When is termite season on Long Island?

Subterranean termites on Long Island typically swarm between late April and June, with the peak usually in May following a warm rain event. Swarming termites (winged reproductives) are often the first visible sign of a colony. However, termite colonies are active year-round underground — swarming is just the most visible event. If you see termite swarmers indoors or outdoors near your foundation, contact a pest professional immediately for an inspection.

Do ticks survive winter in Nassau County?

Yes. Adult blacklegged ticks (deer ticks) are active in Nassau County whenever temperatures are above freezing, including during mild winter days. They do not die in winter — they overwinter in leaf litter and low vegetation and resume activity on warm days. American dog ticks and lone star ticks are less cold-tolerant but can still be encountered in early spring. Year-round tick vigilance is recommended for Nassau County residents, particularly those with yards bordering wooded areas or parks.

What pests are most common in Suffolk County in summer?

In summer, Suffolk County residents most commonly deal with mosquitoes (especially near ponds, marshes, and the South Shore), deer ticks, yellowjackets and wasps, house flies, and stinging caterpillars (in wooded areas). German cockroaches become very active in commercial kitchens and food storage areas. Deer mice are a concern in eastern Suffolk for hantavirus risk. The spotted lanternfly is also an invasive pest now established throughout Long Island that is very active in summer and fall.

How do I keep mice out of my Long Island home in winter?

To keep mice out in winter, seal all gaps larger than 1/4 inch in your foundation, around pipe penetrations, and at the junction of siding and foundation. Use steel wool or hardware cloth, not foam alone — mice chew through foam. Keep garage doors closed when not in use. Move firewood at least 20 feet from the house. Store all food in sealed containers. Eliminate clutter in garage and basement areas that provide nesting material. If mice are already inside, contact a professional for exclusion and treatment.

Long Island Pest Calendar: Nassau & Suffolk

A month-by-month guide to pest activity across Long Island. Know when termites swarm, mosquitoes peak, stink bugs invade, and rodents move in — in Nassau and Suffolk County.

Long Island's pest activity follows predictable seasonal patterns driven by temperature, humidity, and the natural cycles of each species. For Nassau and Suffolk County homeowners and businesses, knowing when specific pests become active — and preparing in advance — makes the difference between a minor inconvenience and a full infestation. This month-by-month guide covers what to expect across both counties throughout the year.

Spring (March–May): The Awakening Season

March: As ground temperatures rise above 50°F, overwintering pests begin to stir. Mice and rats that entered homes in fall are still active. Subterranean termite colonies begin increasing foraging activity. Carpenter ants start appearing, particularly near moisture-damaged wood. Look for sawdust-like frass near window frames and door jambs.

April: Termite swarmers (alates) typically emerge on Long Island between late April and late May, particularly following warm rain. If you see winged insects emerging from soil or walls near your foundation, treat it as a serious warning sign and call a professional immediately. Ant activity increases dramatically — pavement ants become very active around foundation perimeters and sidewalks.

May: Tick season begins in earnest across Long Island, particularly in Suffolk County where deer populations are dense. Blacklegged ticks (Lyme disease carriers) become active when temperatures consistently exceed 40°F. Mosquito populations begin building in standing water sources. Stinging insects (yellowjackets, paper wasps) start building nests under eaves and in wall voids.

Summer (June–August): Peak Activity Season

June–July: Mosquito populations peak across Long Island, with both Culex (common house mosquito) and Aedes species active. Coastal and wetland areas of Nassau County and particularly the South Shore of Suffolk County see high mosquito pressure. Deer ticks remain active throughout summer. Yellowjacket and hornet colonies grow to peak size by July, making them increasingly aggressive.

August: House flies and filth flies peak in food service and residential settings. German cockroach populations in apartment buildings and commercial kitchens are at their largest. This is prime time for fruit fly infestations in kitchens and restaurants. Bed bug activity tends to correlate with travel season — late summer brings more introductions into homes following vacations.

Fall (September–November): The Invasion Season

September–October: This is when Long Island homeowners start noticing an important phenomenon — pests seeking warmth. Mice and rats begin actively seeking entry points into homes and businesses as outdoor temperatures drop. Stink bugs (brown marmorated stink bugs) aggregate on south-facing walls and attempt to enter structures for overwintering. Box elder bugs and Asian lady beetles exhibit similar behavior.

Tick activity actually reaches a second peak in fall, particularly for nymphal blacklegged ticks. Suffolk County residents with wooded properties should continue tick precautions through November.

November: Rodent activity intensifies as temperatures drop. Mice can compress to fit through gaps as small as 1/4 inch and are highly motivated to find warm shelter with food access. Commercial operations with delivery dock activity, restaurants, and food storage facilities are particularly vulnerable.

Winter (December–February): Indoor Pest Season

Long Island winters are not pest-free. Mice and rats that successfully entered structures in fall are now established and breeding indoors. German cockroaches in heated commercial kitchens and restaurant settings thrive year-round. Wildlife pests — squirrels, raccoons — may be sheltering in attics or under decks. Even bed bugs, which do not have a dormant season, continue to be introduced through winter travel and holiday guests.

Winter is also the best time for exclusion work — sealing gaps, repairing foundation cracks, and closing entry points — before the spring pest season begins.

Nassau vs. Suffolk: Different Pest Pressures

Nassau County's largely suburban landscape means more pavement and less wildlife habitat, but proximity to NYC's transit and distribution networks means consistent cockroach and rodent pressure. Suffolk County's larger land area, greater woodland coverage, and more rural western and eastern sections create significantly higher tick and wildlife pressure. Lyme disease risk is substantially higher in Suffolk County than Nassau County, and eastern Suffolk in particular has significant spotted lanternfly, stink bug, and wildlife pest pressure.

Control Exterminating serves all of Long Island — Nassau and Suffolk — with expert technicians familiar with the distinct pest landscape of each area. Call (212) 696-4164 to schedule service or discuss a year-round pest management program.