Seasonal Pests: What to Watch Out for Each Season
Seasonal Pests on the Central Coast
Pests don’t take a break—they adapt to the seasons. As temperatures rise and fall, different pests become more active, seeking food, shelter, and breeding opportunities. Whether it’s termites swarming in spring, cockroaches invading in summer, rodents seeking warmth in winter, or spiders appearing in autumn, every season comes with its own set of challenges.
On the Central Coast, the warm, humid climate makes it a prime location for pest activity year-round. Coastal conditions and seasonal weather shifts create the perfect environment for insects and rodents to thrive, making proactive pest control essential for homes and businesses.
Understanding the pest calendar can help you stay ahead of infestations before they become costly problems. By knowing what to expect each season and taking early action, you can protect your property from unwanted visitors. Here’s what to watch out for throughout the year and how to keep pests under control.
Spring: Breeding Season for Pests
As the weather warms up and humidity rises, spring marks the beginning of peak activity for many pests. This is the season when insects and rodents come out of hiding, looking to breed and establish colonies. If left unchecked, minor infestations can quickly escalate, making early prevention crucial.
Common Pests in Spring
Termites – Warmer temperatures and increased moisture make spring a prime time for termite swarming. These silent destroyers look for new places to establish colonies, often targeting wooden structures around homes.
Ants – With food sources becoming more abundant, ant colonies expand rapidly. You may notice scout ants entering your home, searching for crumbs and sugary residues.
Mosquitoes – Spring showers leave behind stagnant water, creating the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. As temperatures rise, mosquito larvae hatch, leading to an increase in bites.
Spiders – Spring is prime hunting season for spiders as insect populations surge. You’ll often find them setting up webs in garages, sheds, and garden areas.
Spring Pest Prevention & Extermination Tips
- Schedule a Termite Inspection – Spring is when termites are most active, making this the ideal time for a professional inspection to catch infestations early.
- Seal Entry Points for Ants – Check doors, windows, and cracks in walls for gaps that ants can use to get inside. A barrier spray around the home can also help keep them out.
- Remove Standing Water – To reduce mosquito breeding, empty buckets, flower pots, and other containers that collect water. Consider using mosquito dunks in ponds or rainwater tanks.
- Keep Outdoor Lights Off at Night – Spiders are attracted to areas with high insect activity. Reducing outdoor lighting at night can help keep them from setting up webs around your home.
By tackling these pests early in spring, you can prevent them from becoming bigger problems as the seasons progress.
Summer: Peak Pest Activity
Summer is the season when pests are at their most active, thriving in the heat and humidity. As temperatures soar, insects reproduce rapidly, and many pests move indoors in search of food, water, and cooler conditions. If left unchecked, summer infestations can quickly spiral out of control, making pest prevention crucial during this time.
Common Pests in Summer
Cockroaches – High temperatures drive cockroaches indoors, where they look for moisture and food. They are especially drawn to kitchens, bathrooms, and dark, damp areas.
Mosquitoes – Still a major problem in summer, mosquitoes remain highly active, especially after rain. They breed in stagnant water, and their bites can spread diseases.
Flies – The warm climate accelerates the life cycle of flies, leading to large populations around homes, garbage bins, and food preparation areas.
Wasps & Bees – Summer is peak season for wasps and bees, which become more aggressive as they forage for food. Wasps, in particular, can build nests around homes and pose a stinging hazard.
Prevention & Extermination Tips
- Keep Food Sealed & Bins Covered – Store food in airtight containers, wipe down surfaces, and empty bins regularly to deter cockroaches and flies.
- Use Insect Screens & Fly Traps – Install mesh screens on doors and windows, and use sticky traps to catch flies before they become a problem.
- Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Areas – Empty out stagnant water sources like pet bowls, gutters, and birdbaths to reduce mosquito breeding.
- Remove Fallen Fruit & Sugary Residues – Wasps and bees are attracted to sweet scents, so clean up any spilled drinks, fruit scraps, or sticky residues.
- Book a Professional Pest Control Treatment – If you notice a growing infestation, professional pest control can provide targeted treatments to eliminate summer pests before they multiply further.
