PEST CONTROL
Buzzing for Summer
Daniel Steward, Managing Director at Shield Pest Control, shares why you may be seeing a surge in pest activity and what you can do to deter them.
As the UK continues to enjoy long spells of warm, dry weather, you may have noticed an increase in insects, including ladybirds, wasps and flies. These warmer conditions are ideal for many common pests to thrive, leading to more sightings in homes and gardens.
Between May and August, insect activity typically peaks. The warmth accelerates breeding cycles and boosts food availability, allowing insect populations to flourish. For ladybirds, mild winters and early springs mean more aphids to feed on, resulting in larger colonies. Flies breed rapidly in warm conditions, particularly where organic waste is present. Wasps also benefit from these temperatures, with nests often staying active well into autumn.
This year, in particular, has seen a noticeable rise in wasp nest infestations. Queen wasps emerge from hibernation in spring and begin building nests in roof spaces, wall cavities, lofts, trees or soil banks. By summer, these nests can house hundreds, if not thousands, of wasps. While wasps play a beneficial role in controlling other insect populations, they become more aggressive later in the season as their colonies grow and natural food sources decline. At this point, they begin seeking out sweet foods and drinks, often disrupting outdoor seating areas and posing a risk to anyone allergic to stings.
To help reduce the risk of a wasp infestation, ensure bins are securely covered and food waste is sealed. In early spring, check your property for small nests and seal any potential access points around roof tiles, soffits or fascia boards. It’s also best to avoid leaving sugary drinks or food uncovered outdoors.
34 | TOMORROW'S CLEANING
While ladybirds are not harmful and are often welcomed in gardens due to their appetite for aphids, they can become a nuisance in large numbers, particularly when they begin seeking warm, sheltered spots to hibernate. To deter them from entering your home, seal up small cracks or gaps around windows, vents and rooflines, and use fine mesh screens where possible.
Flies, on the other hand, pose more serious hygiene concerns, especially around food. To keep them at bay, ensure kitchens and bin areas are kept clean, food is stored in sealed containers and drains are cleared regularly. Fly screens on doors and windows can help prevent entry, and frequently emptying bins will reduce attraction, particularly during the warmer months, when organic waste breaks down more quickly.
By taking simple preventive steps and staying alert to early signs of infestation, the most common summer pests can be kept under control. However, if infestations do occur, it’s always safest to seek advice from experienced pest professionals to ensure the problem is dealt with efficiently and safely, especially in the case of wasps, where stings can cause severe allergic reactions.
With over 50 years of expertise and a Royal Warrant awarded since 2008, Shield Pest Control provides trusted, expert support to help keep your home or business safe, comfortable and pest-free all summer long. Get a free quote today by ringing 0800 954 8098.
www.shieldpestcontrol.co.uk x.com/TomoCleaning
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