What to look out for in August

Brown rats are usually least noticeable at this point in the year. Harvest, falling temperatures and the first frosts push rats from field margins and river corridors into buildings — Hertfordshire call-outs climb sharply from late September.

Based on established seasonal behaviour. Current local data is limited.

Last reviewed: 1 July 2026

House mice are usually least noticeable at this point in the year. Indoor populations peak through the heating season; mice already inside a cavity wall breed year-round regardless of the weather outside.

Based on established seasonal behaviour. Current local data is limited.

Last reviewed: 1 July 2026

Grey squirrels are usually becoming less noticeable as the season turns. Loft entry peaks in late winter as females look for a secure drey site, with a second rise in autumn as caching activity increases.

Based on established seasonal behaviour. Current local data is limited.

Last reviewed: 1 July 2026

Wasps are in their most active period of the year. Nest size and aggression peak in late summer — this is when the overwhelming majority of Hertfordshire wasp call-outs occur.

Based on established seasonal behaviour. Current local data is limited.

Last reviewed: 1 July 2026

Bed bugs are in their most active period of the year. Enquiries rise sharply through the travel season as bed bugs return home in luggage, and again in September with student and tenancy movement.

Based on established seasonal behaviour. Current local data is limited.

Last reviewed: 1 July 2026

Fleas are in their most active period of the year. Warm, humid conditions accelerate the life cycle, and central heating in autumn triggers mass emergence of dormant pupae.

Based on established seasonal behaviour. Current local data is limited.

Last reviewed: 1 July 2026

Cockroaches are around the level normally expected for this time of year. Heated buildings mean German cockroaches show almost no seasonality — infestations progress continuously until treated.

Based on established seasonal behaviour. Current local data is limited.

Last reviewed: 1 July 2026

Ants are in their most active period of the year. Indoor trails peak in warm dry spells; the flying-ant emergence across Hertfordshire is usually in mid to late July.

Based on established seasonal behaviour. Current local data is limited.

Last reviewed: 1 July 2026

Moths are usually becoming less noticeable as the season turns. Adult flight peaks in warm months, but heated homes support breeding all year — damage is often found in winter when furniture is moved.

Based on established seasonal behaviour. Current local data is limited.

Last reviewed: 1 July 2026

Birds are usually becoming less noticeable as the season turns. Nesting and fledging drive most complaints between early spring and late summer. Proofing is best carried out outside the nesting season, once a roof space or ledge is confirmed clear.

Based on established seasonal behaviour. Current local data is limited.

Last reviewed: 1 July 2026