Seasonal Pest Guide: Common UK Pests by Month

Nothing is more irritating than spotting an unwelcome pest scurrying across your kitchen floor or buzzing around your living room. Whether it's a trail of ants in spring or a family of mice living in your wall cavities during the cold winter months, pests in the UK don't take holidays - they evolve with the seasons.

Every pest follows an annual pattern. Many like to follow the warmth, others are constantly looking for food, while others like to hibernate during the colder months. You can prevent infestations by proactively preparing ahead of time and using pest control more effectively if you know when particular pests are most likely to enter your house or garden.

In this guide, we'll take a look at the UK's pest calendar month by month, highlighting the most prominent pests by season, what drives their behaviour, and how to prevent them before they become a major issue. Let's get started.

Winter (December - February)

As temperatures drop reaching freezing or below on many nights, many pests prioritise warmth and shelter which draws them indoors into homes and attics. The weather outside is often too cold for outdoor issues as many pests are unable to survive the conditions.

• Rats & Mice - These rodents are the biggest threats during the colder winter months. Rats and mice seek warmth and shelter and to achieve this build their nests in hidden parts of your home including lofts, garages and behind walls which are warmer than outdoors. Tell-tale signs include gnawed wires, droppings, and scratching noises.
• Squirrels - Squirrels often invade lofts, thatched roofs and other roof spaces to nest during the winter. They're often noisy, destructive, and similarly to rats and mice, can chew through insulation, woodwork and electrical wiring.
• Cockroaches - Although less noticeable, cockroaches remain active indoors and thrive in centrally-heated homes, especially around restaurants, kitchens and bathrooms which are more humid.

Winter Pest Control Tips:

To proactively combat pests during the winter months, we recommend taking the following actions in your home or business:

1. Block potential entry points thoroughly with wire mesh or sealant.
2. Keep lofts, garages and storage rooms tidy and dry.
3. Use rodent traps and bait stations in high-risk areas.
4. Reduce indoor humidity to deter insects like cockroaches.

Spring (March - May)

As temperatures begin to rise and the days start to get longer, a new wave of pest activity begins both indoors and outdoors.

• Ants - Ants are more likely to start foraging in the spring. You can expect to see them on kitchen surfaces, on the floor or near skirting boards.
• Clothes Moths - Moths lay eggs and their larvae hatch, causing damage to clothing and other food sources.
• House Flies - You may notice flies more and see them appearing especially on your ceiling or near bins and windows.
• Nesting Birds - Bids set up their nests in eaves, rooflines and chimney stacks and will often be present until the start of Autumn.
• Silverfish & Woodlice - Silverfish and woodlice can be found in damp bathrooms and basements.
• Carpet Beetles - Adult carpet beetles emerge and may start laying eggs on your fabrics. They are often seen flying around your home, especially near windows.
• Slugs & Snails - Return to gardens following reduced activity in Winter and can enter kitchens through door gaps.

Spring Pest Control Tips:

To stay ahead of the surge in pest activity as temperatures rise:

1. Seal small cracks and crevices around doors, windows, and foundations to keep ants and other insects out.
2. Install bird deterrents such as spikes or netting to stop them from nesting in your roof spaces and chimneys.
3. Vacuum and clean fabrics regularly to prevent moth infestations in wardrobes and storage. Also use moth traps where necessary.
4. Declutter storage areas to reduce hiding spots for insects like silverfish and woodlice.
5. Regularly trim back vegetation close to your home to reduce slug and snail access.

Summer (June - August)

This is the prime season for insect infestations and garden intruders.

• Wasps - Wasps can become aggressive and territorial You may find their nests around eaves, sheds, and attics.
• Fleas & Bed Bugs - Fleas and bed bugs travel on pets or luggage and become widespread quickly.
• Cockroaches and Silverfish - Accelerate breeding in the warmth so you may see a greater presence.
• Carpet Beetles - Larvae hatch and begin feeding on wool, feathers, and fabrics. This is when they are most destructive.
• House Flies - Continue to be a nuisance and lay eggs in waste bins or drains.
• Ants - Flying ants appear in swarms during mating season, especially on the hottest days.
• Slugs, Snails - You will see slugs and snails more frequently in gardens, especially after rain.
• Foxes - Foxes love to dig through rubbish, compost or even the ground.
• Woodworm - As temperatures rise, adult wood-boring beetles emerge from exit holes in wooden furniture or beams.

Summer Pest Control Tips:

With pests at their most active both indoors and outdoors, prevention is key:

1. Keep bins sealed and emptied regularly to deter flies, foxes, and wasps.
2. Treat pets regularly with flea prevention solutions and inspect sleeping areas.
3. Proactively check your property for wasp nests before they become large and aggressive.
4. Use insect screens on windows and doors to keep out flying insects such as flies and wasps.
5. Store your precious textiles in sealed containers or bags to prevent carpet beetle and moth damage.
6. Repair leaks and maintain drainage to reduce excess moisture that attracts cockroaches and silverfish.

Autumn (September - November)

As days shorten and the temperature falls, pests start to prefer the indoors again.

• Spiders - Spiders are most active indoors during autumn as it's mating season.
• Rats & Mice - Migrate indoors again. Watch out for droppings, grease marks, gnawing and their noises.
• Cluster Flies - Enter lofts in large numbers to hibernate.
• Silverfish & Woodlice - Persistent in damp homes.

Autumn Pest Control Tips:

As pests begin moving indoors, take action to seal off your home:

1. Seal entry points including gaps in walls and under doors to block rodent entry.
   
2. Thoroughly clean gutters and drains to avoid creating damp areas that may attract pests such as woodlice and silverfish.
3. Inspect lofts and attics regularly for signs of nesting or hibernating insects like cluster flies.
4. Reduce clutter in unused rooms or in your garden to limit safe spaces for pests to settle.

Year-Round Pests to Watch

Some pests are never truly gone and you must stay vigilant throughout the year:

• Cockroaches - Are always a threat in urban homes throughout the year due to the humidity of spaces like your boiler room.
• Bed bugs – Especially in households with frequent travel or second-hand furniture.
• Silverfish & Woodlice - Thrive in ever-present humid conditions year-round.
• Rodents - Best stopped early as mice and rats can breed every 6 weeks.
• Spiders - Although most active in Autumn during mating season, some species live indoors all year.
• Foxes & Cats - Present in most urban gardens regardless of season.
• Pigeons & Seagulls - Year-round nuisances especially in cities and coastal towns.

Proactive Year-Round Pest Control Tips

• Inspect hiding spaces seasonally: Check lofts, basements, and garden sheds regularly.
• Clean house and garden thoroughly: Food residues and clutter in and around the house attract pests so remove these regularly. 
• Seal entry points: Use mesh, silicone, or steel wool to close gaps and stop pests from entering.
• Use the right DIY solutions: Browse PestBuddy.co.uk for DIY pest control solutions tailored to each season. These are typically a lot more affordable than expensive professional pest control services.
• Be aware of the law: There are laws regarding what you can and can't do when it comes to pest control especially when you are a landlord or tenant, so make sure you aware of these.

Final Thoughts: Take Control, Season by Season

You have the advantage when you know when pests are most active. You can protect your house and garden all year long with this seasonal pest guide. Put your trust in PestBuddy.co.uk to help you take charge right now with quick, secure, and efficient solutions.

At PestBuddy, we're here to empower you with effective, fast and easy-to-use DIY pest control products. Explore our range of products to take control of your pest problems with confidence.