Seasons of Pest Protection

While a year has four seasons for people, we believe there are six seasons for pests.

When is the best time of year for pest control?

Pests are present all year long no matter the weather, season, or area you live. The best time of year for pest control is all year long to help keep them at bay and prevent future infestations. We approach pest control based on pests’ habits – what pests are doing and where they are going during each time of the year.

Additionally, we used Climate Zones defined by the US Department of Energy as a foundation to identify 9 distinct pest zones in the US that all have unique pest control needs.

Each Orkin Pro visit features special activities and treatments to ensure that your home is protected from pest behaviors specific to both the pest season and the zone. Get peace of mind today and call Orkin for a free personalized quote. Learn more about seasonal pest control for your city on your local Orkin branch page.

When are bugs most active?

Swarm Season (Spring)

As temperatures rise in early spring, pests become more active, emerging from their winter hiding spots to search for food and suitable nesting sites. Insects like termites and ants begin their swarming phase, looking to establish new colonies, while rodents and other pests start scouting for ideal environments to thrive. During this season, our exterminators will take proactive measures to deter infestations before they get out of hand.

Breeding Season (Late Spring – Early Summer)

With summer approaching, many pests shift their focus to reproduction, rapidly increasing their populations. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, flies become more prevalent, and cockroach activity surges in warm, humid conditions. Our services target these growing pest populations, preventing infestations before they escalate.

High Season (Mid – Late Summer)

Summer is peak pest season, with increased activity from mosquitoes, ants, wasps, and other warm-weather pests. Just as people spend more time outdoors, so do pests, which can lead to more frequent encounters and infestations. Our exterminators will take extra precautions to protect your home from the season’s most persistent pests, ensuring they don’t disrupt your summer.

Prep Season (Early Fall)

As temperatures start to cool, many pests begin preparing for winter by seeking shelter in homes and other structures. This is an ideal time to reinforce pest protection, sealing entry points, and reducing attractants before winter pests settle in. Our services focus on safeguarding your home ahead of their seasonal migration indoors.

Invader Season (Late Fall – Early Winter)

With cold weather setting in, pests like rodents, cockroaches, and spiders look for warmth and food inside homes. Small cracks, vents, and openings become prime entry points for these invaders. We’ll ensure your home is well-protected, keeping unwanted guests from taking refuge indoors.

Shelter Season (Mid – Late Winter)

Even though pest activity seems to slow down, many species are simply hiding in walls, attics, and basements, waiting for warmer weather. This is the time to reinforce long-term prevention strategies and address any hidden infestations before they become a bigger problem in the spring. Our pest control treatments help reduce pest activity and protect your home during the colder months.

How to Protect Your Home All Year Round

Winter Pest Control

As temperatures drop, many pests shift their survival strategies. Some pests go dormant, while others seek warmth and shelter indoors. Winter pest control is about protecting your home from these invaders, as well as addressing any lingering infestations from previous seasons. While outdoor activity may seem minimal, pests hiding inside can cause structural damage and health concerns if left unchecked.

Common Winter Pests

During winter, certain pests become more of a problem indoors:

Rodents – Mice and rats move inside for warmth, food, and nesting sites, often chewing through wires and insulation.
Cockroaches – Surviving in warm, humid areas, cockroaches thrive in kitchens, basements, and bathrooms during winter.
Spiders – While some spiders are inactive in winter, others remain active inside, especially in dark, undisturbed areas.
Silverfish – These moisture-loving pests seek out humid environments like basements, attics, and bathrooms.
Termites – Some subterranean termites remain active year-round, continuing to cause damage even in colder months.

Winter Indoor Pest Control & Prevention

With pests focusing on indoor survival, winter is the time to reinforce home defenses:

Inspect attics, basements, and crawl spaces for signs of pest activity like droppings, nests, or gnaw marks.
Check stored holiday decorations for hidden pests before bringing them out of storage.
Eliminate moisture sources by fixing leaks and using dehumidifiers in damp areas to deter cockroaches and silverfish.
Seal gaps around doors, windows, and utility lines to prevent rodents and insects from squeezing inside.
Keep food stored properly in airtight containers and clean up crumbs to avoid attracting pests.

Winter Outdoor Pest Control & Prevention

Even in winter, some pests remain active around the exterior of your home:

Inspect your roof and siding for cracks or openings that could allow entry.
Keep firewood stored at least 20 feet away from the home to prevent rodents and insects from nesting in the pile.
Check for rodent burrows around sheds, garages, and foundation areas, sealing any potential entry points.
Monitor for termite activity, especially in warmer regions where colonies remain active year-round.

How to Protect Your Home All Year Round

Spring Pest Control

As temperatures rise and plants begin to bloom, pest activity surges. Spring provides the perfect conditions for many insects and rodents to emerge from winter hiding spots, reproduce, and search for food and shelter. Taking preventive measures early can help keep pest problems from escalating as the season progresses.

