Long Island Pest Season Calendar
Pest season on Long Island runs March through October, with some pests active year-round. Spring brings ants and termites. Summer is peak season for mosquitoes, wasps, and hornets. Fall means aggressive yellow jackets and crickets moving indoors. Winter? That’s rodent season. Know the timing, win the battle.
| Pest | Season | Why This Matters |
| Ants | March – August | Kitchen invasions, outdoor dining disruption |
| Bald Faced Hornets | June – October | Aggressive stinging, large colonies |
| Bees | April – August | Structural damage (carpenter bees), swarming |
| Carpenter Ants | April – June | Wood damage, structural issues |
| Crickets | October – December | Indoor migration, noise |
| Mosquitoes | March – October | Disease transmission, outdoor activity disruption |
| Rodents | Year-round | Property damage, health risks |
| Termites | March – April | Structural damage, swarming |
| Yellow Jackets | June – October | Aggressive behavior, food contamination |
Understanding when different pests are most active on Long Island isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Our unique climate creates a perfect storm for pest activity. We’ve got humid summers, mild springs, and enough winter to send everything scrambling for shelter. Add in our dense suburban development and aging housing stock? Recipe for pest problems.
This Long Island pest calendar breaks down exactly when you’ll face each pest. No surprises, no scrambling for solutions when it’s too late.
When is Ant Season on Long Island?
Ant season runs March through August. But here’s what most people don’t realize—it’s not just about the weather warming up.
March marks the beginning, but May through July? That’s when your kitchen becomes ant central. They’re not just randomly wandering in. These guys are scouts, workers, and they’re methodical. One crumb left on the counter becomes a highway of ants by morning.
Long Island’s housing stock makes this worse. Those charming older homes with their character? They’ve also got gaps, cracks, and entry points that didn’t exist when they were built. Pavement ants love our sidewalks and driveways. Odorous house ants (yes, they smell when you squish them) prefer our kitchens and pantries.
The humid subtropical climate here keeps them active longer than in other regions. While upstate New York might see ant activity die down in July, we’re dealing with them through August. Coastal humidity + suburban food sources = extended ant season.
When is Bald Faced Hornet Season on Long Island?
June through October. But late summer? That’s when they become your worst nightmare.
These aren’t your average wasps. Bald faced hornets are the bullies of the insect world. Big, aggressive, and they can sting you multiple times. Their nests look like gray paper footballs hanging from trees or tucked under eaves.
Here’s the thing about August and September—their colonies hit peak size. We’re talking up to 700 workers in a single nest. They’re territorial, protective, and increasingly aggressive as food sources dwindle. That barbecue you’re planning? They want in.
I’ve seen homeowners try to remove these nests themselves. Don’t. These hornets will chase you, and they remember faces. Well, not literally, but they’ll pursue threats much farther than other wasps.
Long Island’s tree coverage gives them perfect nesting spots. From Montauk to Great Neck, every neighborhood has the mature trees and shrubs they prefer. The suburban landscape is basically hornet heaven.
When is Bee Season on Long Island?
Bee season on Long Island is from April through August, but it’s complicated.
Most bees are beneficial. They pollinate our gardens, support our ecosystem, and generally mind their own business. But when they decide your wall void is prime real estate? That’s when you need help.
Types you’ll encounter:
- Honeybees: April through June (swarming season)
- Carpenter bees: May through July (the wood-boring troublemakers)
- Bumblebees: April through August (usually not problematic)
Carpenter bees are the real issue here. They bore perfect half-inch holes in wood structures. Decks, eaves, wooden furniture—nothing’s safe. One bee might not seem like much, but they return to the same spots year after year, and they bring friends.
Honeybee swarms look terrifying but are usually docile. They’re just house-hunting. But if they move into your walls? Now you’ve got a permanent roommate situation that requires professional removal.
Long Island’s diverse flora keeps bees active longer than in other regions. Our landscaping, parks, and natural areas provide continuous nectar sources through summer.
When is Carpenter Ant Season on Long Island?
Carpenter ants roam on Long Island from April through June, with peak activity in April and May.
These aren’t your typical ants. Carpenter ants are the demolition crew of the insect world. They don’t eat wood—they excavate it. Hollow it out. Turn your structural elements into Swiss cheese.
The spring swarming period is when you’ll first notice them. Winged reproductives leave established colonies to start new ones. See large, black, winged ants around your windows? That’s your red flag.
Long Island’s housing stock makes us particularly vulnerable. Older homes with moisture issues, aging wood, and countless entry points. These ants prefer moist, decaying wood, but they’ll excavate sound wood to expand their colonies.
Signs to watch for:
- Small piles of sawdust-like material (frass)
- Rustling sounds in walls
- Large black ants, especially winged ones in spring
- Damaged wood with smooth, hollowed-out galleries
The coastal humidity here creates ideal conditions. Moisture problems that might dry out quickly elsewhere persist in our climate. That leaky roof, those damp basement walls, the deck that never quite dries—all carpenter ant magnets.
