How Seasonal Changes Affect Pest Patterns

The seasons are easy to miss in Southern California as many of our communities enjoy beautiful weather year-round. Unfortunately, that also means that many outdoor and household pests are able to stay active all the time. 

Although pest control needs may not always change with the seasons, certain common pests are affected by the subtle weather shifts. Here are some common seasonal pests in Southern California to prepare for to avoid unwanted activity around your home.

Year-Round Pest Problems

Ants and cockroaches are two of the most pervasive pests we have to deal with in SoCal homes. Ants, like the Argentine variety, which is common to SoCal, are less of a nuisance during the winter months. But, they are mildly active all year due to the fair weather. They often take shelter in their nests to lay their eggs, which will hatch in spring. Any ant nests that have been allowed to nurture eggs will explode in size, making them extra difficult to remove entirely.

Cockroaches are always active, and the mild winters allow them to continue moving indoors and outdoors. Like many pests, they are drawn to water and food, so the wet spring months usually entail a jump inactivity. As dark areas in your basement, attic or elsewhere start to dampen, cockroaches are attracted to your home like magnets.

Spring and Summer: Primetime for Pests

Pests of all kinds start to emerge from their hiding places as spring arrives. Hibernating pests will awaken and the eggs laid during the fall and winter will bring new life — and new nuisances  — to your property. Common pests you will encounter in spring include:

• Termites.
• Ants.
• Cockroaches.
• Earwigs.
• Aphids.

Summertime brings even more activity, as all the stinging insects that were sheltering come back out. Bees, wasps and hornets will be out building new nests, mating and terrorizing residents. As the months wane into fall, widow spiders, ladybugs and rodents replace many pests that are starting to retreat to nests for the winter.

Fall is the ideal time to start protecting your home from year-round vermin like cockroaches and rodents. Winter is the best time to start attacking nesting pests, reducing the damage they will incur when they awake next spring.

Pests in San Diego and throughout Southern California are hard to manage with all of the activity the great weather affords. If you face regular battles with bugs or need help with an infestation that has gotten out of hand, contact Harbor Pest Control today. Our certified pest experts provide valuable advice and high-quality service to keep your home pest-free for the long term.