Don’t let the bugs bug you: The UK’s most common household bugs and when they peak.

The fact is, bugs in the home are a nuisance. But what many may not realise is that the bathroom can be one of the places they’re most likely to appear, thanks to its warmth, moisture and humidity, as well as its abundance of drains. Of course, not all bugs are the same, as certain bugs become more noticeable and troublesome during different times of the year.

So, when are the UK’s biggest bugbears most likely to appear? We’ve delved into search data to uncover when common household pests are at their peak, why they make themselves at home, in our home, and how to get rid of them, so you can send the unwanted visitors packing for good.

Key summary:

• September is the biggest month for household pest searches in the UK, with searches for flies, fruit flies, ladybirds, fleas, drain flies and silverfish all reaching their annual peak during the month.
• Bed bugs appear to cause the most concern among Brits, ranking as the UK’s most-searched household pest with more than 4.4 million searches over the past five years.
• Rainfall was the weather factor most closely linked to pest peak periods. Across all pests analysed, rainfall changed by an average of 72.20% during their peak month - a bigger change than any other weather, suggesting that rainfall may play a bigger role rather than temperature or humidity. 

What’s bugging Brits? The UK’s most-searched household pests

To find out when bugs are most likely to become a nuisance in homes, we identified the month when Google searches for the most common household pests typically peak. 

Our data found that September is the peak month for bug action in the UK. Flies, fruit flies, ladybirds, fleas, drain flies and silverfish all had their annual search peak in September. By comparison, bed bugs and spiders have historically peaked in August, cockroaches and wasps in July, while ants and rats reach their peak in May.

To find out which pests have caused the biggest nuisance, we analysed the absolute UK Google search volume for each bug over the past five years:

We found that bed bugs were the pest causing the most frustration for Brits, with the highest search volume in the UK at more than 4.4 million searches over the past five years. Flies followed in second place with 2.3 million searches, while cockroaches came third with 1.9 million.

Why do bugs peak in different months of the year?

As we all know too well, creepy crawlies tend to become more common at certain times of the year. Temperature might seem like the obvious reason bugs become more active, particularly during the warmer months, but our research found that another weather factor had a stronger association with pest peak periods: rainfall.

To investigate how weather could influence pest activity, we analysed UK Met Office weather data during the specific peak month identified for each of the 12 pests in our search data.

Across all pests, there was an average 72% change in rainfall during their peak month, making rainfall the weather factor with the biggest impact on pest activity. It also showed the biggest change for 10 of the 12 pests analysed, including:

Wind speed and humidity also showed some association with peak periods, as it reached a 26% change for flies, fleas and drain flies, while humidity was highest for cockroaches and wasps at 6%.

So, while temperature and humidity might seem like the obvious culprits, our research suggests that rainfall is the weather factor most closely associated with when household pests reach their peak. Good job the UK isn’t known for being rainy, right?

Why is the bathroom such a bug hotspot?

According to our bathroom expert, Alex Woods, bathrooms provide many of the conditions household pests look for, making them a natural hotspot for bugs. As he explains:

“Bathrooms are appealing to household pests because they provide many of the conditions bugs look for, including moisture, warmth, water, and shelter. Showers and baths naturally create humid conditions, while drains and pipework provide sources of water and access points. Combined with small gaps and dark spaces, this can make bathrooms a hotspot for many household pests and, in some cases, an ideal environment for them to thrive.”

What makes bathrooms so attractive to bugs?

As Alex explains: 

• Humidity and moisture

“Regular bathing and showering can make bathrooms more humid than other rooms in the home, creating prime conditions for moisture-loving pests such as silverfish.”

• Warmth

“Bathrooms are often warmer than other areas of the home, particularly after a hot shower or bath, which can make them appealing to insects seeking warmth.”

• Water sources

“From sinks and baths to condensation and damp surfaces, bathrooms are full of water sources, making them particularly attractive to many household pests.”

