Why Insects Love Summer Holidays — and How to Keep Them Away
, by Tatianna Gerard, 14 min reading time
Summer holidays are meant to be all about sunshine, BBQs, beach days, and spending more time outdoors — not constantly swatting flies or scratching mosquito bites. Yet every year, as the weather warms up and routines relax, insects seem to appear in full force. From mozzies buzzing around at dusk to ants invading picnic food, it can feel like insects have their own summer holiday plans too.
The truth is, it’s not bad luck — it’s biology. Warm temperatures, higher humidity, open doors and windows, and more food around create the perfect conditions for insects to thrive. And in Australia, summer weather only amplifies these factors, especially during the wet season.
Warm weather = insect activation
Unlike humans, insects are cold-blooded, which means their body temperature and activity levels depend entirely on the environment around them. Warmer weather boosts their metabolism, helping them move faster, feed more often, and reproduce at a much quicker rate.
Summer heat also shortens insect breeding cycles. Mosquitoes, for example, can go from egg to adult in just a matter of days when conditions are warm and humid. Add in summer rain or leftover water from garden pots, birdbaths, or outdoor toys, and suddenly there are countless new breeding sites right outside your door.
In Australia, this effect is especially noticeable during the warmer months and wet season. Higher humidity levels make it easier for insects to survive, while warm nights keep them active well into the evening — which is why mozzies tend to strike just as you’re sitting down to relax outdoors.
Read related article: The Link Between Climate Change & The Rise in Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Summer holidays activities create the perfect environment
While warm weather gets insects active, our summer holiday habits make things even easier for them. During the holidays, homes tend to be busier, messier, and more open — all things insects love.
Think about how summer living usually looks: doors and windows left open to catch a breeze, kids running in and out, outdoor meals, BBQs, and snacks eaten outside. Crumbs, sugary drinks, food smells, and uncovered bins all act like invitations for ants, flies, and cockroaches. Even small spills that might normally be cleaned up straight away can linger a little longer during relaxed holiday routines.
Travel also plays a role. Whether you’re staying in holiday rentals, caravans, or hotels, you’re often in unfamiliar environments where insects may already be present. Coastal areas, bushland, and campgrounds — popular holiday spots — are naturally insect-rich, especially in summer.
On top of that, holiday schedules often mean less regular cleaning and maintenance, which gives insects time to settle in. A blocked drain, damp bathroom, or overflowing outdoor bin can quickly become a breeding ground if left unchecked for a few days.
The most common pests in Australian summers
Not all insects show up for the same reasons — and knowing which ones you’re dealing with can help you prevent them more effectively. During Australian summers, a handful of pests are especially active around homes, holiday stays, and outdoor gatherings.
1. Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are the biggest summer nuisance for most households. They thrive in warm, humid conditions and breed in standing water — even small amounts in pot saucers, buckets, drains, or toys. They’re most active at dawn and dusk and are attracted to body heat, sweat, and carbon dioxide. Beyond the itching, mosquitoes can also carry viruses, which is why prevention matters.
Read related article: 5 Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Australia: Symptoms, Risks & Prevention
2. Flies
Flies multiply rapidly in hot weather and are drawn to food smells, rubbish bins, pet waste, and outdoor meals. BBQs, picnics, and uncovered food make summer a prime season for fly problems. While often seen as just annoying, flies can spread bacteria when they land on food and surfaces.
3. Ants
Ants become more visible in summer as they search for food and water. Sugary drinks, crumbs, fruit, and pantry items are common targets. Once ants find a food source, they leave scent trails that bring more ants back — which is why infestations can seem to appear overnight.
4. Cockroaches
Warmth and moisture make summer ideal for cockroaches, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, and holiday accommodation. In Australia, the Australian cockroach is especially active in warmer months. Cockroaches are attracted to food scraps, damp areas, and cluttered spaces.
5. Midges and sandflies
In coastal and tropical regions, midges and sandflies are a common summer problem. These tiny insects are often active at sunrise and sunset and can cause intensely itchy bites. They’re especially prevalent near water, mangroves, and beaches — popular holiday destinations.
Read related article: 5 Insects That Cause Itchy Bites: How to Identify & Avoid Them
How to keep insects away at home
1. Seal entry points
Insects are experts at finding their way indoors. Check flyscreens, doors, and window seals for gaps or tears, and repair them where needed. Even small openings can allow mosquitoes, flies, and ants easy access — especially when doors and windows are left open more often during summer.
2. Eliminate standing water
Standing water is one of the biggest contributors to insect problems, particularly mosquitoes. Empty pot saucers, buckets, watering cans, and outdoor toys regularly. Make sure drains are clear and birdbaths are refreshed often. Less water means fewer places for insects to breed.
3. Manage food and waste
Food smells are a powerful attractant. Keep benches clean, wipe up spills promptly, and store food in sealed containers. Outdoor bins should be kept closed and cleaned regularly, especially during hot weather when smells build up quickly.
4. Use fans to disrupt flight
Fans are a surprisingly effective deterrent. Mosquitoes and flies are weak fliers, so using fans indoors or on outdoor patios can make it much harder for them to hover or land — while also helping keep you cool.
