As the temperatures rise and summer edges in, many of us look forward to longer days and time spent outdoors. But with the sunshine also comes a seasonal spike in pest activity, especially when it comes to flying insects and ants. We often see a noticeable increase in callouts during the warmer months, as insects become more active, colonies expand, everyone is seeing a rise in those unwanted visitors.
Why Does the Warmer Weather Bring Out the Pests?
Insects are cold-blooded, so their activity levels are closely tied to the temperature. Warmer weather accelerates their metabolism and breeding cycles, meaning that once spring and summer arrives many pests quickly come out of dormancy or hibernation.
This boost in warmth encourages:
– Nesting. Many pests begin building or expanding nests
– Breeding. Reproduction ramps up in colonies, especially ants and wasps
– Foraging. Increased activity in search of food sources, often leading them indoors
Ants on the Move
The common black garden ant (Lasius niger) is a prime example of a pest that thrives in the heat. As temperatures climb, worker ants leave the nest in greater numbers, foraging for food and water. If they find something suitable like the odd sugary spill, crumbs, or pet food, and they will leave behind a chemical trail for others to follow. Very quickly, what begins as a few stray ants can become a busy trail marching through your kitchen, office, or warehouse.
Warmer weather also brings the risk of flying ant season, when queens and males take to the air in large numbers to mate. This usually occurs in a sudden, dramatic swarm, often catching homeowners off guard.
Wasps, Flies and Other Flying Insects
The increase in temperature also means an uptick in flying insects. Wasps become more active in building nests and foraging, while flies multiply rapidly, particularly near waste areas or food.
You may start noticing:
– Wasps nesting in sheds, lofts, or under eaves
– Flies hovering around bins, drains, or compost
– Fruit flies gathering near ripened produce or sugary liquids
Flying insects aren’t just an annoyance, they can also pose serious health risks, particularly in food handling or hospitality settings, where their presence can lead to contamination of surfaces, spread of bacteria such as e.coli and salmonella, and a loss of hygiene ratings or customer trust. In environments where food is prepared or served, even a small infestation can result in regulatory action or damage to your business reputation.
How ASW Pest Control Can Help
If you’re noticing an increase in ants or flying insects around your home or business, it’s important to act quickly. We offer fast, discreet, and professional pest control tailored to your needs.
We can:
– Identify and treat ant infestations at the source
– Locate and safely remove wasp nests
– Provide fly control solutions for domestic or commercial premises
– Advise on preventative measures to keep pests away
With decades of experience and expert knowledge of seasonal pest patterns, ASW Pest Control is your go-to local team for tackling any summer pest problems.
If you’re seeing an increase in signs of pest activity, indoors or out , get in touch with us today. Call us on 0800 592011 or contact us online to book an appointment or request a call back.