Common Spring Pests

Many pests become more active in the spring, including:

Ants: Warmer weather brings ants indoors searching for food and water.
Termites: Spring marks the start of termite swarm season when colonies send out winged reproductives to establish new nests.
Mosquitoes: Standing water from spring rains creates ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Stinging Insects: Bees, wasps, and hornets begin building nests in eaves, attics, and trees.
Rodents: Mice and rats that are nests under eaves, decks, and in trees, addressing them early before they become a bigger issue.

Spring Indoor Pest Control & Prevention

Spring cleaning isn’t just for tidying up—it’s also an important step in pest prevention. To reduce the risk of infestations:

Eliminate food sources by keeping kitchen areas clean, sealing pantry goods, and taking out trash regularly.
Inspect for entry points, such as gaps around doors, windows, and pipes, and seal them to prevent access.
Check for moisture issues in basements, under sinks, and around appliances, as excess moisture attracts pests like cockroaches and termites.

SpringOutdoor Pest Control & Prevention

Warmer weather and spring rains create ideal conditions for pests to thrive outdoors. Homeowners should:

Remove standing water in gutters, birdbaths, and planters to prevent mosquito breeding.
Trim back vegetation near the home to reduce shelter for ants, rodents, and stinging insects.
Inspect and repair screens on windows and doors to keep flying pests out.
Continue monitoring for termite activity, especially after swarms, and address any signs of damage immediately.

How to Protect Your Home All Year Round

Summer Pest Control

With long days and warm temperatures, summer is prime time for pest activity. Insects and rodents thrive in the heat, while increased outdoor activity provides more opportunities for pests to come into contact with people and homes. Staying ahead of infestations requires a combination of prevention, monitoring, and targeted treatments.

Common Summer Pests

Pests are at their peak during the summer months, with some of the most troublesome including:

Mosquitoes: Hot, humid weather accelerates mosquito breeding, making them a major nuisance.
Ticks: These pests are most active in summer, posing health risks to people and pets.
Flies: Houseflies and fruit flies multiply rapidly in warm weather and are drawn to food sources.
Stinging Insects – Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets aggressively defend their nests, which grow larger as the season progresses.
Cockroaches – High temperatures drive cockroaches indoors in search of cooler, damp areas.

Summer Indoor Pest Control & Prevention

Keeping pests out of your home during the summer requires diligent maintenance:

Seal food and dispose of waste properly to prevent attracting ants, flies, and roaches.
Use air conditioning and dehumidifiers to reduce indoor humidity, making your home less inviting to pests.
Check for cracks and gaps around doors and windows, as heat can cause materials to expand and create entry points.
Keep pet food and water bowls clean to avoid attracting ants and other pests.

Summer Outdoor Pest Control & Prevention

Since summer means more time spent outside, protecting your yard and surrounding areas is key:

Eliminate standing water in birdbaths, gutters, and containers to limit mosquito breeding.
Mow the lawn and clear brush to reduce hiding spots for ticks and rodents.
Be cautious with outdoor food and drinks, as sugary substances attract wasps and flies.
Check for growing wasp or hornet nests under eaves, decks, and in trees, addressing them early before they become a bigger issue.

How to Protect Your Home All Year Round

Fall Pest Control

As temperatures cool, pests begin seeking warmth and shelter often inside homes. Fall is a transitional season where outdoor pest activity may slow, but indoor infestations can rise as insects and rodents move indoors. Taking proactive steps now can help prevent winter pest problems.

Common Fall Pests

Many pests become more noticeable in the fall as they prepare for winter survival:

Rodents: Mice and rats search for warm nesting sites and easy access to food indoors.
Stink Bugs: These pests congregate on sunny walls before slipping into homes for winter shelter.
Spiders – Some species become more visible as they move indoors to find prey.
Boxelder Bugs & Ladybugs: These insects gather in large numbers in homes and may find their way inside.
Cockroaches: Cooler weather drives roaches to seek out warmth, moisture, and food sources indoors.

Fall Indoor Pest Control & Prevention

Fall is the time to reinforce your home’s defenses before pests get settled inside:

Seal entry points by checking for cracks in foundations, gaps around doors and windows, and openings around utility lines.
Store firewood away from your home to reduce harborage areas for spiders and rodents.
Keep basements, attics, and crawl spaces dry to deter moisture-loving pests like cockroaches and silverfish.
Inspect seasonal decorations like stored wreaths, pumpkins, and holiday décor for hidden pests before bringing them inside.

Fall Outdoor Pest Control & Prevention

Pests are still active outdoors in early fall, so taking action can reduce infestations before winter:

Clear leaf piles and yard debris where pests may hide and breed.
Check for signs of rodent activity, such as droppings or gnawed materials near sheds, garages, and outdoor storage.
Trim back vegetation touching your home to reduce pathways for pests like ants and stink bugs.
Monitor for overwintering pests on exterior walls and siding, addressing them before they migrate indoors.