Table of Contents
It’s no secret that pest problems tend to spike in the summer. Homeowners across Florida find themselves battling ants in the kitchen, roaches in the bathroom, mosquitoes in the yard, and spiders hiding in outdoor corners. But why do these pests seem to come out in full force during the warmer months?
At Greenhouse Termite and Pest Control, we get this question all the time – and there’s a very real science behind the seasonal surge in pest activity. Here’s what’s really going on when summer hits and what you can do to keep pests under control.
Warm Weather Means More Pest Activity
The biggest reason pests got worse in the summer is simple: heat speeds up their metabolism and breeding cycles. Insects like ants, flies, and roaches thrive in warm conditions, which allows them to move faster, reproduce more frequently, and expand their colonies.
When temperature rises, pests become more active and more visible. Ant colonies, for example, send out more foragers in search of food. Roaches emerge from hiding spots. Mosquitoes speed up their life cycles, leading to even more mosquitoes in a shorter amount of time. It’s a vicious cycle that can make your summer a whole lot itchier and more frustrating without professional help.
Summer is Peak Breeding Season
Most pests follow seasonal life cycles, and for many species, summer is the time for reproduction. This is especially true for ants, flies, fleas, ticks, and spiders. As temperatures climb, many of these pests enter their peak breeding phase, which means larger populations in a short period of time.
For instance, fire ants will swarm during the summer months to mate, leading to the formation of new colonies. Spiders begin showing up around pool cages and patios toward the end of summer as their mating season begins. If left untreated, these seasonal breeding patterns can lead to full-blown infestations that get harder to control over time.
More Food and Moisture Sources Available
Summer is the season of cookouts, rain showers, and long evenings outdoors. All of these create the perfect storm for pests. Crumbs and spills from outdoor dining attract ants and flies. Rain creates puddles and damp soil, which mosquitoes use to breed. Even your pet’s water bowl or a leaky hose can become a source of standing water that draws insects in.
On top of that, many pests are simply looking for shelter from the sun. Roaches and rodents, for example, seek out cooler areas during the heat of the day – which often leads them inside your home. Once inside, they’re likely to stay if they find food and water sources.
Pests Move Indoors to Escape the Heat
Just like us, bugs get uncomfortable in extreme heat. When outdoor temperatures reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit and above (which is typical in Florida), pests like roaches, ants, and spiders begin searching for shaded, cooler environments – like your air-conditioned home.
Once they find a crack, gap, or unsealed window, they’ll slip inside and take advantage of the comfortable conditions. This is why it’s so important to keep up with sealing entry points and scheduling regular pest inspections throughout the summer.
How to Stop Summer Pests Before They Take Over
While some levels of pest activity are normal in the summer, infestations are not. If you’re constantly finding bugs inside your home or seeing large numbers of pests outside, it’s time to take action.
Here’s what we recommend at Greenhouse Termite and Pest Control:
- Regular perimeter and lawn treatments: We treat your home’s foundation and lawn – from the front curb to the back fence – to eliminate active pests and prevent future infestations.
- Sealing entry points: Closing gaps around doors, windows, pipes, and vents helps keep pests out before they can make themselves at home.
- Moisture control: Fixing leaky hoses, sprinklers, and A/C drainage can reduce mosquito and roach activity.
- Clearing out food sources: Keeping outdoor eating areas clean and sealed trash bins goes a long way in discouraging ants, flies, and rodents.
Trust Greenhouse to Keep Your Summer Pest-Free
At Greenhouse Termite and Pest Control, we know that summer in Florida brings more than just sunshine – it brings bugs. Lots of them. Our team specializes in eco-conscious pest control that gets results without relying on harsh chemicals. Whether you’re seeing ants in the kitchen or spiders around your pool cage, we offer custom treatment plans to keep pests away all season long.
Ready to enjoy your summer without swatting flies or chasing roaches? Call Greenhouse today and get $100 off your first service when you sign up. Let us handle the bugs so you can get back to enjoying the sunshine.
