As summer approaches, homeowners on the Mornington Peninsula may notice a sudden increase in pest activity. Insects are buzzing, ants are marching, and mice and rats are more active. This seasonal spike isn’t coincidental—summer’s warmer temperatures and other environmental changes create the perfect conditions for pests to thrive. Understanding why pests become more active in summer can help you prepare and protect your home more effectively.
Warm Weather Accelerates Pest Life Cycles
Many pests, especially insects, are cold-blooded, which means they rely on external temperatures to regulate their body heat. During summer, the warmer conditions enable them to develop and reproduce faster. For example:
- Mosquitoes can go from egg to adult in as little as five days.
- Ants are more active, building larger colonies and searching for food.
- Cockroaches reproduce more quickly, leading to larger infestations.
The rapid life cycles lead to a population boom, making pests more visible and active around homes and gardens.
Abundant Food and Water Sources
Summer brings an abundance of food and water sources, which attract pests:
- Outdoor Entertaining: BBQs, picnics, and outdoor dining can leave behind food crumbs and leftovers, drawing ants, flies, and wasps.
- Garden Growth: Thriving gardens provide insects with a variety of food options, while also creating a lush, cool environment for them to hide in.
- Water Sources: Pools, bird baths, and even clogged gutters offer water for mosquitoes, attracting them for breeding.
Keeping food tightly sealed, cleaning up immediately after outdoor meals, and reducing standing water can help minimize the attraction.
Longer Days Encourage Pest Foraging
The extended daylight hours give pests more time to search for food and shelter. For example:
- Rodents are generally nocturnal, but with longer nights, they have more time to roam and find food sources.
- Insects like ants and cockroaches also take advantage of the prolonged daylight to forage, often sneaking into homes looking for cool shelter and food.
Securing your home by sealing gaps, fixing screens, and storing food properly can make it harder for these pests to access your space.
Pests Are Drawn to Cool, Shaded Areas Indoors
Just as people look for ways to stay cool in summer, pests seek out shaded, cooler areas. For instance:
- Spiders and cockroaches move indoors to escape the sun and high temperatures.
- Ants may seek moisture and shade within walls or under floorboards, especially during dry spells.
Ensuring your home is properly sealed and that there are no leaks or standing water inside can help deter pests from entering.
Humidity Plays a Role Too
Many pests are attracted to moisture, and the high humidity of summer can encourage pests like:
- Termites, which thrive in warm, moist environments and are more likely to explore homes with damp wood.
- Mosquitoes, which are attracted to stagnant water where they lay their eggs.
Regularly checking for leaks, especially around bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, can help prevent humidity-loving pests from settling in.
How to Keep Your Home Pest-Free This Summer
Protecting your home from pests in summer involves a mix of good habits and proactive measures. Here are some tips to keep them at bay:
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect and seal cracks, holes, and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations.
- Store Food Properly: Store all food, including pet food, in sealed containers to minimize pest attraction.
- Clear Standing Water: Regularly empty bird baths, kiddie pools, and any other sources of stagnant water.
- Schedule a Professional Inspection: A professional pest inspection can identify vulnerabilities and spot early signs of infestation.
Call Pest Brigade for Expert Summer Pest Control
If pests are taking over your home this summer, Pest Brigade is here to help. Our team of experienced professionals knows the ins and outs of Mornington Peninsula pests, providing tailored solutions to protect your property. Contact us today for a thorough inspection and keep your home pest-free all season long!