Remember the routine? A few months of peace, then the pests return. Fruit flies, ladybugs, ants – they all find a way back into your home. Seasonal pests are a nuisance because they disappear for a while, making us forget to prevent their return.
Benjamin Hottel, an entomologist at Rollins, Inc., shared insights with Onions Australia on why pests return and how they tend to revisit the same places. “Many pests seek shelter in homes during unfavorable conditions,” he explained. Ladybugs, for example, release attractant pheromones at their preferred overwintering sites, signaling others to return annually.
Weather isn’t the only factor. Some pests leave markers like pheromone trails to find food sources, leading to repeated infestations. “Pests like ants leave these trails, encouraging return infestations if not addressed properly,” Hottel added.
Which pesky return visitors can you expect?
Pesky pests like termites in spring and cockroaches in winter seem to have a schedule to keep you on edge all year. Benjamin Hottel highlighted the persistence of certain pests that create seasonal problems. Ants, for instance, nest in structures and become more active in spring when food sources increase. Fruit flies and phorid flies thrive in spring and find their way to garbage bins indoors.
Mosquitoes and rodents can bring health risks, while ladybugs, harmless in small numbers, can be a nuisance in large groups.
How to keep returning pests out of your home
Dealing with seasonal pests requires effort. Benjamin Hottel suggested steps to reduce your pest burden. Start by closing gaps and cracks to prevent pests from entering your home. Trim vegetation away from your home to reduce pest harborage areas.
Regular cleaning, using sealed containers for food storage, fixing water leaks, and addressing drainage issues are crucial to make your home less attractive to pests. Schedule routine inspections with pest control professionals to identify and address potential issues before they escalate.
