Common Early Season Insects to Watch For

Cluster Flies

Cluster flies are one of the most common early season insects found in UK homes. Unlike house flies, they do not breed indoors. Instead, they enter buildings in autumn to overwinter in wall cavities and roof spaces.

As temperatures rise in late winter and early spring, cluster flies become active and emerge indoors, often gathering around windows and light sources. While harmless, their sudden appearance in numbers can be a nuisance and is a clear sign that spring insect activity has begun.

Midges

UK midges are small but notoriously irritating. These tiny flying insects tend to emerge early in the year, particularly during mild, damp conditions. Midges are attracted to carbon dioxide, body heat, and light, which makes open windows and doors an easy access point.

Although midges are more commonly associated with summer evenings, early spring activity is increasingly common due to milder winters. Their small size allows them to slip through gaps that larger insects cannot, making preventative measures especially important.

Aphids

Aphids are primarily an outdoor pest, but they play a key role in early season insect cycles. As temperatures rise, aphids emerge and begin feeding on new plant growth in gardens, greenhouses, and around windowsills. While they rarely cause issues indoors, their presence attracts other insects such as ants, which can then enter homes in search of food.

Aphids are also a strong indicator that spring insect activity is accelerating, even if they are mostly noticed outside rather than inside.

Wasps

Wasps are not usually associated with early spring, but this is actually when their activity begins. In late winter and early spring, queen wasps emerge from hibernation to search for nesting sites. During this time, they may enter homes through open windows, loft vents, or roof gaps while exploring sheltered areas.

Although wasp numbers are low early in the season, spotting a wasp indoors in spring can be an early warning sign of a nest forming nearby. Addressing access points early can help reduce the likelihood of more serious problems later in the year.

Ants

Ant activity increases significantly as temperatures rise. In early spring, ants leave their nests in search of food and begin establishing foraging trails. Kitchens, pantries, and areas where food is stored are particularly attractive.

While ants usually enter through very small cracks rather than open windows, increased ventilation and warmer indoor temperatures can encourage their activity. Ants are often one of the first crawling insects homeowners notice once winter ends, especially during sudden warm spells.

Beetles

Several beetle species become active in early spring, including carpet beetles and pantry beetles. These insects may overwinter indoors and emerge as temperatures rise, or they may enter homes from outside in search of food sources.

Carpet beetles, in particular, can be damaging if left unnoticed, as their larvae feed on natural fibres such as wool, carpets, and upholstery. Early detection is important, as beetle infestations often develop slowly and are easiest to manage at the start of the season.

Ladybird

Ladybirds are beneficial insects outdoors, feeding on pests like aphids and helping to keep gardens healthy. However, many species commonly overwinter inside buildings, seeking warmth and shelter during the colder months.

During early spring, ladybirds may emerge in large numbers around windows, curtains, and ceilings as they become active again. While harmless to humans, their sudden appearance indoors can be surprising and inconvenient. They can sometimes leave small marks or become trapped in rooms, prompting homeowners to remove them carefully or encourage them back outside.

Woodlice

Woodlice thrive in damp, dark conditions and are often driven indoors during late winter and early spring when outdoor environments become unstable. They are commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and other areas with higher humidity, where they seek shelter and moisture.

Although woodlice do not infest homes or cause damage, their presence can be a nuisance and often signals excess moisture or dampness in your property. Regularly checking for leaks, improving ventilation, and using flyscreens or door seals can help reduce indoor sightings and maintain a healthier, drier home environment.

Spiders

Spiders are active year-round, but early spring often brings increased sightings as they move in search of food. Insect activity indoors naturally attracts predators.

Spiders are beneficial and reduce insect populations, but many people prefer to keep them outside.