Seasonal Activity Patterns
Recognizing pest phenology - seasonal emergence, breeding, and migration patterns that affect when pests are most active and treatable.
Detailed Overview
Most pests have seasonal activity cycles PCOs must understand. Spring: termite swarms (March-May), carpenter ant foraging increases, cluster flies emerge from overwintering, mosquito populations build. Summer: peak activity for most outdoor pests, ant colonies reach maximum size, wasp/hornet nests grow, mosquitoes peak, flea populations explode outdoors. Fall: rodents seek indoor harborage as temperatures drop, Asian lady beetles and boxelder bugs invade for overwintering, last termite swarms. Winter: indoor pest activity continues (German roaches, rodents in heated spaces), outdoor pests dormant or dead, cluster flies and lady beetles overwintering in walls. Timing treatments: Preventative termite treatments before spring swarms. Carpenter ant treatments in spring when workers foraging (easier to find colonies). Grub preventatives late summer when eggs hatching. Flea treatments begin spring continuing through fall. Mosquito programs start when temperatures reach 50°F consistently. Wasp preventative treatments early spring before nest establishment. Rodent exclusion work before fall migration indoors. Overwintering pest exclusion in late summer before aggregation. Seasonal patterns affect call volume - anticipate and staff accordingly.
When to Use
Plan treatment timing based on seasonal pest activity. Offer seasonal programs (mosquito season, spring termite inspection). Anticipate call volume increases. Educate customers on seasonal patterns.
Required Skill Level
Requires some training and experience in pest management
Benefits
- Optimizes treatment timing for maximum effectiveness
- Allows preventative treatments before pest activity
- Predicts call volume for scheduling
- Explains activity patterns to customers
- Guides seasonal service offerings
Limitations
- Seasonal patterns vary by geographic region
- Climate change altering traditional patterns
- Warm winters extend some pest seasons
- Indoor pests less affected by seasons
Related Concepts
Other principles that may be useful
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
A prevention-based pest management method that provides long-lasting pest control, improves building conditions, and is less harmful to residents and pets than traditional pest control.
Pest Triangle
The four essential requirements pests need to survive: food, water, shelter, and ways to get around. Eliminating any of these makes an environment inhospitable to pests.
Threshold Levels
The point at which pest populations or damage reaches a level that requires action. IPM uses threshold levels to determine when treatment is necessary rather than treating on a schedule.