Summer brings long days, warmer weather, and more time spent outdoors. But it also brings pests. From ants and wasps to flies and rodents, pest activity increases significantly during the hotter months. Homes and gardens become prime targets for unwanted visitors seeking food, water, and shelter.
In this blog, we’ll share practical and effective ways to avoid pest infestations in the summer. These tips are simple to follow and can make a big difference in keeping your home pest-free.
Why Are Pests More Active in Summer?
Many pests thrive in warm weather. Insects like ants, cockroaches, and flies reproduce more quickly when temperatures rise. Wasps and bees become more aggressive as their colonies grow. Meanwhile, rodents take advantage of open windows and outdoor food sources.
Pests are not just a nuisance—they can also pose health risks and cause damage to your property. Acting early through Sun Pest Control is the best way to prevent an infestation.
Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free
Cleanliness is one of the most important factors when it comes to pest prevention. Pests are drawn to food, crumbs, and rubbish. Make sure you:
- Wipe down worktops and kitchen surfaces after cooking
- Sweep or vacuum floors regularly
- Store food in sealed containers
- Take the bins out regularly and keep lids tightly closed
Don’t leave pet food out overnight, and be cautious about leaving dirty dishes in the sink. The fewer temptations for pests, the better.
Seal Entry Points Around the Home
Many pests gain access through tiny gaps, cracks, or holes. Rodents can squeeze through spaces as small as a 50p coin, while ants can slip through the tiniest of cracks.
Inspect the outside of your home and check for entry points:
- Fill cracks in walls or foundations
- Use sealant around windows and door frames
- Fit weather stripping under external doors
- Install mesh over vents and chimneys if needed
Pay special attention to pipes and wiring that enter your home—these are common access routes for both insects and mice.
Keep the Garden Tidy
Your garden can be the first place pests find shelter before moving into your home. Long grass, compost bins, and uncovered food can attract everything from flies to rats.
To reduce the risk:
- Cut the lawn regularly
- Clear away piles of leaves, wood, or garden waste
- Keep bins closed with secure lids
- Avoid leaving pet food or bird seed in the open
- Clean up after barbecues or outdoor meals
Consider using pest-repelling plants like lavender, mint, or rosemary, which can help deter insects naturally.
Be Cautious With Outdoor Rubbish and Recycling
Bins are a major attractant for summer pests, especially flies, wasps, and rodents. Warm weather speeds up decomposition, increasing smells that attract pests.
Place your outdoor bins away from doors and windows if possible. Clean bins regularly with hot water and disinfectant. Always ensure bin bags are tied tightly and avoid overfilling.
Rinse recycling containers before placing them outside. Sticky drink cans and food packaging are highly attractive to insects.
Watch for Standing Water
Mosquitoes, flies, and other pests breed in stagnant water. Even small amounts of water left undisturbed can create a breeding ground.
Check your outdoor space and eliminate areas where water collects, such as:
- Blocked drains or gutters
- Plant pots with saucers
- Buckets, toys, or containers left out in the rain
- Poorly drained garden areas
Inside the home, fix leaky taps and pipes promptly. Keep bathrooms well ventilated and dry.
Act Quickly at the First Sign of a Problem
The earlier you deal with a pest issue, the easier it is to control. Look out for:
- Droppings or gnaw marks (rodents)
- Small piles of sawdust or soft clicking sounds (wood-boring insects)
- Ant trails or flying insects near food
- Nests or hives under eaves or in sheds
- Musty smells in unused spaces like lofts or basements
If you notice any of these signs, take action straight away. DIY traps or sprays may work for very minor problems, but larger or ongoing infestations usually require professional pest control.
Consider Seasonal Pest Control Treatments
Prevention is better than cure. Some homeowners choose to have preventative pest control treatments at the start of summer to keep things under control before issues arise.
A professional pest control service can apply safe treatments around entry points, garden edges, or vulnerable areas. This can be particularly useful in older homes, rural properties, or houses near water or woodland.
Keep Outdoor Spaces Pest-Free
Decking, sheds, play areas, and patios can all become hiding places for pests. Regularly check these areas for signs of activity. Keep sheds tidy and sealed, and store pet food or seeds in pest-proof containers.
If you have outdoor furniture, clean it regularly to remove crumbs and residue. Pests like ants and wasps are drawn to areas where food is consumed.
Use citronella candles or natural sprays when dining outdoors. These help to keep flying insects away from you and your food.
Don’t Forget About Roof Spaces and Lofts
Summer isn’t just about garden pests. Birds, bats, and squirrels can make their way into roof spaces and cause damage to insulation, wiring, and timber.
Ensure loft vents are covered with mesh. Listen out for scurrying noises or droppings. And avoid leaving loft hatches open unnecessarily, as this can encourage movement into your main living space.
Final Thoughts
Summer is a time to enjoy your home and garden—not to share it with pests. By following these simple but effective tips, you can drastically reduce the chance of a pest infestation.
Keeping your home clean, sealing entry points, maintaining your garden, and dealing with early signs of trouble are all key to a pest-free summer.
If you’re ever unsure or suspect a problem is developing, it’s always best to speak to a local pest control expert. Acting early will save you time, stress, and potentially costly repairs later on.
