Weather has a major impact on the behavior of pests. From ants marching indoors during heavy rains to rodents seeking shelter in the winter, seasonal changes often influence when and how pests invade your home. Understanding how the weather affects pest activity can help you prevent infestations and know when to call the professionals at Ledford’s for reliable pest control solutions.
Warm Weather Creates Increased Pest Activity
When temperatures rise, pests thrive. Warm weather creates ideal conditions for insects such as ants, mosquitoes, and termites to become more active. You may notice more ants foraging for food inside your home or mosquitoes multiplying near standing water. Termites also become particularly destructive during the warmer months, as heat and humidity help them expand their colonies.
What You Can Do
- Seal entry points around doors and windows to keep ants and other insects out.
- Eliminate standing water in yards, gutters, and flowerpots to discourage mosquitoes.
- Schedule regular termite inspections to prevent costly structural damage.
Rainy Weather Makes Pests Search for Higher Ground
Rain can drive many pests indoors as they seek shelter and dry ground. Heavy rains often flush ants, cockroaches, and rodents from their nests, leading them straight into your home. Moist conditions also encourage mosquito breeding and attract pests like centipedes and earwigs.
What You Can Do
- Keep your basement and crawlspaces dry with proper ventilation or dehumidifiers.
- Repair leaky pipes or gutters to reduce moisture that attracts pests.
- Work with Ledford’s for preventative treatments that stop pests before they spread.
Cold Weather Makes Rodents Move Indoors
When temperatures drop, rodents such as mice and rats look for warm places to nest. Unfortunately, your home provides the perfect environment with food, shelter, and warmth. Once inside, rodents can chew wires, contaminate food, and spread diseases.
What You Can Do
- Seal cracks and holes in your foundation, siding, or roofline.
- Store food in airtight containers to reduce attractants.
- Contact Ledford’s if you hear scratching noises or see droppings, as these are common signs of a rodent infestation.
Seasonal Changes and Their Impact on Pests
Spring and fall bring changes in temperature that trigger pests to migrate, breed, or seek shelter. Wasps, for example, become more aggressive in late summer and fall as food sources decline, while stink bugs and spiders often look for ways indoors when cooler weather arrives. To reduce the risk of infestations during these transitions, inspect your home for cracks or damaged screens, minimize outdoor lighting that attracts insects, and consider preventative pest control services from Ledford’s that are tailored to each season.
Protect Your Home Year-Round with Ledford’s
While weather plays a big role in pest activity, you don’t have to face infestations alone. Our experts at Ledford’s understand how changing weather affects local pest activity and can design a prevention plan that keeps your home protected in every season. From ants and cockroaches in the summer to rodents in the winter, our team has the tools and experience to protect your home. Contact Ledford’s online today to schedule an inspection and keep your property pest-free all year long.