13 December 2024
By Roger Kennedy
roger@TheCork.ie
Pests are a part of life but knowing when and where they are most active can help you stay one step ahead. Ireland’s changing seasons play a big role in the types of pests you’ll encounter. Some are active all year round while others are seasonal. This guide breaks down what to expect each season, how to prevent unwanted visitors and why some pests never take a break.
Spring
When the weather warms up pests reappear looking for food and shelter after winter.
- Ants: Colonies become more active, foraging for food.
- Wasps: Queens emerge from hibernation to establish new colonies.
- Flies: Activity ramps up as they love the spring sunshine.
Prevention Tips:
- Use airtight containers to store food and deter ants.
- Keep bins covered to reduce fly attraction.
Summer
Summer’s warm weather and outdoor events mean peak pest activity.
- Wasps and Bees: Wasps can get aggressive in late summer, bees are more laid back.
- Flies: Bluebottles and houseflies are attracted to uneaten food and summer heat.
- Moths: Clothes moths can damage indoor fabrics like clothing and upholstery.
Prevention Tips:
- Don’t leave sugary drinks and food outdoors to prevent wasp and fly infestations.
- Store fruits in sealed containers and clean wardrobes regularly to deter moths.
Autumn
Pests move indoors as temperatures cool down, seeking warmth and shelter.
- Spiders: Move into homes for a warm spot to spin their webs.
- Rodents: Mice and rats look for food and warm places to nest.
- Cluster Flies: Gather in large numbers in attics and lofts to hibernate.
Prevention Tips:
- Seal cracks and gaps in walls to block rodent entry points.
- Clean storage areas and remove spider webs.
- Install mesh screens on windows to prevent flies from getting in.
Winter
Many pests take shelter indoors during winter and become more visible as they seek warmth.
- Rodents: Active in kitchens and basements, especially near food.
- Silverfish: Love damp spaces like bathrooms.
- Cockroaches: Prefer warm, moist environments like kitchens.
Prevention Tips:
- Fit rat flaps in drains to prevent rodents from getting in.
- Fix moisture issues like leaks to deter silverfish and cockroaches.
- Keep garbage stored securely to reduce the food supply for indoor pests.
Year Round Pests
Some pests are so adapted to indoor life they are always around.
- Rodents (Mice and Rats): Always looking for shelter and food indoors.
- Cockroaches: Love warm and humid areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
- Silverfish: Found in dark damp corners all year round.
- Bed Bugs: In homes and hotels, feeding on human blood.
- Fleas: Active indoors especially where pets are present.
Year Round Prevention Tips:
- Clean and declutter regularly to remove hiding spots.
- Fix moisture issues to deter pests like cockroaches and silverfish.
- At the first sign of a pest problem call a pest control professional.
Why Pest Control Costs Vary
If you do call a pest control service the cost will depend on your location, the pest and the treatment required. Urban areas will have higher service fees due to accessibility issues, rural areas will have lower costs.
Clean Spaces Are Key
Your best defence against pests is a clean well maintained home. Fix any issues early—what starts as a small problem can become a big infestation.
Quick Tips to Prevent Pests:
- Keep doors closed to prevent mice or rats from getting in.
- Don’t let outdoor vines grow along walls, pests can use them as entry points.
- Regularly inspect your home and plug any holes or cracks.
Get Professional Help
Even with the best prevention you may still need professional help. A trusted pest control provider can save you time and stress and will provide a solution to get rid of the pests in your home.
Whatever the season or pest, be prepared and knowledgable and if unsure call in the experts—your space is worth it!