Published: 13:02 BST, 17 August 2026 | Updated: 13:08 BST, 17 August 2026
Summer is well and truly here – along with a growing army of unwanted creepy crawlies that are invading Britain's homes.
Horrified Brits say their houses are crawling with ants, wasps and maggots, with some now 'terrified' to go into the kitchen at all.
So what's behind this invasion? According to experts, the hot weather means bugs are breeding faster and making their way indoors in search of food, water and shelter.
Open windows provide a convenient route inside for the undesirable visitors, which can quickly become a nuisance.
Some are simply annoying, while others can deliver a painful bite or sting if disturbed.
'Summer is the peak season for many household pests,' Paul Blackhurst, head of technical academy at Rentokil Pest Control, told Which?.
'As temperatures rise, insects become more active, breeding cycles speed up and colonies begin to grow.
'That's why homeowners often notice an increase in pests, from ants and fruit flies in the kitchen to wasps in the garden during the warmer months. However, there are a few preventative steps you can take.'
People have gone online to complain of an 'ant infestation' in the UK. Others have shared horrified clips of an army of ants taking over kitchens
You're bound to find more ants in the summer as they often enter kitchens in search of sugary foods, Mr Blackhurst explained.
Hotspots include larders, kitchen worktops, cupboards and areas around pet food as they offer easy access to moisture and nutrition.
Mr Blackhurst said you can help prevent them by regularly wiping up crumbs and spills, storing food in sealed containers, sealing gaps around doors and windows, keeping bins closed and removing uneaten pet food.
'Seeing one or two ants indoors isn't usually a cause for concern,' he added.
'However, if you notice a continuous trail of ants returning to the same area over several days, it's often a sign a nearby colony has established a reliable route into your home.
