will stay active throughout the winter, feeding on food scraps and reproducing.

• What to watch for: Droppings resembling pepper or coffee grounds, egg casings, and a musty odor.
• Prevention: Keep basements and crawl spaces dry with dehumidifiers. Store food in airtight containers.

Wildlife in the Attic

Squirrels and raccoons don’t truly hibernate, though they do slow down. They often use attics as dens to stay warm and protect themselves from the elements.

• What to watch for: Thumping or heavy scratching overhead, damaged shingles, or insulation found in the yard.
• Prevention: Trim tree branches away from the roofline to cut off easy access. Install chimney caps and heavy-duty mesh over vents.

Bed Bugs Don’t Sleep

Bed bugs are indoor pests that are not affected by outside weather. However, winter travel for the holidays often leads to a spike in infestations as people inadvertently bring them home in luggage.

• What to watch for: Rusty stains on bed sheets, small dark spots on mattresses, and itchy red bites in rows.
• Prevention: Inspect hotel rooms carefully when traveling. Wash clothes in hot water immediately upon returning home.

Year-Round Prevention Strategies

While seasonal trends are helpful, the best defense is a consistent offense. Regardless of the month, maintaining the “envelope” of your home is crucial.

1. Moisture Control: Pests need water. Fix leaky faucets, ensure downspouts direct water away from the house, and maintain proper ventilation in attics and crawl spaces.
2. Landscaping: Keep mulch at least 12 inches away from the foundation. Cut back bushes and vines that touch the siding, as these act as bridges for insects.
3. Sanitation: Regular cleaning disrupts pheromone trails and removes food sources. Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
4. Regular Inspections: Walk around your home’s exterior once a season. Look for new cracks, rotting wood, or gaps in the weatherstripping.