THE record-breaking heat is causing a surge in pest activity with experts warning of an increase in ants, wasps, and flies over the coming weeks.
They say incidence of biting insects are set to rise sharply as the warmer weather drives a seasonal swell.
Temperatures have soared towards the 30C mark in recent days with this past month recording the warmest days ever in May across the island of Ireland.
Met Eireann warned that readings are for the shade only – and that real-feel temperatures be up to 15C warmer in direct sunlight.
Temperatures climbed to 28.6C at Shannon Airport in Co Clare on Monday, beating the previous May record of 28.4C from Co Kerry in 1997.
The warmest day of the year so far in the North was 25.8C at Derrylin in Co Fermanagh, also on Monday past.
Now pest control provider Rentokil Ireland has warned of a 556% increase in activity for common pests during the warmer months.
A spokesperson said: “Common seasonal pests will likely become more active in the coming weeks as temperatures rise, with the largest increase in reported activity typically occurring during periods of sustained warm weather.
“With more people spending time outdoors during the summer months and with windows and doors being opened more regularly, pest-related issues can escalate quickly.
“Pests like wasps, flies, mosquitoes and ants become far more active during warmer weather, especially around homes, gardens and outdoor dining areas where food sources, standing water and outdoor activity create the ideal conditions for pests to thrive.
“While many of these pests are considered seasonal nuisances, infestations can develop quickly if preventative measures are not taken early. Simple steps such as keeping waste bins sealed, covering food outdoors, removing standing water and sealing entry points around the home can significantly reduce the likelihood of pest problems from developing.”
The company’s analysis compared recorded pest activity during the summer months of May, June and July 2025 with the activity recorded during the prior winter season of November and December 2024 and January 2025.
The sharpest increase was in recorded wasp activity, which rose by 925%.
Ant activity increased by 565%, while biting insect activity, including midges and mosquitoes, rose by 112%, and fly-related activity also increased by 108% over the same period.