The Right Time to Call for Pest Control

  • 1st August 2022
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Pests come in and out of season, with some more likely than others to creep their way into your home depending on the time of year.

In the warmer months, you’re more wary of bees and wasps but when the cold hits they leave their nests for another year. Whereas in the winter, you’ll find pests trying to escape the cold.

If you think you may have an infestation, no matter the time of year, our reliable pest control experts can scout the area, find the nest and get rid of them for good. But what do you look out for and when do you know it’s time to get a professional round?

Understanding the warning signs and when certain pests are in season will help you determine when to get a professional round.

Spring/summer

During the spring and summer months, there are certain pests to be more wary of than others. 

Ants, bees and wasps will be on the hunt for places to nest and there are specific signs to look out for. These are the tell-tale signs you have an infestation.

Ants

Ants can build a nest in most places and still thrive, including in your home. So when you spot a couple roaming around inside, you can assume that there are probably more where they came from. 

Especially in the summer, ants can multiply quickly and will be on the hunt for sweet food, finding their way into your home through holes, windows, cracks and more. Their infestations can quickly become out of control, but thankfully they’re easy to spot. 

When are they in season?

Ants are active all year round, but they are even more active during June and September and can be found looking for sweet and sugary food, so keep an eye out when eating outdoors.

What are the signs of an ant infestation?

It’s common to find ants nests in wood, soil or places that offer moisture and easy food access.

During the spring and summer, keep an eye out for large groups of ants. If you come across some, get in touch with us. Our pest controllers will be able to treat the issue. 

Even if we are unable to locate the nest, the ants will take the poison back to the nest. This isn’t guaranteed, but even if the nest can’t be located, we will do our best to resolve the problem.

Only get in touch with our pest controllers if you notice any of the following signs as these are likely to suggest you have an ant infestation. Home remedies can only go so far, so getting a professional round is the best way to go:

  • Live ants inside your home
  • Ant trails
  • Ants around food
  • Discarded insect wings
  • Crumbling wooden structures
  • Mounds of ants outside your home
Bees and wasps

The warm weather brings about a number of things, and bees and wasps are one of them. 

Pest controllers can only intervene with a bee or wasp swarm when a nest is present. Without a nest, there is no way to control the bees or wasps. 

Get in touch once you’re sure a nest has been formed, or we will be happy to take a look and try to locate the nest if you’re unsure. 

When are they in season?

You’re most likely to come across bees and wasps from March to the beginning of September.

What are the signs of a bee or wasp infestation?

Our pest controllers will only be able to intervene once a nest has formed. If there are only swarms of bees and wasps, we will be unable to do anything. When there is a nest, we will be able to either relocate it or get rid of it to get your property back to normal. Signs of a bee or wasp nests are as follows:

  • Large groups of bees or wasps in one area, outside or inside
  • Loud continuous buzzing in one area
  • Visible nest structures, such as a grey/brown paper ball or balloon
Autumn/winter

You can expect to see more of mice, rats and cockroaches when the cold months appear.

Mice and rats

Pests like mice and rats will be on the hunt for shelter and food once it starts to get colder outside.

You’d be surprised to see how tiny the gaps mice and rats can fit through, making it easy to invade your home. 

They will be looking for sugary, starchy food so to avoid encouraging them to stay, make sure the food in your cupboards are securely fastened.

When are they in season?

Although mice and rats can be a nuisance all year round, the need for warmth in the winter increases the chances of an infestation dramatically. This is why you should stay extra vigilant in the cold months. Keep an eye out from October to February.

What Are the Signs of a Mice or Rat Infestation?

If you’re thinking about giving us a call to treat an infestation, have a look for these signs before you do:

  • Droppings
  • Scratch marks
  • Chew marks on packaging or around the house
  • Holes in the cracks of your walls

 

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are known for their survival skills, but even they want to escape the cold when it reaches a certain temperature. With food and humidity, they are happy insects. But it can be harder to find food in the cold, which is why they’re more likely to turn to your home in their search.

To prevent their entry, try sealing up cracks and holes around your house, get rid of water sources and keep your home clean and tidy.

When are they in season?

Cockroaches are a pain all year round, but they’re more likely to invade your home when it gets too cold. Their breeding season is the summer, but they’ll hide in warm areas of your home from November until February.

What Are the Signs of a Cockroach Infestation?

  • Unpleasant smells
  • Brown smear marks around water
  • Shedding of skin
  • Nibble marks on materials such as paper, clothing and packaging
Keep pests at bay

Pests are a pain. But they don’t have to be. Our professional team of pest controllers use top-quality techniques and equipment to locate and deal with any type of infestation. 

If you spot the signs, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0330 108 4111

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