Top 5 Pests to Watch Out for This Summer in Northern Ireland

As the warmer months settle in across Northern Ireland, pests become more active—and more likely to invade your home or business. At Belfast Pest Control, we see a sharp increase in callouts during summer, particularly in Belfast and the surrounding areas. Here's a quick guide to the top five summer pests to watch out for and what you can do to prevent them.

1. Wasps

Why they’re a problem. Wasps are more aggressive in summer, especially from July onwards when their colonies grow large and food becomes scarce. Nests can be found in lofts, sheds, wall cavities, or under roof tiles.

Signs to look for

• Increased wasp activity near your home

• A visible nest (often grey and papery in appearance)

• Buzzing around bins or outdoor food

Prevention tips

• Keep food covered when eating outdoors

• Secure bins with tight-fitting lids

• Don’t try to remove a nest yourself—wasps can swarm

2. Ants

Why they’re a problem Black garden ants love the warm weather and often enter homes in search of sugary foods. A small trail of ants can quickly turn into a full infestation.

Signs to look for

• Lines of ants marching indoors

• Small holes in paving or near the foundations

• Winged ants (flying ants) during mating season

Prevention tips

• Clean up crumbs and spills quickly

• Seal cracks and entry points

• Store sweet foods in airtight containers

3. Flies

Why they’re a problemHouseflies and bluebottles breed rapidly in the summer heat, especially near food waste. They’re not just annoying—they can spread bacteria like salmonella and E. coli.

Signs to look for

• Clusters of flies near bins or windows

• Maggots in food waste

• Buzzing or spotting on walls

Prevention tips

• Clean bins regularly and keep them sealed

• Install fly screens on doors and windows

• Use fly traps or electronic zappers as needed

4. Rats & Mice

Why they’re a problemRodents don’t take summers off. Warmer months can lead to more outdoor nesting—but if food sources are scarce, they’ll come inside.

Signs to look for

• Droppings, gnaw marks, or scratching sounds

• Nests made of shredded materials

• A strong ammonia-like smell

Prevention tips

• Block gaps around pipes and vents

• Avoid leaving pet food or bird seed out overnight

• Store food in metal or heavy-duty plastic containers

5. Bed Bugs

Why they’re a problemSummer holidays can mean travel—and bed bugs often hitchhike home in your luggage. Once in your home, they spread quickly and are notoriously difficult to get rid of without professional help.

Signs to look for

• Small bites in a row or cluster on exposed skin

• Blood spots on sheets or pillowcases

• A sweet, musty odour near the bed

Prevention tips

• Inspect hotel beds and mattresses when travelling

• Wash clothes on a high heat after trips

• Vacuum luggage thoroughly before bringing it inside

Don’t Let Pests Ruin Your Summer

If you're dealing with any of these pests—or want a summer inspection to catch problems early—Belfast Pest Control is here to help. We offer fast, discreet, and effective pest control services across Belfast and Northern Ireland.

📞 Call us today on +44 28 9502 2026

🌐 Or book online at https://www.belfastpestcontrol.com/