What to watch for, season by season.

Pest pressure changes with the South Shore weather. A few timely checks can catch trouble before it settles in.

Plymouth County pest calendar

Each season leaves different clues.

Use this guide as a property check, not a diagnosis. If activity keeps returning or you are unsure what you found, call before sealing, spraying, or disturbing a nest.

Spring

Moisture wakes up ants and wood-damaging insects.

Warmer days bring insects back into motion. Spring is a smart time to inspect foundations, sill plates, damp wood, and rooflines after winter weather.

  • Winged ants or termites near windows and doors
  • Carpenter ants around damp or damaged wood
  • Small wasp nests beginning under eaves
  • Gaps opened by ice, wind, or winter repairs
Summer

Stinging insects and outdoor activity peak.

Long days and busy yards make nests easier to notice. Watch repeated flight paths around decks, sheds, rooflines, and ground openings.

  • Wasps or hornets using one opening repeatedly
  • Ant trails around kitchens, patios, and foundations
  • Bee activity entering walls or soffits
  • Bats appearing in attics or living spaces
Fall

Rodents start shopping for winter shelter.

As nights cool, mice and rats look for warmth, food, and nesting space. Exterior maintenance now can prevent a noisy winter indoors.

  • Droppings or gnaw marks in garages and basements
  • Gaps around pipes, doors, vents, and foundations
  • Pet food, seed, or pantry goods left accessible
  • Overwintering insects gathering on sunny walls
Winter

Indoor signs become easier to hear and trace.

Closed windows and quiet nights make scratching, movement, and pantry activity more noticeable. Record where the signs occur before cleaning them away.

  • Scratching in ceilings, walls, or attic spaces
  • Fresh rodent droppings along edges and shelves
  • Chewed food packages or nesting material
  • Stored-product insects in flour, grain, or pet food

Massachusetts bat exclusions have timing restrictions.

MassWildlife says bat colonies should only be evicted during May or from August 1 to mid-October, when flightless young and hibernating bats are not at risk.

Read MassWildlife guidance

Simple prevention

A short property check goes a long way.

Control moistureRepair leaks and improve damp basement or crawlspace conditions.
Screen openingsCheck vents, windows, doors, and utility penetrations.
Move wood awayKeep firewood and scrap lumber off the ground and away from the house.
Secure food and wasteUse sturdy containers for trash, pet food, seed, and pantry goods.
Trim contact pointsCut back branches and shrubs touching siding, roofs, and windows.
Notice patternsRepeated activity in one place often reveals the entry or nesting area.

Something active right now?

Stop wondering what comes next.

Call Aacute Pest Control for help identifying the problem and choosing a sensible next step for your property.

Call now Pest guide