Summer Seasonal Pests

Protecting Your New England Home from Ants, Termites and other Summer Pests

Common Summer Pests and their Habitats

Ants

Ants are especially active during the summer months. When you see ants indoors, it’s often because they’ve found a consistent moisture source—like condensation from pipes or undetected plumbing leaks around:

Dishwashers
Sinks
Toilets
Water heaters

Automatic lawn sprinklers and damp garden mulch can also attract ants by providing water and soft ground for nesting.

Termites

Summer heat and moisture create ideal conditions for termite colonies to thrive, particularly around untreated mulch, moist soil, or rotting wood. Termites may also be found beneath mulch placed too close to the home’s foundation or near damp areas under decks and porches.

Ticks

Tick activity continues to rise in summer after its spring onset. Ticks can be found in tall grasses, wooded areas, and even in landscaped yards. The risk for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses is highest during this season.

Rodents

Bird feeders, pet food left outside, or improperly stored garbage can attract mice and rats, especially in warmer months. Rodents often find nesting locations in garages, basements, or mulch beds.

Yellow Jackets, Hornets, and Wasps

These flying insects become highly aggressive in summer. They search for nesting sites around:

Eaves and soffits
Attics
Wall voids
Shrubs and deck railings

Once a nest is established, these pests will defend it aggressively, creating risks for stings near doorways and outdoor living spaces.

Mosquitoes

While often associated with summer, mosquitoes begin appearing as early as March or April and stay active through the fall. During summer, they thrive near standing water sources such as: