Pests by season
| Season | What to watch for | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | Wasp queens starting nests, ants emerging, fleas hatching as it warms, squirrels breeding in lofts | Seal roof gaps, check lofts and sheds, treat pets for fleas |
| Summer (June to August) | Wasps, flying ants, flies, bed bugs after holidays, moths | Cover food outdoors, clean bins, wash luggage after travel |
| Autumn (September to November) | Rodents moving indoors, cluster flies, spiders, late-season wasps | Seal entry points, remove food sources, check lofts |
| Winter (December to February) | Rats and mice indoors, fox breeding season, indoor pests in warm buildings | Check for gnawing and droppings, secure bins |
Year-round indoor pests
Cockroaches, bed bugs, pharaoh ants, clothes moths and carpet beetles can be active all year in heated homes. Seasonal patterns matter less for these.
Why early action helps
Pest populations grow quickly. One pair of mice can become dozens within months, and a wasp nest grows from a golf ball to a football. Acting when you first see signs is cheaper, simpler and less stressful than waiting.
Month by month
| Month | What we see most in South London |
|---|---|
| January to February | Mice and rats indoors, squirrels in lofts, foxes noisy during the breeding season |
| March to April | Wasp queens waking, ants appearing, squirrels breeding, gulls returning to roofs |
| May to June | Bee swarms, early wasp nests, flying insects, pigeons nesting |
| July to August | Wasp nests at their largest, flying ant days, fleas, flies, bed bugs after holidays |
| September to October | Late wasps, cluster flies, house spiders, rodents starting to move indoors |
| November to December | Rats and mice in lofts, walls and kitchens, clothes moths in heated homes |
See also
Read our seasonal guides: spring and summer pests, autumn pests and winter pests.
Related pages
This page is general information, last reviewed on 19 October 2026. It is not a substitute for an on-site inspection.