Seasonal Pest Prevention Calendar: What to Do Each Season to Keep Pests Out

Pest pressures change with the seasons. By anticipating what's coming and taking preventive action, you can avoid most infestations before they start. Here's your seasonal pest prevention calendar.

Spring (March-May)

What's happening: Warming temperatures activate overwintering pests. Ants begin foraging, termite swarmers emerge, mosquitoes start breeding, and rodents that sheltered inside during winter become more active. Action items: Schedule a perimeter spray (professional or DIY) as temperatures consistently reach 50F+. Check for and seal any gaps or cracks that developed over winter. Clean gutters to eliminate standing water and moisture. Schedule a termite inspection if you haven't had one in the past year. Begin weekly standing water elimination walks around your property.

Spring is the most important time for preventive treatment. A perimeter application now prevents most summer pest invasions.

Summer (June-August)

What's happening: Peak pest activity for nearly everything - ants, mosquitoes, ticks, wasps, flies, spiders, and more. Ant colonies are at maximum size. Mosquito and tick populations peak. Stinging insects (wasps, yellow jackets) build nests. Action items: Maintain quarterly perimeter treatment. Continue weekly standing water elimination. Apply mosquito and tick barrier spray every 3-4 weeks. Inspect for and remove wasp nests while they're small (early summer nests are much easier to treat than late-summer nests). Keep kitchen extra clean - summer heat accelerates food spoilage that attracts pests.

Fall (September-November)

What's happening: As temperatures drop, pests seek shelter inside your home. Rodents begin moving indoors - fall is the #1 season for mouse and rat invasions. Stink bugs, ladybugs, and boxelder bugs congregate on sunny exterior walls looking for entry points. Spiders become more visible as males wander looking for mates. Action items: Do a thorough exterior inspection and seal all gaps 1/4 inch or larger. Install door sweeps on all exterior doors. Apply perimeter treatment focusing on entry points. Check attic and crawl space for rodent activity. Store outdoor furniture and close up any gaps it may have been covering. Place rodent bait stations or traps in garage, attic, and basement.

Fall exclusion work is the single most impactful pest prevention action you can take. Sealing your home before cold weather drives pests inside prevents the winter rodent and occasional invader problems that plague many homes.

Winter (December-February)

What's happening: Most insect activity drops dramatically, but rodents are fully established inside (if they got in during fall). Stored product pests (pantry moths, grain beetles) thrive indoors year-round. Overwintering pests (stink bugs, ladybugs) may emerge on warm days inside the home. Action items: Monitor for rodent activity (droppings, gnaw marks, sounds in walls). Check stored food for pantry pest activity. Inspect holiday decorations and stored items from the attic/basement before bringing them into living spaces. Plan and budget for spring preventive treatment.

Winter is the best time to address any structural issues that allow pest entry - contractors are less busy, and addressing the problem now prevents the spring invasion.

Year-Round Habits

Keep kitchen and dining areas clean with daily wipe-downs. Store all food (including pet food) in sealed containers. Fix water leaks and moisture issues promptly. Take garbage out regularly and use sealed trash cans. Reduce clutter in storage areas (less hiding spots for pests). Keep vegetation trimmed away from the home's exterior. Inspect grocery bags and packages before bringing them inside. These habits don't replace treatment, but they dramatically reduce the conditions that attract and sustain pest populations.