• Drainage

“Drains provide both moisture and potential access points. They are particularly associated with drain flies, which can be found around sinks, showers and other damp drainage areas.”

How to remove common household bugs from the home  

Whether you’ve spotted a single insect or are dealing with a recurring pest problem, knowing what is attracting them is key. Below, Alex has shared tips on how to get rid of the UK’s most common household pests:

Flies

When is peak fly season? 

“We found that September is peak fly season in the UK, with search interest for flies reaching its highest point during the month.”

Why do flies come inside?

“Flies are attracted indoors by food, waste and moisture, and more so where food is left uncovered and drains aren't cleaned regularly, typically entering through open windows and doors.” 

How to get rid of flies

“Remove their food sources and breeding sites. Keep food covered, empty bins regularly and clean food residue from surfaces and drains. Fly screens and keeping doors and windows closed where practical can also help prevent them getting back inside.”

Bed bugs

When is peak bed bug season? 

“We found that August is peak bed bug season, with search interest reaching its highest point. Bed bugs are generally more active during warmer months, although they can remain active year-round in heated homes.”

Why do bed bugs come inside?

“Bed bugs are typically brought into the home, and can enter via luggage, clothing, bedding or furniture.”

How to get rid of bed bugs

“Wash and heat-treat affected bedding and clothing, then thoroughly vacuum the surrounding area. Bed bugs can hide in mattresses, bed frames, furniture and cracks, so a persistent infestation may require professional pest control.”

Fruit flies 

When is peak fruit fly season?

“We found that September is peak fruit fly season, with searches reaching their highest point. Their peak towards the end of summer coincides with a time when ripe fruit may be more readily available in homes.”

Why do fruit flies come inside?

“Fruit flies are attracted to ripening and fermenting food, particularly fruit, or food that has a lot of sugar. This means your kitchen is typically attractive to fruit flies, typically gravitating towards bins and drains.”

How to get rid of fruit flies 

“Remove the source of attraction. Throw away overripe or rotting fruit, empty food waste and clean spills around bins and worktops. Cleaning the inside of drains can also help remove potential breeding sites.”

Cockroaches 

When is peak cockroach season?

“We found that July is peak cockroach season, with search interest reaching its highest point.”

Why do cockroaches come inside?

“Cockroaches seek out warm, dark, and damp spaces, as well as sources that have food and water. This can make kitchens and bathrooms particularly attractive, due to the drains, pipes, or even leaks.” 

How to get rid of cockroaches 

“Remove access to food and water and seal potential entry points. Keep food in sealed containers, clean up crumbs and spills, fix leaks and seal gaps around pipes and walls. A persistent cockroach infestation should be treated by a pest control professional.”

Ants 

When is peak ant season?

“We found that May is peak ant season, as rising spring temperatures make ants more active and increasingly likely to venture indoors in search of food.”

Why do ants come inside?

“Ants can enter homes in search of food and water, with even small crumbs or spills encouraging them to come inside. They can make their way through tiny cracks and gaps around windows, doors, walls and pipework.”

How to get rid of ants

“Remove food sources and seal the route they are using to enter. Clean up food residue, keep surfaces clean and seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors and pipework.”

Ladybirds 

When is peak ladybird season?

“We found that September is peak ladybird season, with searches reaching their highest point. As temperatures begin to fall towards autumn, ladybirds may seek out warm, sheltered spaces, making homes more likely to become a target.”

Why do ladybirds come inside?

“As temperatures begin to fall, ladybirds look to seek out warm, sheltered places to spend the colder months. Small gaps around windows, doors and roofs can provide easy access into homes.”

How to get rid of ladybirds

“Gently vacuum or remove them rather than crushing them. Seal gaps around windows, doors and other potential entry points to reduce the chance of more getting inside.”

Fleas 

When is peak flea season?

“We found that September is when searches for getting rid of fleas reach their highest point.”

