Seasonal Pest Control Calendar: What to Do Every Month

Pests run on a calendar. Termites swarm on warm spring days after rain, ants march indoors as soil warms, wasps build nests that peak in late summer, and mice look for a warm wall void when nights turn cold. If you know what is coming, you can stay a step ahead with a few hours of maintenance each season instead of reacting to an infestation after it is established.

This calendar is built for US homeowners. Timing shifts with your region: pest seasons start earlier and run longer in the South and along the Gulf Coast, and they are compressed in northern states and at higher elevations. Use the months as a guide and adjust a few weeks either way for your local climate.

Month-by-Month Pest Calendar

The table below summarizes what tends to be active each month across much of the US and the most useful tasks for that time of year. For identification help with any of these pests, see our pest library.

Month	Pests to watch for	Key homeowner tasks
January	Mice, rats, cockroaches, overwintering stink bugs and lady beetles	Check attic, basement and garage for droppings; monitor glue boards behind appliances; store firewood away from the house
February	Rodents, cockroaches; termite swarms begin in the Deep South and Florida	Inspect crawl spaces for moisture; schedule spring termite inspection; repair damaged screens
March	Termite swarmers, carpenter ants, first ant trails, overwintering insects becoming active	Watch windowsills for shed wings; clean gutters; trim shrubs away from siding
April	Termites, ants, carpenter bees, early wasp and hornet queens, ticks	Seal foundation cracks; knock down tiny early nests; pull mulch back from the foundation
May	Ants, ticks, mosquitoes, wasps, carpenter ants, termites in northern states	Start weekly standing-water checks; mow regularly; begin pet flea and tick prevention as advised by your vet
June	Mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, ants, wasps, cockroaches outdoors	Empty containers; treat ponds and rain barrels with Bti; inspect eaves and play sets for nests
July	Mosquitoes, wasps and yellowjackets, fire ants, fleas, cockroaches	Keep trash cans sealed; check decks and sheds for nests; watch for ground-nesting yellowjackets before mowing
August	Yellowjackets and hornets at peak, mosquitoes, ants, crickets	Cover food and drinks outdoors; schedule nest removal; check for pantry pests in stored food
September	Stinging insects still large, stink bugs and lady beetles gathering on sunny walls, early rodent activity	Seal gaps around windows, siding and utility lines; repair door sweeps; screen attic vents
October	Mice and rats moving indoors, stink bugs, boxelder bugs, cluster flies, spiders	Rodent-proof the exterior; clean gutters after leaf drop; install chimney cap; set monitoring traps
November	Rodents, overwintering insects, wildlife seeking dens in attics and under decks	Inspect attic for droppings or nesting; secure crawl space vents; bring in or store outdoor pet food
December	Rodents, cockroaches, bed bugs (holiday travel), pests in holiday decorations and firewood	Inspect stored boxes before bringing them in; check luggage after travel; bring in only as much firewood as needed

Spring (March to May): Inspect and Seal

Spring is when overwintering pests become active and colonies start growing. Problems are small and easy to manage if you catch them now.

Pests to expect

• Termites: subterranean termite swarmers often emerge on warm days after rain. Piles of discarded wings near windows and doors are a classic sign. Read our guide to termite warning signs for what to look for.
• Ants: odorous house, pavement and carpenter ants begin foraging indoors.
• Wasps and hornets: queens start new nests alone. A golf-ball-sized nest in April becomes a much bigger problem by August.
• Ticks: activity rises as temperatures warm, especially in wooded and grassy areas.

Spring checklist

• Walk the foundation and look for mud tubes, cracks and gaps around pipes.
• Clean gutters and confirm downspouts discharge away from the house.
• Trim shrubs and tree limbs so they do not touch the roof or siding.
• Pull mulch back several inches from the foundation and keep it thin.
• Repair window and door screens, and replace worn door sweeps.
• Check the eaves, porch ceilings and shed for small starter nests.
• Schedule an annual termite inspection, particularly in high-risk southern and coastal regions.

Summer (June to August): Control Moisture and Standing Water

Heat and humidity push insect populations to their peak. Most summer problems come down to water, food and shelter close to the house.

