Going away this summer? Here’s how to pest-proof your home before you leave

Summer pest control London | Ant infestations | Blue bottle flies| Pest-proofing tips before holidays

While you’re sunning yourself in Spain or relaxing in the Cotswolds, pests in London aren’t taking a holiday. In fact, summer is peak season for several unwanted visitors, especially when homes are left empty and undisturbed.

At Mercury Pest Control, we provide expert summer pest control in London, helping households across the capital stop infestations before they start. From nuisance ants and flies to more persistent problems, we know exactly what to look for, and how to keep your home pest-free while you’re away.

Here’s how to spot the risk and what to do before you lock up and go.

Why summer pests love empty London homes

Summer pest control London and why prevention matters more in the heat

You might associate pests with colder months, but summer brings its own surge in activity. Heat speeds up breeding cycles, food is more readily available, and an unoccupied home offers the ideal setting for pests to settle in undisturbed.

In London, we commonly deal with black garden ants (the ones you often see trailing across worktops or floors) and insects like blue bottle flies, especially in older homes with cracks and voids.

The problem? Once pests move in, they won’t wait for you to come back before getting comfortable.

Black ants and crumbs: The most common summer pest control in London kitchens

How to stop ant infestations while you’re away

Black ants, also known as garden ants, are one of the most common summer pests in London homes. Drawn in by food residue, sugar spills or crumbs on the floor, ants can quickly establish trails from outside to in, especially through small gaps around windows, doors or pipework.

They’re also a nuisance in bathrooms, especially where slow leaks or water ingress is present, and underfloor heating can attract them into warm areas of the house.

In some cases, they can burrow into damaged wooden frames or areas affected by moisture, like bathroom flooring or beneath kickboards.

Before you go away, do this:

• Sweep and mop thoroughly: Especially under appliances and kitchen units. Even small crumbs can attract ants.

• Deep clean larders and cupboards: Particularly where sugar or dry food is stored.

• Store food properly: Keep sugary items (including cereals, biscuits and sweets) in sealed containers.

• Check door and window frames: Use silicone sealant or draught excluders to block off tiny entry points. Repair any rotten wood frames.

• Look at external brickwork: Poor pointing or gaps can let ants in, especially if there’s water present outside.

• Fix dripping pipes: Whether it’s a slow leak under the kitchen sink or an outdoor pipe, sort it before your trip.

• Don’t forget your bins: Clean them out and take the rubbish out before you go. They’re a common ant hotspot.

While you can’t keep every ant out of the garden, an infestation indoors needs attention. If you’re regularly spotting them inside, or suspect a colony is close to entering, it’s worth booking a survey before you leave.

Blue bottle flies: What they mean and how to prevent them

These metallic blue flies might seem like a minor annoyance, but if you come home from holiday to find hundreds of them on your windows, you’ll know it’s more than just a nuisance.

Blue bottle flies are often a sign that there’s something decaying in or around your home, and in London, that usually means a rodent (often a rat) or a dead bird or squirrel stuck in a wall cavity, loft or under floorboards.

Unfortunately, removing the source is usually the only effective long-term solution. And that’s where it can get tricky.

If a carcass is in an inaccessible spot, like under heating pipes, behind tiled flooring or inside ceilings, invasive access may be required to remove it. We’re talking floorboards up, sections of wall opened, even parts of ceilings taken down. And in some rare cases, the smell alone can force homeowners out of the property until it subsides.

What you can do to prevent blue bottle infestations:

• Avoid DIY rodent treatments: If a rat dies in your wall cavity, the flies will find it. Best to use a professional pest control company who can trap and safely remove any rodent activity.

• Book a pest survey: If you’ve had rodent problems before or live in an older property, it’s worth getting a survey before your holiday to make sure everything is secure.

• Clear your bins: Flies love decaying organic matter, so remove rubbish bags and clean around your bins.

• Install chimney guards: These help prevent birds from falling into chimney stacks and dying inside the flue.

• Talk to your neighbours: If they’re also having issues, the problem might not be limited to your home.

If you’ve had past rodent activity, or just want peace of mind before heading away, we’re happy to help check for signs of risk.

Live in a Victorian terrace or flat? You might be more at risk

Summer pest control in London homes with shared walls and voids

Like with mice, pests like ants and flies don’t respect property boundaries. If you live in a terraced house or converted flat, your home may share hidden gaps, wall cavities or roof spaces with neighbours.

If next door’s property is empty or under renovation, it can push pests your way. That’s why it’s so important to carry out your own checks and proofing, even if the problem didn’t start in your home.

 

Need help with pest proofing or spotting signs before you go?

Summer pest control London homeowners can trust

At Mercury Pest Control, we offer expert summer pest control in London.

Whether it’s ants or flies in your kitchen, or just a worry about pests while you’re away, we’re here to help. Our local team works across London and can provide one-off inspections, proofing advice, or full treatment plans tailored to your property.

So if you’re off on holiday, don’t leave your home open to pests. Give yourself peace of mind.

Get in touch with Mercury Pest Control today

London pest control for homes and businesses across London

📞 Call: 0208 166 5110
📩 Email: info@mercurypestcontrol.co.uk
📍 Serving all London postcodes, from flats to family homes and commercial units