Summer Pests and How to Control Them: Keep Your Home Safe with Stratton Pest Control
- christian5470
- Jul 24
- 4 min read
As the warmer months arrive, so do the unwelcome visitors that can turn your summer into a real nuisance. From buzzing wasps and bees, to persistent ants - and increasingly, bedbugs and fleas - summer pests can quickly become more than just an annoyance. They can pose health risks and even damage your home.
At Stratton Pest Control, we understand the impact summer pests can have on your comfort, health and wellbeing. That’s why we’re here to offer practical advice on controlling summer pests, as well as expert services to give you peace of mind all season long.
Why Are Pests More Common in Summer?
Summer provides the ideal conditions for many pests to thrive. The combination of warmth, longer daylight hours, and increased humidity creates the perfect breeding ground for insects and rodents alike. As we spend more time outdoors and keep windows and doors open for ventilation, pests can easily find their way inside.
Common Summer Pests in the UK
Wasps and Bees While bees are vital for pollination, wasps are notorious for spoiling garden parties and picnics. Wasps become more aggressive in late summer as their food supply dwindles, and their stings can cause severe allergic reactions in some people.
Ants Ants, particularly black garden ants, are common invaders in British homes during summer. They’re drawn indoors by sweet foods and can quickly form long trails in your kitchen or pantry.
Flies House flies and fruit flies are attracted to uncovered food and waste. Besides being a nuisance, flies can carry harmful bacteria, contaminating food and surfaces.
Mosquitoes and Midges Warmer weather also means more mosquitoes and biting midges, especially near standing water or damp areas. Their bites can be itchy and uncomfortable, and in rare cases, lead to allergic reactions.
Bedbugs Bedbugs have become a growing concern in the UK, especially during the summer holiday period when travel is at its peak. Bedbugs hitch a ride in luggage, clothing, and furniture, making them easy to unwittingly bring home from hotels, public transport, or even friends’ homes. These tiny, reddish - brown insects hide in mattresses, bed frames, and soft furnishings, feeding on human blood at night. Bedbug bites often cause itchy, red welts and can be very distressing for families.
Fleas Fleas are another troublesome summer pest, particularly for pet owners. Cats and dogs can pick up fleas outdoors or from contact with other animals, and these pests can quickly multiply in the warm, humid conditions of summer. Flea bites can cause discomfort, itching, and even allergic reactions in both people and pets. In severe cases, infestations can spread throughout the home, making them difficult to eliminate without professional intervention.
Rodents Though often thought of as winter pests, mice and rats can become more active in summer, especially in urban areas where food sources are plentiful.
Preventative Tips to Keep Pests at Bay
Keep Food Covered Store food in sealed containers and clean up crumbs or spills promptly. Avoid leaving pet food out and be sure to empty bins regularly.
Maintain Your Garden Trim hedges and keep lawns tidy to reduce hiding spots for pests. Remove fallen fruit and clear up garden debris that might attract rodents or insects.
Seal Entry Points Check your home for gaps around doors, windows, and pipework. Use sealant or weather stripping to block entry points.
Fix Leaks and Standing Water
Repair leaky taps and clear gutters to eliminate standing water, which attracts flies and mosquitoes.
Regular Cleaning Vacuum and wipe surfaces frequently to remove crumbs and food residue that might tempt ants and other insects. For bedbugs and fleas, wash bedding and pet bedding regularly at a high temperature.
Be Vigilant When Travelling Inspect hotel rooms for signs of bedbugs, such as small reddish - brown spots on sheets. Keep luggage off beds and inspect your belongings before returning home.
Protect Your Pets Regularly treat pets with vet - recommended flea prevention and wash their bedding frequently. Comb your pets and check for signs of fleas, especially after walks in grassy or wooded areas.
When to Call in the Professional Pest Controllers
Despite your best efforts, sometimes a pest problem can become too much to handle on your own. Bedbugs, fleas, and wasps’ nests can be dangerous or extremely difficult to remove without the right equipment and expertise. If you notice signs of infestation - such as itchy bites, tiny blood spots on bedding, persistent pest activity, or droppings from rodents - it’s time to seek professional help.
How Stratton Pest Control Can Help
At Stratton Pest Control, we pride ourselves on providing fast, effective, and discreet pest control solutions across the region. Our fully qualified technicians use the latest techniques and environmentally responsible products to deal with any pest problem, large or small. We understand how distressing an infestation can be, which is why we offer friendly, caring support every step of the way.
Whether you need a one - off treatment or ongoing pest management, Stratton Pest Control is here to protect your home and your family. Don’t let summer pests spoil your season - contact us today for expert advice and a free, no - obligation quote.
Enjoy a pest - free summer with Stratton Pest Control - your trusted local experts.
We provide pest control services and solutions for homes and businesses throughout the Southeast and East of England, predominantly in the following counties:
Call us on 01582 800302 for help now.