Pests to expect

• Mosquitoes: they can complete their life cycle in about a week in warm weather. See our full plan for mosquito control for your yard.
• Stinging insects: yellowjacket, hornet and paper wasp colonies grow rapidly, and some yellowjackets nest underground.
• Fleas and ticks: pets carry them indoors, and flea populations can grow quickly in carpeting.
• Cockroaches: outdoor species such as American and smokybrown cockroaches wander in during hot, dry spells or after heavy rain.
• Fire ants: mounds appear in sunny lawns across the southern states, especially after rain.

Summer checklist

• Empty standing water weekly: saucers, buckets, toys, tarps, birdbaths.
• Keep outdoor trash cans clean and tightly lidded.
• Mow regularly and keep the grass short near the house to reduce ticks.
• Keep pets on flea and tick prevention recommended by your veterinarian.
• Check for nests under decks, in play equipment, grills and mailboxes before using them.
• Fix leaky faucets, AC condensate lines and irrigation heads that spray the foundation.
• Run a dehumidifier in damp basements to discourage cockroaches, silverfish and centipedes.

Fall (September to November): Exclusion Season

As temperatures drop, many pests look for shelter. Fall is the most important time to seal your home, because whatever gets in now will spend the winter with you.

Pests to expect

• Mice and rats: they move toward warm structures and can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps. A young mouse can fit through an opening about the size of a dime.
• Overwintering insects: brown marmorated stink bugs, Asian lady beetles, boxelder bugs and cluster flies gather on sunny south- and west-facing walls before slipping into wall voids and attics.
• Wildlife: squirrels, raccoons and bats seek attics and chimneys for winter.
• Spiders: many become more noticeable indoors as males wander in search of mates.

Fall checklist

• Seal gaps around utility lines, vents and siding with appropriate materials such as copper mesh, hardware cloth and sealant. Our guide to rodent-proofing your home covers materials and techniques.
• Install or repair door sweeps, including on the garage door.
• Screen attic, soffit and foundation vents; cap the chimney.
• Clean gutters after the leaves drop.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet from the house and off the ground, if space allows.
• Move birdseed, grass seed and pet food into sealed metal or heavy plastic containers.
• Place a few snap traps or monitoring stations in the garage, attic and basement to detect early rodent activity.

Winter (December to February): Monitor Indoors

Outdoor insect activity slows in most of the country, but heated homes keep certain pests going year-round.

Pests to expect

• Rodents: listen for scratching in walls and ceilings, especially at night, and look for droppings along walls and in cabinets.
• Cockroaches: German cockroaches breed indoors regardless of the season, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Bed bugs: holiday travel and guests can introduce them.
• Pantry pests: Indian meal moths and beetles can arrive in holiday baking supplies.
• Overwintering insects: stink bugs and lady beetles may appear on warm sunny days as they wake inside walls.

Winter checklist

• Inspect the attic, basement and garage monthly for droppings, gnaw marks and nesting.
• Keep storage boxes off the floor and use plastic bins instead of cardboard.
• Inspect luggage and hotel rooms when traveling; wash and dry clothes on high heat after trips.
• Vacuum up overwintering insects rather than crushing them, which can release odors.
• Check for ice dams and roof leaks that create moisture problems for spring.
• Plan next year’s professional inspections and any exclusion repairs.

Regional Differences to Keep in Mind

In the Southeast, Gulf Coast and Southwest, mosquitoes, cockroaches, ants and termites can stay active much of the year, and subterranean termite swarms may begin in late winter. The Pacific Northwest sees heavy carpenter ant and rodent activity tied to damp conditions. The Northeast and Midwest have short, intense summer insect seasons and strong fall rodent and overwintering insect pressure. Mountain and high-desert regions have shorter seasons but may face pests such as scorpions in some southwestern areas. Your local extension service is a good source for region-specific timing.

When a Professional Plan Makes Sense

A seasonal checklist handles most routine prevention. A recurring professional plan is worth considering if you live in a high-termite-risk area, have had repeated rodent or ant problems, have family members allergic to stings, or simply prefer to have inspections handled on schedule. If you are comparing providers, our guide on how to choose a pest control company explains what to look for.

Frequently Asked Questions