Every season brings its own pests
Know what’s coming in Kansas City, and you can get ahead of it instead of chasing it.
Spring wakes them up.
Termites swarm, ants start scouting kitchens and carpenter bees drill into wood trim.
Summer builds them up.
Wasp nests grow, ants surge in August and mosquitoes and ticks fill the yard.
Fall and winter move them in.
Fall invaders and mice head inside when nights turn cold, and roaches stay busy indoors all year.
A Kansas City pest calendar comes down to four seasons, each with its own crowd. Here’s what to watch for on both sides of the state line, and how our home pest control plans keep up.
What’s on the Kansas City pest calendar in spring (March to May)?
Spring is when Kansas City pests wake up. Termites swarm, ants send out scouts and carpenter bees start drilling.
- Termite swarmers. Winged termites near windows or doors mean a colony is close. Winged ants look similar, so here’s how to tell ants from termites.
- Ants. First trails show up along counters and baseboards.
- Carpenter bees. Perfectly round holes appear in decks, eaves and fascia boards.
What to do: If you see swarmers, book a free termite inspection. For bees, see what to do about carpenter bees.
What pests are active in Kansas City in summer (June to August)?
Summer is peak building season. Stinging insects grow their nests, and ants surge inside in late summer, especially August.
- Wasps, hornets and yellow jackets. Nests grow all summer, including yellow jackets in the ground.
- Ants. Activity inside homes peaks in August.
- Mosquitoes and ticks. They fill the yard in warm months.
- Termites. Colonies stay busy. Read about summer termites in Kansas City homes.
What to do: Keep your exterior barrier fresh and let your tech knock down nests. Mosquitoes, ticks and yard fleas aren’t in the standard plan. One yard treatment covers all three, about $50 a month as a plan add-on.
Why do pests come inside in the fall (September to November)?
Fall pests are looking for shelter. Boxelder bugs, stink bugs and Asian lady beetles gather on sunny walls, and mice move inside when nights turn cold.
- Fall invaders. They cluster on warm siding, then slip into wall voids for winter.
- Spiders. They’re more visible in late summer and fall, brown recluse included. See our spider control page.
- Wasps and yellow jackets. They’re at their most aggressive from late summer into fall.
- Mice. Cold nights send them hunting for gaps.
What to do: Seal gaps before the first cold snap. Our techs close small entry points with copper mesh, and bigger exclusion goes to our wildlife team. See how to keep mice out.
Which pests stay active in Kansas City in winter (December to February)?
Winter is quiet outside, but pests that got in keep going. Mice, cockroaches and moisture pests stay active indoors all winter.
- Mice. They nest in walls and attics.
- Cockroaches. Indoor roaches breed year round in warm kitchens and bathrooms.
- Silverfish and other moisture pests. Damp basements keep them comfortable.
- Fall invaders. Bugs hiding in the walls can wander into living space.
What to do: Watch for droppings and gnaw marks. Our winter rodent control guide walks through the signs.
How does a recurring plan follow the Kansas City pest calendar?
A quarterly plan puts a tech at your home four times a year, roughly once a season. Each visit is matched to your home, your pests and the time of year.
Quarterly service is $56.50 a month on a 12-month agreement, after an initial service from $289. If roaches or mice are the main problem, we start monthly or bi-monthly, then step down once things are under control. Compare options in bi-monthly or quarterly pest control.
If pests come back between visits, we come back free. Re-service is usually same day or within 48 hours.
Not sure when to begin? Read about the best time to start pest control.
Seeing something you didn’t expect this month? Find out why you may be suddenly seeing bugs in your house.
Ready to get ahead of the season? Call 913-735-5451, answered 24/7, or schedule online. Most services can be scheduled same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kansas City has pests in every season, with outdoor activity building from spring through fall and mice and cockroaches staying active indoors all winter. That’s why recurring service runs all year.
Ants surge in Kansas City homes in late summer, especially August. Ants, including carpenter ants, are covered on every recurring plan.
Boxelder bugs, stink bugs and Asian lady beetles gather on sunny walls in fall because they’re looking for a warm place to spend the winter. They’re covered on our recurring plans.
Yes, if you’re dealing with mice, cockroaches or moisture pests, because they stay active indoors all winter. Your recurring plan keeps running, and free re-service between visits still applies.
