March is the point where winter starts to loosen its grip and the first real signs of spring begin to appear. Days become longer, temperatures slowly rise, and nature begins to wake up again. While this change in season is welcome for many of us, it also marks the start of increased activity for a number of pest species.
For homeowners and businesses alike, March is an important time to stay alert. Many pests that have been hiding or slowing down over winter will now start emerging, breeding, or searching for new nesting locations. Here’s what to look out for as we move into the spring months.
Rodents Still Active Indoors
Even though winter is ending, rats and mice remain one of the biggest pest issues in the UK, and March is still a high-risk period. Industry data shows rodents accounted for almost half of all pest activity recorded across the UK in recent years, with rats and mice consistently topping the list of pest problems.
Many rodents that entered buildings during the colder months will still be nesting inside lofts, wall cavities, garages, or outbuildings. As the weather warms, they may begin moving around more as they search for food and prepare for breeding.
Common signs of rodent activity include:
Scratching or scurrying noises at night
Droppings along skirting boards or cupboards
Gnaw marks on packaging or cables
Nesting materials such as shredded insulation or paper
Early intervention is key. A small rodent problem in March can quickly become a much larger infestation by early summer if left unchecked.
Queen Wasps Starting to Wake Up
March is also when hibernating queen wasps begin to emerge after spending winter sheltered in lofts, sheds, garages, or roof spaces.
At this stage there are no large nests yet, just individual queens searching for suitable locations to start building. These early nests are small, often hidden in:
Roof spaces
Garden sheds
Under eave
Wall cavities
Spotting activity now can prevent much larger nest problems later in the season.
Cluster Flies Becoming Visible Again
Cluster flies that entered lofts and wall voids during autumn often remain dormant over winter. As the weather begins to warm in March, they can start to reappear around windows and light sources as they attempt to leave the building.
While they are generally more of a nuisance than a health risk, large numbers can be unpleasant and may leave staining on walls or window frames.
Ant Activity Beginning Outdoors
As temperatures rise, ant colonies begin to become active again. Worker ants start leaving the nest to search for food sources, and if they find access into kitchens, pantries, or commercial food areas, trails can form very quickly.
Ants are particularly attracted to
Sugary foods
Spilled drinks
Pet food
Waste areas
March is often the month when the first signs of ant activity begin appearing indoors.
Preparing Your Property for Spring
A few simple steps can make a big difference in preventing pests from becoming established as the weather improves:
Check for gaps around pipes, vents and doors
Keep external areas tidy and free from debris
Secure bins and food waste properly
Inspect loft spaces and garages for signs of activity
Act quickly if you notice unusual noises or pest sightings
Prevention at this stage of the year is much easier than dealing with a large infestation later.
How ASW Pest Control Can Help
We support homeowners and businesses across Wiltshire with fast, professional pest control and prevention services.
Whether you’re dealing with rodents that moved in over winter, early wasp activity, or insects starting to emerge, our experienced technicians can identify the problem quickly and provide effective treatment.
If you’ve noticed any signs of pest activity, it’s always best to deal with it early. Call 0800 592011 or get in touch online to arrange an inspection.
