Top 10 Pests by Season in Morris County

Different pests become active at different times of the year. In Morris County, changes in temperature, moisture, and shelter needs all affect when pests show up inside homes.

Understanding pests by season helps homeowners know what to watch for, when problems are most likely to start, and when prevention matters most.

Some pests are active year-round, while others peak in spring, summer, fall, or winter. Knowing this seasonal pattern makes it easier to act early instead of reacting after damage is already done.

It also helps you decide when DIY steps may work and when professional help is the safer option.

Below is a simple breakdown of the most common pests by season in Morris County, including when they are most active, the risks of handling them yourself, and when calling a professional is recommended.

Pest	Peak Season	DIY Risk	Professional Required?
Bed Bugs	Year-Round	High	✅ Often necessary
Rats & Mice	Fall–Winter	Moderate	✅ Yes
Termites	Spring–Summer	High	✅ Yes
Ants	Spring–Fall	Low	⚠️ Depends on species
Cockroaches	Year-Round	Moderate	✅ Yes
Fleas & Ticks	Late Spring–Fall	Moderate	Depends
Wasps & Yellow Jackets	Summer–Fall	High	Absolutely
Squirrels & Raccoons	Fall–Winter	High	✅ Yes
Mosquitoes	Summer	Low	⚠️ Yard treatment helps
Silverfish	Year-Round	Low	⚠️ Persistent infestations

1. Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood while we sleep.

Why They’re a Problem

• Cause itchy bites and skin irritation

• Thrive in multi-family housing and hotels

• Difficult to detect and eliminate completely

Signs of Infestation

• Rust-colored stains on sheets

• Musty odor

• Tiny black fecal spots around mattress seams

How to Eliminate

• Wash bedding in hot water

• Use bed bug interceptors under bed legs

Hire a professional for heat treatment or Crossfire application.

2. Rats and Mice

These rodents seek warmth and food inside homes during the colder months.

Why They’re a Problem

• Carry diseases like Hantavirus and Salmonella

• Cause electrical fires by chewing wires

Common Entry Points

• Gaps under doors

• Cracks in foundations

• Unsealed dryer vents

How to Eliminate

• Use snap traps and bait stations

• Seal all holes larger than a quarter inch

• Consider ultrasonic repellents

3. Termites (Drywood & Subterranean)

Known as “silent destroyers,” termites can quietly eat through your home’s structure.

Why They’re a Problem

• Cause thousands in damage before discovery

• Live in walls, floors, and furniture

Warning Signs

• Mud tubes on foundation walls

• Discarded wings near windows

• Wood that sounds hollow

How to Eliminate

• Subterranean: Bait stations (e.g. Sentricon), soil termiticide

• Drywood: Localized treatment or full-structure fumigation

  
  

Termites cause over $5 billion in property damage each year, damage that's generally not covered by insurance. Homeowners need to understand that these insects – known as silent destroyers – can eat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

source: An NPMA Interview for Termite Awareness Week

4. Ants (Carpenter, Pharaoh, Pavement)

Type	Damage	DIY Effective?
Carpenter	Structural	❌ Low
Pavement	Nuisance only	✅ Yes
Pharaoh	Health hazard	⚠️ Moderate

Ants often enter homes in search of food and water, especially in spring and summer.

Why They’re a Problem

• Carpenter ants damage wooden beams

• Pharaoh ants spread bacteria in kitchens

  
  

DIY Solutions

• Use bait traps near activity sites

• Spray vinegar around baseboards

When to Call a Pro

• If ants keep returning despite treatment

• If you spot carpenter ants in wooden areas

5. Cockroaches

Roaches love dark, damp spaces, especially under sinks, stoves, and in wall voids.

Why They’re a Problem

• Spread bacteria like E. coli

• Trigger asthma and allergies

• Multiply quickly if untreated

How to Eliminate

• Clean thoroughly and remove food crumbs

• Use gel bait and boric acid

• Seal cracks with caulk

6. Fleas and Ticks

These pests are often introduced by pets and can be difficult to spot early on.

Why They’re a Problem

• Can carry Lyme disease (ticks)

• Reproduce quickly (fleas)

How to Eliminate

• Bathe and treat pets with vet-approved products

• Vacuum frequently

• Wash all bedding

7. Wasps and Yellow Jackets

Aggressive and territorial, these flying insects build nests under eaves, in trees, or in walls.

Why They’re a Problem

• Can sting repeatedly

• Pose life-threatening risk to those with allergies

What NOT to Do

• Don’t try to spray nests during the day

• Don’t block the exit hole, this drives them inside

What to Do Instead

• Hire a pro for safe nest removal of wasps

• Use wasp deterrent sprays around the home exterior

8. Squirrels and Raccoons

These critters sneak into attics and basements during colder months in search of warmth and shelter. Once inside, they can cause serious damage and are difficult to remove safely without proper equipment.

In many cases, professional raccoon removal is the safest way to prevent injuries, property damage, and repeat infestations.

Why They’re a Problem

• Damage insulation and ductwork

• Carry fleas and ticks

Entry Points

• Loose attic vents

• Chimneys without caps

• Roof gaps

9. Mosquitoes

Common around standing water and active during humid summer months.

Why They’re a Problem

• Transmit West Nile and Zika viruses

• Disrupt outdoor living

How to Eliminate Mosquito

• Remove water from gutters, plant trays, and toys

• Use mosquito dunks or larvicides

• Get professional yard treatment

10. Silverfish

Silverfish thrive in dark, humid environments like bathrooms and basements.

Why They’re a Problem

• Eat paper, wallpaper glue, and clothing

• Trigger allergic reactions in some people

  
  

How to Eliminate

• Use diatomaceous earth or sticky traps

• Install dehumidifiers in high-moisture areas

When Pests by Season Require Professional Help

Some pests can be handled with basic prevention, but others become serious fast. Knowing when pests by season require professional help can save you time, money, and damage to your home.

Seasonal pest activity often brings risks that DIY methods cannot fully solve.

You should consider calling a professional when you notice:

• Repeated infestations: Pests keep coming back even after traps, sprays, or cleaning.
  

• Structural damage: Signs of chewed wires, damaged wood, insulation, or walls.
  

• Health risks: Bites, stings, allergic reactions, or pests that carry disease.
  

• Hidden infestations: Pests living in walls, attics, crawl spaces, or under floors.
  

• Aggressive or dangerous pests: Wasps, yellow jackets, raccoons, or rodents that can bite or sting.
  

• Seasonal surges: Termites in spring, mosquitoes in summer, rodents in fall and winter.

Professional pest control helps identify the source of the problem, stop the infestation safely, and prevent pests from returning as seasons change.

Choosing the Right Pest Control Company in Morris County

Not all pest problems are the same, which is why choosing the right provider matters. A reliable company offering residential pest control services should understand local pest activity, follow state regulations, and tailor treatments to your home’s specific needs.

Look for:

• NJDEP licensing

• Transparent pricing

• Local reviews

• Customized treatment plans

• Emergency response options

  
  

Partner with Accurate Pest Control

Pests can disrupt your peace of mind, but you don’t have to face them alone. If you're dealing with ants in the kitchen or raccoons in the attic, Accurate Pest Control is Morris County’s trusted expert.

Our local pest team understands the unique challenges of pest control in New Jersey. With tailored solutions, eco-friendly options, and industry-certified methods, we help you protect what matters most.

Ready for a pest-free home? Schedule your free inspection with Accurate Pest Control today.