Autumn: Preparing for Cooler Months
As summer fades and temperatures begin to drop, pests start adjusting their behavior to prepare for the cooler months ahead. Autumn is a transitional season where many pests look for shelter, warmth, and food, often making their way indoors. This is the time when infestations can take root, so early action is key to preventing problems before winter.
Common Pests in Autumn
Rodents (Rats & Mice) – With cooler weather approaching, rodents seek warmth and food sources inside homes, garages, and sheds. They can cause structural damage by chewing through wires, insulation, and stored goods.
Cockroaches – While summer is their peak season, cockroaches remain active in autumn, especially as they look for warm hiding spots indoors. Their rapid reproduction rate makes early intervention essential.
Spiders – Many spider species become more noticeable in autumn as they look for places to lay eggs. You might see an increase in web-building around windows, ceilings, and outdoor areas.
Silverfish – These moisture-loving pests thrive in damp, dark areas such as basements, bathrooms, and storage boxes. Their presence can lead to damage to books, clothing, and paper products.
Prevention & Extermination Tips
- Seal Entry Points – Inspect doors, windows, and walls for small gaps where rodents and insects can sneak in. Use weather stripping and caulking to block access.
- Store Food Properly – Rodents and cockroaches are drawn to easily accessible food. Keep dry goods in sealed containers and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
- Declutter Storage Areas – Spiders and silverfish love cluttered spaces. Keep storage rooms, basements, and garages organised and dry to prevent infestations.
Use Rodent Traps & Bait Stations – If you suspect rodent activity, setting up traps early can prevent a full-blown infestation before winter arrives. - Book a Pest Control Inspection – A professional pest inspection in autumn can identify hidden infestations and prevent problems from escalating when colder months arrive.
Winter: Indoor Pest Problems
Winter may bring cooler temperatures, but that doesn’t mean pests disappear. Instead, many shift their activity indoors, seeking warmth, shelter, and food. This season often sees an increase in hidden infestations, as pests settle in hard-to-reach areas like roof voids, basements, and kitchens. Since many pests go unnoticed in winter, early detection is key to preventing major problems.
Common Pests in Winter
Rodents (Rats & Mice) – Winter is peak rodent season, as rats and mice move indoors for warmth and food. They often nest in walls, ceilings, and garages, chewing through insulation and wiring.
Cockroaches – These pests remain active in warm, humid indoor areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms. They can spread bacteria and contaminate food supplies.
Termites – Unlike other pests, termites don’t hibernate. They remain active year-round, silently damaging wooden structures, but are often overlooked in winter.
Bed Bugs – Indoor heating and increased travel during the holidays can lead to a rise in bed bug infestations, especially in hotels and shared accommodations.
Prevention & Extermination Tips
- Regular Inspections for Rodents – Check for droppings, gnaw marks, and scratching noises in walls or ceilings. Set traps early to prevent a full infestation.
- Fix Leaks & Reduce Moisture – Cockroaches thrive in damp environments, so repair leaking pipes and use a dehumidifier in problem areas.
- Book a Termite Inspection – Termite activity doesn’t slow down in winter. A professional inspection can catch infestations before major structural damage occurs.
- Wash & Vacuum Bedding Frequently – Regularly clean mattresses, bedding, and upholstery to prevent bed bug infestations from
How Coastwide Pest Control Keeps Your Property Pest-Free
Pests don’t take a break—they simply adapt to the changing seasons. From termites swarming in spring to cockroaches invading in summer, rodents seeking warmth in winter, and spiders laying eggs in autumn, every season brings its own pest challenges. By staying aware of these seasonal trends and taking proactive measures, you can prevent small problems from turning into costly infestations.
While DIY prevention can help, some pests require professional treatment to eliminate them completely. That’s where Coastwide Pest Control comes in. As a local, family-owned business with over 20 years of experience, we’ve helped hundreds of Central Coast homes and businesses stay pest-free all year round. We understand how seasonal conditions affect pest activity and provide targeted solutions to keep your property protected.
By following a pest calendar and scheduling routine inspections, you can stay ahead of infestations before they start. Whether you need a termite check, rodent control, or a summer pest treatment, our team is here to help with reliable, effective pest management.
Don’t wait until pests take over—contact Coastwide Pest Control today and enjoy a pest-free home in every season!