Preparing for Summer Pests in North London
When temperatures rise and those bbq’s start, your home becomes just as inviting to insects and rodents, as it does for your friends and family. The summer brings longer days and unfortunately, a rise in summer pest activity. From ant armies in your kitchen to those spoiled sport mosquitoes buzzing around in your garden, it’s important to take preventative steps to protect your property. At Sparta Pest Control, we’ll share some of our favourite tips that will allow you to have a pest free summer!
Common Summer Pests in North London
- Ants: Especially black garden ants, they invade homes seeking out water, especially during warmer weather. If they find a good water source (like a leaking pipe or a pet’s water bowl), they’ll leave a scent trail for the rest of their colony.
- Wasps & Hornets: Become more active, attracted to sweet foods and drinks. In North London, the buzz is real, especially during the warmer months. Hornets and wasps don’t just bring the nuisance; they pack a sting that’s both literal and figurative.
- Mosquitoes: Breed in standing water, usually in pools and clogged up gutters and pet bowls. They can cause itchy bites. Always a significant irritation, when you’re trying to enjoy your summer evenings.
- Fleas: A real issue, especially for pet owners, causing itchy bites on both pets and people.
- Cockroaches: Thrive in warm, humid environments, drawn to food and water sources. Cockroaches can contaminate by picking up bacteria from drains or waste areas and transferring this from their body to utensils, food and sterile goods.
- Bed Bugs: A growing concern, often picked up during travel or from second-hand furniture. They feed on human blood, leave behind a cluster of itchy bites leaving you with sleepless nights.
- Rats (Mice too) : Generally a year-round problem, but summer can bring them out in greater numbers, especially with uncollected bins and rotting food. It’s not uncommon to see one run inside through the back garden door.
Food & Water Source Management
Water is one of the biggest attractants for summer pests, especially during the warmer weather. If they find a good water source (like a leaking pipe or a pet’s water bowl), they will want to stay in close proximity.
Keep your food items sealed tight with containers that deter insects. Routinely wipe down surfaces, especially the sugar residues from those summer cocktails. Avoid leaving out dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
Outdoors, check your drainage and guttering systems. Make sure to turnover those garden buckets and flower pots with water. Inspect any overflowing gutters, which are magnets for mosquitoes, and wasps. These can become instant breeding grounds for these summer pests. In the hot months, don’t be surprised to see a brown rat, drinking some water from a garden pot , just to stay hydrated. Make sure those waste and compost bins are secure from easy access to pests.
Declutter and Expose Hiding Spots
Insects and rodents love to hide in dark, quiet spaces. That makes your shed, garage, basement, or areas beneath your floorboards the perfect nesting site.
Clear out those cardboard boxes and plastic bags, which are perfect for nesting materials. Large, clear plastic boxes are always recommended for storage. Routine vacuuming and steaming to remove crumbs of food and eggs from insects . It’s vital to pull out those beds, chest of drawers and storage units, where rodents and insects could be lurking in the dark.
Secure Your Home’s Entry Points
Even the tiniest gap around your door or a crack in the siding can give pests access to your living space. As summer pests awaken from winter hibernation or come looking for new nesting spots, they’ll take advantage of any opening they find to look for food sources.
Start with a full inspection of your windows, doors, and foundation for potential openings.
Replace damaged weatherstripping and repair broken screens. Check your roof for gaps or missing shingles, especially after heavy rain that can open new avenues for infiltration. Seal cracks in the walls, around plumbing entry points, and attic to keep your property safe.
If you notice signs of an existing infestation — like rodent droppings in the pantry or a trail of ants across the counter — it’s time to call in the pros for a thorough inspection and treatment plan.
Maintain Your Lawn & Garden
Keep your lawn mowed, trim bushes and trees, and remove any debris or leaf litter where summer pests might hide or nest. Overhanging Branches, should also be cut back, away from your house to prevent pests from using them as a bridge to your home. Clear up any fallen fruit from trees promptly to avoid attracting wasps, ants, and other pests. In your garden, choose plants that naturally repel insects, such as lavender, citronella, or marigolds for an added layer of protection.
Trust Sparta Pest Control For a Pest Free Season.
Don’t Let Summer Pests Take Over
If you’ve seen any of the signs—or even suspect a problem—get in touch with Sparta Pest Control today. Don’t wait for it to escalate. Let’s stop these intruder summer pests before they spoil your summer fun..
Call us now or request a callback through our contact form. Your pest-free peace of mind starts here.
