Every year, the changing seasons bring more than just beautiful foliage or blooming flowers. They also trigger wildlife migrations—movements of animals seeking food, shelter, or breeding grounds. While these migrations are part of a healthy ecosystem, they can also mean new and unexpected pest problems for homeowners.
Understanding which creatures are on the move and why can help you anticipate issues, prepare your property, and avoid unwanted encounters.
The Spring Awakening: Emerging Insects and Animals
Spring is a time of rebirth in nature. As temperatures warm, insects and animals that were dormant or inactive during winter begin to emerge.
For example, ants start forming new colonies, sending out scouts to find food—which often means your kitchen. Termites begin their swarming season, as winged reproductives leave mature colonies to start new ones.
Spring also sees increased rodent activity. Mice and rats may have overwintered in sheds or garages, and as they become more active, they seek new food sources and nesting sites.
Many birds begin long migrations north, and while most are welcome sights, some—like starlings or house sparrows—can become pests if they choose to nest in vents, eaves, or attics.
Summer: Peak Activity for Many Pests
Summer is the high season for many insect pests. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, taking advantage of summer rains and heat. Flies flourish around trash and compost.
Bees, wasps, and hornets grow their colonies to maximum size during summer. This is when homeowners often discover large nests tucked under eaves, in sheds, or in the ground. Wasps in particular can become aggressive if their nest is disturbed.
Wildlife also adapts to summer’s heat by seeking water and food around human homes. Raccoons and opossums might visit yards more often, drawn by pet food bowls or unsealed garbage.
Fall: Wildlife Looking for Winter Shelter
As temperatures drop, many animals begin migrating or looking for places to overwinter. This is when homeowners often see a surge in pests trying to get inside.
Rodents are a prime example. Mice and rats look for warm, sheltered spaces with food—garages, basements, attics, and even walls. Once inside, they can breed rapidly and cause significant damage.
Certain insects, like stink bugs, Asian lady beetles, and boxelder bugs, don’t survive cold winters outdoors. Instead, they seek tiny openings around windows, doors, and siding to slip inside and hibernate until spring.
Bird migrations also peak in fall. While many species simply pass through, some may decide your property is a good place to stop and feed, sometimes damaging fruit trees or crops in the process.
Winter: Wildlife Moves In or Stays Nearby
While many pests die back or go dormant in winter, some take advantage of human structures for survival.
Rodents remain active all winter long inside warm buildings. If they’ve moved in during fall, you’ll likely see more signs of them once it’s truly cold outside.
Some insects, like cockroaches and silverfish, thrive in heated homes even when it’s freezing outside. Spiders may move indoors, following prey and warmth.
Even larger wildlife like raccoons or squirrels may break into attics or chimneys to escape the cold and raise their young.
How Migration Brings Pests to Your Yard
Migration isn’t just about animals crossing continents. Even short-distance seasonal movements mean wildlife may be passing through your yard or investigating it as potential shelter.
For example, birds looking for nesting sites can clog vents or gutters with twigs. Rodents might find unsealed openings in your foundation during their fall search for warmth. Insects looking to overwinter may cluster on sunny walls before slipping inside.
Your yard can become a convenient stopover if it offers food (like unpicked fruit, pet food, or unsecured trash) or water (like birdbaths or leaky hoses).
Preventing Pest Problems from Seasonal Migrations
While you can’t stop migration—it’s natural and often beneficial for the environment—you can make your property less inviting to pests.
Seal gaps around windows, doors, siding, and utility penetrations to keep insects and rodents out. Keep food and trash secure to avoid attracting wildlife. Maintain your yard by trimming bushes and trees away from structures, cleaning gutters, and removing debris that offers shelter.
If you notice increased animal activity, consider consulting a wildlife control expert or pest professional for advice. They can help you identify risks specific to your area and season, and recommend safe, humane solutions.
Final Thoughts
Seasonal migrations are one of nature’s marvels, but they can also bring unexpected pest problems to your yard and home. By understanding which animals are on the move each season and why, you can take proactive steps to keep your living spaces secure and pest-free—all while respecting the wildlife that shares your environment.
Got Wildlife or Pests?
If you think that you have a wildlife or pest infestation problem, don't hesitate to reach out to Wildlife x Team International by calling us at 855-WILDLIFE or by visiting www.wildlifexteam.com for more information.