Why are Pests More Active During the Summer?

Preventing Summer Pest Infestations

With the summer shower just around the corner, many of us are already daydreaming about days of sunshine and fun outdoor activities to come.

But what most may not realise is that every bit of joy that comes with this magical season of year also brings an increased risk for some unwanted guests.

Pests including flies, cockroaches, and other insect predators and rodents become more active in the warmer months.

But why is this? What factors contribute to an increase in insect activity during warmer weather?

And what strategies can be used to prevent or control them?

In this article, we will explore these questions and discuss common types of pests.

And what professional pest controllers suggest as effective preventive measures you can take to reduce your risk.

Increase in Temperature and Humidity

It’s no secret that hot weather can really wreak havoc on our comfort levels, especially during the height of summer. Unfortunately for us, these higher temperatures also make conditions more hospitable for pests too. As the mercury rises, so does pest. Hot and humid climates are ideal breeding grounds for many species due to their ability to better retain moisture and heat.

Access to food and water

Warm weather is great and all, but if it weren’t for access to feeds and water sources. Pest would be significantly reduced. The abundance of food and water found during the summer season as compared to winter season makes these areas really attractive to pests. Whether it be from free-flowing natural resources or human activities such as picnics and barbecues. There’s just plenty of options available for feeding that can easily sustain pest population booms.

More Reproduction

Warm weather and access to food and water can make pests more likely to reproduce. For some species, certain temperatures trigger breeding and feeding activities. This is in order to ensure their survival. Look no further than termites for example. In order for them to lay their eggs they need standing water and waste in which to survive. Making warm than cold season and plentiful sources of water key ingredients for giving life to one of the world’s most annoying critters.

Longer Daylight Hours

With the summer solstice just around the corner, this means that we’ll also experience increasingly longer periods of sunshine and daylight. These extra hours of sunlight translate to more activity for insect population as it allows them extra time to go about finding something to feed on and a mate. Longer days and shorter nights also permit adults and their offspring to complete their life cycles. From egg to adult in one summer season making it easier for pests populations to rapidly increase compared to other seasons. This is common in flies and fruit flies.

Increased outdoor activities.

It’s not just the increased heat and the moment of day that contribute to pest. But our own activities do as well. With more people having leisure during summer months to partake in outdoor activities. We’re essentially bringing ourselves into closer contact with them through these activities which can cause increasing numbers of stinging insect to congregate in spots we frequent.

Increased Moisture

With heat peaking, so does the moisture levels. Humid air has a greater capacity to retain heat meaning that as heat increase. Also, the levels of moisture in the atmosphere during summer. This can create prime conditions for insect activity. This is because many species thrive in areas with higher humidity.

Hitchhiking

Families going on vacation during the summer can sometimes find themselves as unwitting transporters of pests. During packing, clothing and outdoor gear can easily become invaded by common pests looking for a safe place to hide. Bobcats, moths, spiders, and other critters can latch onto things we trustingly carry with us. And once inside the safety of your home, they’ll easily be able to take liberties and establish residence.

Pest biology and behavior

Pest biology and behavior also play a large role in deciding how active they become during the summer. Certain species may do better in environments and people with higher body heat and more moisture such as cockroaches or ticks whereas others may be deterred from these conditions as too hot or dry for them to survive comfortably. With many of these species, their behaviors vary based on the environment, and oftentimes will prepare themselves for cooler months if they can’t find a suitable place to breed during summer. In addition, feeding patterns can often depend on heat changes so different pests may become more active if viable sources are abundant during specific seasons such as fruits, flowers, or other plants that are found more frequently in warmer weather.

Flies

Flies are especially active during summer months due to more frequent warm and humidity. During this time, adult flies seek out moist environments in order to lay their eggs. This results in a rapid increase in fly populations around the area. Flies can also multiply quickly if left unchecked. This is because they can produce hundreds or even thousands of eggs at once depending on the species.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying pests that summer can bring. With warm and moist environments these flying blood-suckers quickly amass in hundreds. They search for hosts to annoy and leave behind itchy skin in their wake. As heat pair well with their breeding habits, mosquitoes easily find pools of water. That’s where they’re able to lay their dozens of eggs which quickly hatch into more pests.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches will also often find a way into our homes during the summer months. This is due to higher temperatures and increased humidity levels making it easier for them to thrive. These creatures prefer dark areas. They also reproduce at alarming rates quickly turning into an infestation if left unchecked, further amplifying any threat they may already be causing through unsanitary conditions or allergic reactions from human body contact.

Rodents

Rodents such as rats or mice are also pests that can bear a particular grudge against us during summertime if allowed. These animals quickly reproduce and find sources near human habitats. This means they often seek our homes out for a more permanent sanctuary as heat rise. They’re also very capable of getting through the tightest of spaces in order to gain access indoors. Meaning they are sometimes nearly impossible to get rid of. Unless we actively take precautions that prevent them from entering our homes in the first place.

Prevention and Control Strategies for Summer Pests

Removal of Entry Points into Home or Business

When looking for ways to minimise the number of pests, one of the most effective natural steps is to reduce their ability to enter your property. Inspecting both the interior and exterior of your property and sealing them off will generally help greatly reduce any pest infestations from forming. This natural pest control agent includes repairing cracks in walls, windowsills, doors, or plumbing fixtures as well as ensuring trees aren’t too close to your residence. An added precaution would be putting mesh screens in windows or other vents coming into contact with outdoor areas. As this should also help avoid any unwanted visitors from coming inside.

Sanitation to Keep Areas Clean and Free from Potential Food Sources for Pests

Maintaining proper sanitation practices is essential to minimise the availability of food that attract pests. Promptly clean up spills and crumbs from surfaces, floors, and furniture. Regularly vacuum, sweep, and mop to remove food debris that can attract pests. This prevents pests from accessing and contaminating your food. Furthermore, clean kitchen appliances, such as stoves, ovens, and microwaves, regularly to remove food residues and spills that can attract pests.

Proper Storage of Garbage and Leftover Food Sources

Proper storage of garbage and leftover feeds is essential in deterring pests. Store outdoor trash in sturdy, lidded garbage bins to prevent pests from accessing it. Make sure the bins are in good condition and have no openings or gaps. Regularly clean the garbage area, including the bins and the surrounding space, to remove any residues or spills that can attract pests. In addition, After outdoor gatherings or picnics, thoroughly clean and remove any scraps or spills from outdoor eating areas. This includes wiping down tables, chairs, and other surfaces to eliminate residue. However, professional pest control service is the best way to go.

Conclusion

As summer rapidly approaches, so do the chances of encountering more pests.

It‘s important to understand why and how they become more active during summer months in order to find ways to control them from entering our homes or businesses.

Varying factors like an increase in heat and humidity, access to feed and water sources, and longer daylight hours contribute greatly to pest activity during these warmer times of year.

To help lower your risk for infestations, research proper preventive measures such as one–way entry points or sanitation practices in order to take the necessary steps towards pest prevention and protection.