Different pests are more active at different times of year. Here's a seasonal breakdown to help you stay proactive.
Pest pressure on rental properties isn't constant — it follows the seasons. Understanding which pests are active when gives property managers a real advantage: you can address conditions before infestations take hold rather than scrambling to respond after the fact.
Spring is prime time for ants, termites, and stinging insects. As temperatures warm up, colonies become active and start foraging. Swarmers — winged termites or ants — are a common sign in early spring. Check around foundations and wood structures for signs of activity, and seal any entry points before the season picks up.
Summer brings mosquitoes, flies, and cockroaches. Standing water is the enemy: clogged gutters, birdbaths, and poorly draining landscaping become mosquito breeding grounds. Cockroach activity increases with heat and humidity, especially in kitchens and laundry areas.
Fall is the season to worry about rodents and overwintering insects like stink bugs and boxelder bugs. As temperatures drop, mice and rats look for warm places to nest — and gaps in your building's envelope are exactly what they're looking for. A fall perimeter inspection and sealing effort pays dividends all winter.
Winter pest pressure drops, but it doesn't disappear. Rodents that got in during fall are active year-round. Cockroaches don't hibernate. This is also a good time to address any structural issues — resealing gaps, replacing worn weatherstripping — before spring activity ramps up again.
A pest control program that spans all four seasons is the most effective way to stay ahead of these cycles. Cover Pest coordinates seasonal service at your properties so you're never caught off guard.