Why do fleas come inside?

“Fleas are commonly brought into homes by pets, where they can then spread through carpets, bedding and soft furnishings. Warm indoor environments can also allow them to survive throughout the year.”

How to get rid of fleas

“Wash bedding and soft furnishings at an appropriate high temperature, vacuum carpets and upholstery thoroughly, and speak to a vet about treating pets if necessary. Fleas can persist in the home if only the animal is treated.”

Drain flies  

When is peak drain fly season?

“We found that September is when drain flies are most common.”  

Why do drain flies come inside?

“As their name suggests, drain flies are attracted to drains and the debris that builds up inside them. Bathrooms can be particularly susceptible due to the sink, shower or bath.”

How to get rid of drain flies

“Clean the inside of the affected drain to remove the organic build-up they feed and breed in. Focus on sinks, showers and other drains where you have noticed the flies, rather than simply removing the adult insects.”

Wasps 

When is peak wasp season?

“July tends to be peak wasp season, as their activity typically increases during the warmer summer months.”

Why do wasps come inside?

“Wasps can enter homes through open windows, doors and small gaps, especially when searching for food. They are attracted to sugary foods and drinks, and are known to look for suitable nesting areas.” 

How to get rid of wasps

“Keep food and sugary drinks covered and avoid attracting wasps outdoors. If you find an active nest, don't attempt to remove it yourself - particularly if it is difficult to access - and contact a professional pest controller.”

Rats 

When is peak rat season?

“We found that May is peak rat season, although rats are typically active year-round, but spring can bring increased activity as they search more widely for food.”

Why do rats come inside?

“Rats are attracted by accessible food, water and shelter, and can enter homes through surprisingly small gaps. Drains, pipes, gaps around walls and poorly secured rubbish can all provide opportunities for rats to come into the home.”

How to get rid of rats

“Remove accessible food and seal potential entry points. Keep rubbish securely contained, remove food sources and check for gaps around drains, pipes and walls. Signs of an active rat infestation warrant professional pest control.”

Spiders 

When is peak spider season?

“We found that August is peak spider season, with searches for how to remove them reaching their peak.”

Why do spiders come inside?

“Spiders can enter homes through small gaps, and tend to do so when looking for food and shelter.”

How to get rid of spiders

“Vacuum webs and spiders and reduce the places they can hide. Keeping rooms uncluttered and sealing gaps around windows, doors and other potential entry points can help prevent them returning.”

Silverfish 

When is peak silverfish season?

“We found that September is peak silverfish season, although searches begin to increase from August.”

Why do silverfish come inside?

“Silverfish thrive in damp, humid environments, like the bathroom. They also prefer dark, sheltered spaces and can hide in cracks, cupboards, tiles, and behind fixtures.”

How to get rid of silverfish

“Reduce humidity and moisture. Improve ventilation, particularly in bathrooms, and address sources of damp or condensation. Sealing gaps and removing clutter can also reduce potential hiding places.”

Methodology

To identify the UK’s most-searched household pests and when they peak, we analysed Google search and UK weather data across 12 common household pests.

Search data:

We used Google Glimpse to analyse absolute Google search volume for each pest and its associated search term. Data was sourced and correct as of 25.08.2026. Pests were selected through desk research based on their relevance to UK households and availability of sufficient search data.

Where possible, we used “how to get rid of…” search terms. However, terms were not universal across all pests, as we used the most relevant search term where sufficient data was available.

We analysed five years of absolute search volume to compare overall search interest and identified each pest’s peak month based on its highest search volume.

Weather data:

We analysed UK Met Office data from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2024, covering maximum and minimum temperature, wind speed, relative humidity and average precipitation. Data from across the UK was aggregated to calculate national averages, which were then compared against each pest’s peak month to identify potential weather-related trends.

The findings show associations between search interest and weather conditions, rather than proving that weather directly causes changes in pest activity.