When is Cricket Season on Long Island?
October through December is the highest cricket activity on Long Island. It’s the soundtrack of fall nobody wants.
Field crickets and house crickets become most noticeable in October. As temperatures drop, they’re looking for warm places to spend the winter. Your basement, garage, or crawl space suddenly becomes prime real estate.
The chirping is the obvious sign, but it’s more than just noise. Male crickets chirp to attract females, and they’re persistent. One cricket in your basement can keep you awake. A colony? Good luck sleeping.
Here’s what makes Long Island cricket season unique—our moderate fall temperatures extend their activity. While other regions see crickets disappear after the first hard frost, we’re dealing with them well into December.
They’re not just annoying. House crickets can damage fabrics, paper, and other organic materials. They’re also cannibalistic, which sounds gross but explains why populations can explode quickly in favorable conditions.
When is Mosquito Season on Long Island?
Long Island mosquito season is from March through October, but June through September is prime time.
Long Island is basically mosquito paradise. Coastal location, numerous wetlands, and residential areas with standing water everywhere. That decorative pond, the clogged gutters, the flower pot saucers—all breeding sites.
Peak season coincides with our warmest, most humid months. Dawn and dusk are when they’re most active, which unfortunately overlaps with when we want to be outside. Beach barbecues, backyard gatherings, evening walks—all interrupted by these disease-carrying pests.
Species of concern:
- Aedes (can transmit Zika, dengue)
- Culex (West Nile virus carriers)
- Anopheles (malaria vectors, though rare here)
Heavy rainfall creates additional breeding sites. Those summer storms that flood low-lying areas? Mosquito population booms follow within days. Hurricane remnants and nor’easters can create breeding conditions that last weeks.
The coastal environment provides natural breeding sites—salt marshes, freshwater ponds, and tidal pools. But residential properties often harbor more breeding sites than natural areas. Every container that holds water for more than a week becomes a mosquito nursery.
When is Rodent Season on Long Island?
Rodents season year-round on Long Island, but fall and winter are peak times.
This is the only pest that doesn’t take a vacation. Mice and rats are active 365 days a year, but they become more problematic as temperatures drop. When it’s cold outside, your warm house becomes irresistible.
What you’re dealing with:
- Norway rats: Basements, lower levels, prefer ground floors
- Roof rats: Attics, upper levels, excellent climbers
- House mice: Anywhere, can squeeze through openings the size of a dime
Long Island’s dense suburban development creates ideal conditions. Older homes with plenty of entry points, adjacent properties providing harborage, and abundant food sources. The coastal location means milder winters than upstate, so outdoor populations remain active longer.
Fall preparation is crucial. Rodents start seeking indoor shelter in September and October. By November, they’re established. By December, they’re reproducing. A pair of mice can produce 10 litters per year with 4-8 pups each time. Do the math.
Winter is when most people first notice problems. Holiday food storage, decorations providing nesting materials, and increased indoor activity make rodent signs more obvious. But by then, you’re not preventing—you’re reacting.
When is Termite Season on Long Island?
Termite season on Long Island is from March through April. Short season, massive impact.
Termite season is brief but critical. This is when reproductive termites emerge to establish new colonies. Miss this window, and you might not notice an infestation until significant damage is done.
Spring swarming is your warning sign. Winged termites around windows, doors, and light fixtures aren’t just gross—they’re scouts. They’re looking for new places to establish colonies, and your home’s wood frame is prime real estate.
Long Island’s conditions are perfect for subterranean termites:
- Sandy soil (easy tunneling)
- Humid climate (they need moisture)
- Wood-frame construction (their preferred food)
- Moderate temperatures (year-round activity)
The coastal environment means that termite colonies remain active year-round, even when visible activity drops. They’re always there, always feeding, always expanding. The spring emergence is just when they become obvious.
Annual inspections during termite season are non-negotiable. These pests can cause thousands of dollars in damage before you notice them. Look for mud tubes along foundation walls, discarded wings near windows, and hollow-sounding wood.
When is Yellow Jacket Season on Long Island?
June through October, but late summer is when they become dangerous.
Yellow jackets are the aggressive relatives of other wasps. They’re territorial, they can sting multiple times, and they get increasingly aggressive as their colonies grow. By August and September, you’re dealing with colonies of thousands of workers.
Unlike other wasps, yellow jackets are scavengers. They’re attracted to food, drinks, and garbage. And in that regard, what is outdoor dining famous for? Yellow jacket magnets. They’ll hover around your barbecue, dive-bomb your soda, and generally make outdoor activities miserable.
