Spring is the most active time of year for pest activity across the North West. As temperatures rise, pests that have been dormant over winter begin to breed, forage, and establish new colonies. Here's what Country Pest Solutions is seeing in 2026, and what you can do to protect your home or business.
Rodents breed year-round, but spring marks the start of an accelerated breeding cycle. A single female rat can produce up to 84 offspring per year, and with warmer conditions encouraging more outdoor activity, rat populations that have been quietly overwintering in lofts, wall cavities, and underground runs will begin to expand rapidly.
What to watch for:
- Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls, ceilings, or under floorboards — particularly at night
Treating a rodent problem in spring — before populations peak in summer — is significantly more effective and less costly than dealing with a large, established infestation later in the year.
Wasp queens emerge from hibernation in April and May and immediately begin searching for suitable nest sites. By the time most homeowners notice a wasp nest in summer, it can already contain thousands of workers and be extremely difficult to treat safely.
Common nest sites in spring:
- Roof spaces and loft insulation
A single wasp flying in and out of a small gap repeatedly is almost always a queen building a new nest. If you spot this in April or May, act immediately — early-stage nests are much smaller, easier to treat, and far less dangerous than a fully established summer nest.
Garden ants become active as soil temperatures rise above 10°C, which typically occurs in April across Merseyside and Cheshire. The colony will be actively foraging for food from spring onwards, and ant trails into kitchens and food storage areas are a common spring complaint.
Ant infestations are best treated in spring before colonies reach full size. Over-the-counter products often fail to reach the queen, meaning the colony quickly recovers.
Moles are most active in spring as they extend their tunnel networks in search of earthworms, which become more abundant near the surface as the soil warms. Spring is the peak season for mole damage to lawns, gardens, sports pitches, and agricultural land across the North West.
Fresh molehills appearing overnight — particularly after rain — are the clearest sign of active mole activity. Professional mole control using properly set traps is the most effective solution.
Rabbits breed prolifically from February through to August, and spring is when populations begin to expand most rapidly. For farmers, market gardeners, and homeowners with large gardens, rabbit damage to crops, pasture, and ornamental planting can be severe.
Country Pest Solutions offers professional rabbit control including ferreting, trapping, and our unique K9 detection service using trained Lakeland Terriers.
The most effective pest control is prevention. Here are the key steps to take this spring:
Seal entry points — check for gaps around pipes, cables, airbricks, and where walls meet rooflines. Rats can squeeze through a gap the size of a 50p coin.
Clear garden debris — log piles, overgrown borders, and undisturbed compost heaps provide ideal nesting habitat for rats and wasps.
Secure food sources — ensure bins have tight-fitting lids, pet food is stored in sealed containers, and bird feeders are not overfilled.
Check outbuildings — sheds, garages, and outbuildings that have been closed over winter are prime targets for nesting wasps and overwintering rodents.
Book a spring inspection — a professional pest inspection in April or May can identify signs of activity before infestations become established.
Country Pest Solutions provides fast, professional pest control across St Helens, Warrington, Liverpool, Wirral, Runcorn, Widnes, Chester, Wigan, Skelmersdale, Newton-le-Willows, and the wider North West. We offer same-day callouts 7 days a week, and our RSPH-qualified technicians are experienced in treating all common spring pest species.
Don't wait until a small problem becomes a large one. Call us on **01744 382 482** or **07935 550 169** for a fast, no-obligation quote.
Available 7 days a week across St Helens, Warrington, Liverpool and the North West.