The change of seasons affects not only our well-being – pests also react sensitively to temperature, humidity, and available food supply. While some species retreat in winter, others experience a real peak season in summer. But where do they actually come from, where do they disappear to again – and how can you protect yourself effectively all year round?
Spring – time of awakening
With the first warm days, many insects awaken from their winter dormancy or develop from larval stages.
Typical visitors in spring are:
- Ants, which start nest activity and send out the first scouts into houses
- Flies and mosquitoes, which hatch again and multiply quickly
- Wasps, whose queens are looking for a winter shelter and building new nests
Why do they appear now?
The increasing warmth stimulates the animals' metabolism. In addition, they now find sufficient food and building materials for their nests again.
Prevention in spring:
- Seal food well
- Seal leaky doors and windows
- Remove potential nesting sites early
Summer – peak season for pests
In summer, many pests reach their peak activity. The combination of warmth, humidity, and abundant food supply creates ideal conditions.
Common summer pests:
- Mosquitoes – they multiply rapidly in standing water
- Wasps – searching for sweet and protein-rich food
- Cockroaches, which prefer warm temperatures
- Moths, especially in pantry and wardrobes
Why so many in summer?
Warm temperatures accelerate development cycles and reproduction. For example, a fly population can double within a few days.
Tips for summer:
- Install mosquito nets
- Remove food scraps immediately
- Regularly clean waste containers
- Cover compost
Autumn – The great search for a winter shelter
When temperatures drop, many pests start looking for a protected, warm place. And that means: houses and apartments become especially interesting.
Typical autumn guests:
- Spiders looking for a mate
- Mice searching for warmth and food
- Beetles and bugs that want to overwinter in cracks and window frames
Why do pests move into the house?
Autumn signals resource scarcity. To survive, many species seek stable living conditions – and often find them in human dwellings.
Prevention in autumn:
- Secure basement windows
- Keep storage rooms dry
- Seal cracks in masonry
Winter – retreat or hide-and-seek
Not all pests disappear in winter – they just change their strategies.
- Many insects do not die but enter a winter dormancy or survive as larvae, eggs, or pupae.
- Rodents like mice and rats become especially active because there is hardly any food available outside.
- Cockroaches and silverfish continue to prefer warm, humid indoor spaces.
What do pests do in winter?
The cold season is a kind of pause: slow down metabolism, seek shelter, secure the next generation.
Protective measures in winter:
- Check rodent traps
- Eliminate moisture sources
- Regularly inspect basements and storage rooms
Conclusion: Every season has its pests – preparation is everything
Pests do not appear by chance but follow natural cycles. Those who understand when which species becomes active can take early precautions – and avoid many problems. A sensible, seasonally adapted pest management not only protects the home but also ensures a pleasant living environment throughout the year.