Common nesting sites:
- Underground burrows
- Wall voids
- Landscaping features
- Compost piles
- Eaves and overhangs
Late summer aggression has a reason. Natural food sources become scarce, making them more desperate and more likely to come into conflict with humans. They’re also protecting their mature colonies and preparing for winter.
Long Island’s suburban landscape provides endless nesting opportunities. Every yard has potential sites, and our outdoor lifestyle puts us in direct contact with these aggressive insects. Professional treatment is essential once colonies are established.
Spring Pest Season on Long Island (March – May)
Spring is when everything wakes up.
Warming temperatures trigger insect activity across the board. Ants emerge from winter dormancy and start foraging. Termites begin their critical swarming period. Mosquitoes appear wherever standing water exists. Bees become active as flowers bloom.
This is prevention season. Address moisture issues, seal entry points, and eliminate attractants before populations explode. The mild spring weather allows for effective exterior treatments that become difficult in summer heat.
Key spring activities:
- Foundation inspections for termite mud tubes
- Sealing cracks and gaps before ant invasions
- Eliminating standing water to prevent mosquito breeding
- Pruning vegetation away from structures
Spring cleaning isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s pest prevention. Remove debris, address moisture problems, and eliminate harborage sites while pest populations are still manageable.
Summer Pest Season on Long Island (June – August)
Peak season. All hands on deck.
Summer is when pest control becomes a full-time job. Multiple species reach peak activity simultaneously. Mosquitoes are at their worst, stinging insects are establishing colonies, and ants are in full forage mode.
The warm, humid weather creates ideal conditions for reproduction and population growth. This is when you need comprehensive treatment programs, not just reactive measures.
Summer priorities:
- Regular mosquito treatments
- Wasp and hornet nest monitoring
- Ant colony elimination
- Exclusion work before fall migration
Human activity peaks during summer, increasing pest-human conflicts. Outdoor dining, gardening, and recreational activities put us in direct contact with peak pest populations.
Fall Pest Season on Long Island (September – November)
Migration season.
Fall is when outdoor pests start looking for indoor shelter. Yellow jackets become increasingly aggressive. Crickets begin their indoor migration. Rodents start seeking warm winter quarters.
This is your last chance for exclusion work. Seal entry points, eliminate attractants, and address conditions that might draw overwintering pests. Once they’re inside, you’re dealing with established populations through winter.
Fall focus areas:
- Sealing exterior entry points
- Removing food sources and attractants
- Addressing moisture problems
- Professional treatment of aggressive wasp colonies
The transition from outdoor to indoor activity makes fall treatments critical. Miss this window, and you’re dealing with indoor infestations all winter.
Winter Pest Season on Long Island (December – February)
Rodent season.
While most insects enter dormancy, rodents remain active. This is when mice and rats become most problematic as they seek indoor warmth and food sources.
Winter is also the preparation season. Address structural issues, plan for spring treatments, and eliminate conditions that attracted pests in the first place.
Winter priorities:
- Comprehensive rodent control
- Structural repairs and exclusion
- Moisture control and ventilation
- Planning for spring prevention
The holiday season creates additional challenges. Food storage, decorations, and increased indoor activity can attract and harbor pests. Winter pest control requires vigilance and proactive measures.
Why Professional Pest Control Matters on Long Island
Long Island’s pest pressure isn’t something you handle with store-bought sprays. Multiple species, different treatment requirements, and year-round activity demand professional expertise.
Professional pest control means the right products at the right time. It means understanding that treating yellow jackets in June requires a completely different approach than in September. It means knowing Long Island’s unique conditions—our coastal climate, housing stock, and extended pest seasons.
Safety matters too. Hornet nest removal, termite treatments, and rodent control involve real risks. Professionals have the equipment, training, and insurance to handle dangerous situations properly.
Annual Pest Control Programs
Single treatments solve immediate problems. Annual programs prevent them.
Our year-round coverage adapts to Long Island’s pest calendar. Spring preparation and exclusion work. Summer treatments for peak pest activity. Fall transition services before pests move indoors. Winter monitoring and rodent control.
Annual programs are cumulative—each treatment builds on the previous one. Year two is always more effective than year one because we’re maintaining control, not establishing it. Plus, most annual packages include emergency calls at no additional charge.
Conclusion
Long Island’s pest calendar is complex, but understanding it gives you the advantage. Each season brings specific challenges, but also specific opportunities for prevention and control.
Success requires timing. Treat termites during spring emergence. Address mosquitoes before peak summer populations. Seal entry points before fall migration. Control rodents before winter establishment.
The key is staying ahead of the curve. React to pest problems, and you’re always playing catch-up. Anticipate them based on seasonal patterns, and you maintain control year-round.
Professional pest control isn’t just about elimination—it’s about understanding these patterns and implementing targeted strategies at the most effective times. Your Long Island home deserves year-round protection, not just emergency reactions.
