How to Keep Pests Away From Your Property This Summer

Rising temperatures bring an increase in unwanted visitors: pests. From ants marching through kitchens to wasps nesting under the eaves, summer is the peak season for infestations. Bugwise Pest Control supports homeowners and businesses across Romford, Ilford, Chigwell and beyond throughout the warmer months.

This guide answers key questions on how to prevent and manage pest issues this summer, and when to bring in the professionals.

How Common Are Pest Problems in Summer? Any Stats or Data?

Pest activity increases significantly in the warmer months, particularly between May and September, a pattern reflected in the Bugwise summer pest forecast for East London and Essex. According to Direct Line Group, UK councils recorded over 291,000 pest control callouts in 2024, a 3% increase from 2023. More notably:

• 91% of these callouts were for rodents, an average of 52 more rodent issues per day than the previous year.
• Bed bug infestations rose 35% between 2022 and 2024, with over 14,800 reports in 2024 alone.
• Cockroach callouts increased by 13% during the same period.

Bugwise Pest Control has seen summer call volumes nearly double, particularly in Romford, Ilford and Dagenham. Pest problems are not just common, they are intensifying.

Why Should You Be Proactive About Pest Prevention?

Acting early can save time, money and a major headache. Pests often infiltrate quietly: one or two ants today can become a colony tomorrow. Once pests establish themselves, they are harder and more expensive to remove.

Preventing infestations is:

• Cheaper than professional removal
• Safer for families and pets
• More hygienic, especially in kitchens and gardens
• Better for the property, as pests like rodents and pigeons can cause structural damage

This is why seasonal inspections and proofing are recommended well before summer gets into full swing.

3. Which Pests Are Most Likely to Show Up in Summer?

Each pest has its own seasonal rhythm. Here are the most common summer culprits in East London and Essex:

• Ants: seek sweet and greasy food indoors, especially in kitchens.
• Mosquitoes: breed in stagnant water and are active from late spring.
• Wasps and bees: build nests in eaves, lofts or wall cavities. Most active from June to August.
• Rodents (rats and mice): more visible as they forage for food in warmer weather.
• Fleas and ticks: thrive in long grass and warm homes with pets.
• Birds and stray cats: often seek sheltered nesting or scavenging spots.

How to Prevent and Deal With Common Summer Pests

This is where the real work starts. Each pest is broken down below:

a. Ants

Prevent:

• Keep floors and worktops clean and crumb-free.
• Seal cracks in walls and skirting boards.
• Store food in airtight containers.

This is where the real work starts. Let’s break it down by pest:

Remove:

• Use ant bait stations along their trails.
• Avoid just spraying, as this can scatter the colony.
• If ants persist, contact Bugwise Pest Control for professional ant control.

b. Mosquitoes

Prevent:

• Remove standing water from buckets, gutters, pots and bins.
• Fit mesh screens to windows and doors.
• Grow natural deterrents like citronella, mint or lavender

Remove:

• Use mosquito traps or UV zappers.
• Apply larvicides to unavoidable water sources.
• For larger infestations, Bugwise Pest Control can advise on safe, chemical-free alternatives.

c. Wasps, Bees and Flying Insects

Prevent:

• Clean up fallen fruit and sugary spillages outdoors.
• Seal access points under eaves and roof tiles.
• Keep bins tightly sealed.

Remove:

• Never remove a wasp or bee nest without professional help.
• DIY methods can lead to dangerous swarms.
• Professional wasp nest removal is available across East London.

d. Rodents (Rats and Mice)

Prevent:

• Block entry points with metal mesh or steel wool.
• Keep compost, bins, and pet food sealed.
• Declutter outdoor areas to eliminate hiding spots.

Remove:

• Snap traps and tamper-proof bait boxes work best.
• Avoid poison unless advised—it can cause dead rodents in walls.
• Our rodent control experts inspect, trap, and proof your home.

e. Stray Cats

Prevent:

• Avoid feeding strays, as this encourages return visits.
• Install motion-sensor sprinklers or ultrasonic deterrents.
• Block off access to garages, sheds and under decking.

Remove:

• Contact your local animal control or rescue centre.
• Stray cats are not handled by pest control by law.

f. Other Common Summer Pests

• Fleas/Ticks: Treat pets with vet-recommended products. Hoover regularly. Use flea bombs or sprays as needed.
• Birds (especially pigeons): Nest in solar panels and roof voids. Install spikes or netting. We provide professional bird proofing and solar panel pigeon protection.

Which Pests Should Only Be Handled by Professionals?

AlAlways call a licensed pest controller for the following:

• Wasps, hornets and bees, due to the danger of stings.
• Rodents in walls or lofts, to avoid secondary infestations or odours.
• Birds and bats, due to strict wildlife protection laws.
• Large or spreading infestations, particularly bed bugs and cockroaches.

DIY solutions can make things worse, or even illegal, if misused

When Should You Contact Your Local Council or Animal Control?

Reach out to your council if:

• You find injured or dead wild animals (e.g. foxes, birds, or cats).
• You spot rats or pests in public areas like parks or alleyways.
• There’s a public health hazard, such as shared bins attracting vermin.
• You encounter protected species like bats or nesting birds.

You can find contact details and pest reporting options via your borough’s website, such as Havering Council, Redbridge, or Barking and Dagenham.

Final Expert Tips to Stay Pest-Free This Summer

• Act in early spring to stop infestations before they start.
• Trim vegetation, mow lawns, and clear clutter around your home.
• Inspect your property monthly for droppings, gnaw marks, or nests.
• Use professional pest-proofing—it’s the most effective long-term defence.
• Educate family and staff on waste handling and hygiene.

At Bugwise Pest Control, we help homeowners and businesses stay protected year-round. Our local, discreet, and affordable services are trusted across East London and Essex.

FAQs – Summer Pest Questions Answered

Why do I get bitten so much in the summer?

Warmer temperatures boost insect activity—especially mosquitoes, fleas, and midges. These pests are more aggressive in summer as they search for blood meals to support breeding. You may also sweat more or wear lighter clothing, making it easier for insects to reach your skin.

What is the most common bug in the summer?

The most commonly reported summer pest in the UK is the ant, followed closely by wasps and flies. Ants are particularly persistent as they search for food indoors, while wasps become more aggressive in late summer when food sources dwindle.

What month are bugs most active?

Insects are typically most active in the UK between June and August, with July often being the peak. During this time, heat, humidity, and long daylight hours combine to create ideal breeding and foraging conditions for pests.

Why are bugs worse in the summer?

Summer’s warmth speeds up pest life cycles, boosts insect metabolism, and increases breeding rates. It also encourages more outdoor activity from humans—creating more chances for pests to find food, water, and exposed skin.

What actually works to keep bugs away?

A combination of preventive proofing, cleanliness, and targeted repellents works best. Keep windows screened, remove standing water, clean up food debris, and use repellents like citronella, DEET, or natural sprays. For persistent issues, contact a professional like Bugwise Pest Control.

For further reading, the guide on why summer is the best time to rodent proof a home before autumn arrives explains why acting now, while rodent activity is lower, makes proofing easier and more effective than waiting until autumn. Where a property also has signs of bats, the guide on bats in buildings covers how to tell bats and rodents apart and what to check before any proofing work begins.