The onset of the different seasons will vary with the weather conditions and nighttime temperatures where you are located. The following are general guidelines to pest activity by time of the year.

Spring

Spring is when most insects begin to be most active. Fire ants, Isopods (pillbugs), and spiders are very common around homes during the spring. Wasps are also very common in eaves and doorways. Structure infesting ants such as little black ants, pharaoh ants (sugar ants), crazy ants, and carpenter ants will be seem with much more frequency.

Rodents also will breed more actively during this time of year.

Bees will become much more active this time of year. Bee swarms are more common as many shrubs and flowers coming into bloom.

Summer

Summer is also a very active time of year for insects. Depending on the weather and temperature, Bees continue to swarm well into the summer months. Ants and crickets will also increase their activity this time of year

Cockroaches are seen more frequently indoors during summer because they are searching out more favorable conditions such as moisture and lower temperatures.

Isopods (pillbugs) continue to be active in the soil around homes as well as earwigs, millipedes, centipedes, and springtails.

Scorpions are also commonly found around homes, especially in new development areas and in homes located in foothill like surroundings

Fall

Depending on Mother Nature, Fall may see a dramatic change in temperatures, which slows many insects down. Others are stimulated by this change and will become much more active. Termites are very active this time of the year and following the summer rains it is not unusual to see their continued activity.

Winter

Most insects are not very active in the winter, however many pests can still be active in and around your home. Many will move into or under your home to keep warm during the cooler months. Rodents are especially problematic due to colder temperatures outside and warm, cozy homes inside.

The true southern yellow jacket (paper wasp) is very common in the fall and winter months. Cockroaches are always a challenge because of our climate-controlled homes as well as structure-infesting ants.

All Year

Most areas of Arizona / New Mexico and West Texas have excellent weather for insects. They are active virtually year round. Termites are found nearly year round in our service areas located at elevations below 6000 feet.

Cockroaches, silverfish, and spiders are commonly found in homes all year.

Ants such as pharaoh ants, little black ants, and other ants can be seen year round in homes.

Flies, gnats, and other flying insects are also common in homes all year. It is important to note that different weather patterns can yield very different pest problems. In some years a certain pest can be at nearly epidemic populations year round, in others we may see them for only a few short weeks.

We all know that our trees and shurbs use the winter months to strenthen and develop their root systems in order to support vigorous growth when the weather warms in the spring. Pest populations work in a very similar manner. Overwintering populations that are not addressed by a regular service program during the cooler months can lead to much more serious pest problems the following spring. Just because we are not seeing these pests with the same regularity as during warmer months, does not mean that they are gone. Their populations are growing and developing and will re-appear with even more vigor in the spring.

Have a pest problem that we haven't covered here? Just give a call at 1-800-887-4146 and talk to a University representative, or drop us a line.