5. Create an insect-repelling environment
For continuous protection indoors, some households use plant-based insect deterrents that work quietly in the background. Products like Good Riddance repellents can be applied to skin when needed, while options such as SAN-AIR Mozzyno Gel Diffusers can be placed in living areas to help discourage insects from settling indoors. These solutions are especially useful in bedrooms, living rooms, or areas where opening windows isn’t always practical.
Read related article: Natural vs DEET: Which Insect Repellent Really Works?
How to stay bite-free outdoors & while travelling
Summer holidays usually mean more time outside — beach trips, camping, picnics, evening walks, and travel to insect-prone areas. While you can’t control the environment everywhere you go, a few simple habits can greatly reduce your chances of getting bitten.
1. Apply repellent before you need it
One of the most common mistakes is waiting until insects are already buzzing around. Applying a repellent before heading outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk, helps stop insects from landing in the first place. This is particularly important for exposed areas like ankles, arms, and neck.
2. Reapply repellent after swimming or sweating
Water, sweat, and towel-drying can reduce the effectiveness of any repellent. If you’ve been swimming, exercising, or spending long hours outside (like 8 hours or more), reapplying ensures continued protection — especially in humid summer conditions.
3. Dress smart
Light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing is less attractive to insects and helps reduce skin exposure. Long sleeves and pants can make a noticeable difference in the evenings, particularly in mosquito- or midge-heavy areas like the coastal regions, bushland, or campgrounds.
4. Choose repellents suitable for the whole family
When travelling with children, it’s important to use skin-friendly, plant-based repellents that are suitable for regular use, like the Good Riddance Sensitive insect repellent. Creams and lotions are especially helpful indoors or during sleep time, as they provide controlled application without strong fumes. Sensitive formulations are also ideal for babies and young children, where extra care is needed.
5. Be prepared when staying away from home
Holiday rentals, caravans, and hotels may already have insects present — especially in warmer regions. Packing travel-sized repellents and using preventative solutions in sleeping areas can help reduce night-time bites and improve sleep quality.
Preventative solutions in sleeping areas:
Sleeping areas are often where insect bites become most noticeable — especially at night when mosquitoes are most active.
These preventative solutions that we meant usually work by releasing plant-based vapours or scents that insects naturally avoid, helping to repel mosquitoes and other flying insects without the need for sprays or direct skin application. They’re particularly useful for overnight protection, as they work continuously in the background while you sleep.
Read related article: Mosquito Repellents: 11 Things They Hate
Options like gel-based insect repellents or diffuser-style products can be placed near beds, on bedside tables, or in sleeping areas to help reduce insect activity throughout the night. Because they don’t rely on aerosols or strong chemical fumes, they’re often preferred in enclosed spaces such as bedrooms, caravans, tents, or holiday accommodation.
Enjoy summer without the pesky bugs
Insects may love summer holidays, but that doesn’t mean they have to take over yours. Warm weather, open homes, outdoor meals, and travel all create the perfect conditions for insects to thrive — but understanding what attracts them makes prevention much easier.
By managing heat, moisture, and food sources, sealing entry points, and using simple deterrents both at home and on the go, you can significantly reduce insect activity. Pairing smart home habits with skin-friendly repellents and preventative solutions in sleeping areas helps create a more comfortable, bite-free environment for the whole family.
With the right approach, summer can stay focused on what it’s meant to be about — relaxing, exploring, and enjoying time outdoors
Your Summer Insect Protection Essentials
Good Riddance Repellents & Bite Cream
The Good Riddance collection is designed to help protect against mosquitoes, midges and sandflies during the warmer months, when they’re most active. From effective insect repellents to soothing Rescue Balm for bites and minor skin irritations, this range helps keep skin comfortable outdoors.
Made with natural ingredients, Good Riddance products are suitable for the whole family, including babies from 3 months old and those with sensitive skin. A gentle, practical way to keep insects away and care for skin during summer adventures.
From $11.95
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SAN-AIR™ Mozzyno Mosquito Repellent - Gel Diffuser 80g
SAN-AIR Mozzyno Gel is designed to help deter mosquitoes in the spaces where they tend to gather. The gel works by slowly releasing active ingredients into the surrounding area, making it a simple, low-effort way to support mosquito control indoors or in covered outdoor areas.
Ideal for use in bedrooms, living spaces, caravans and holiday accommodation, Mozzyno Gel provides continuous protection without sprays or direct skin application — helping you enjoy summer with fewer unwanted mozzies around.
From $32.00
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Sleek Air Diffuser
The Sleek Air Diffuser is designed to help distribute active ingredients evenly through the air, supporting more consistent protection in enclosed spaces. When used with SAN-AIR Mozzyno Gel, it helps improve dispersion, making mosquito deterrence more effective across the room. Comes in blue and gray colour options.
$46.50
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Super Ninja Non Toxic Cockroach Trap - Pack of 12
The Super Ninja Cockroach Trap offers a simple, effective way to help control cockroaches in the home without sprays or harsh chemicals. Designed to attract and trap roaches discreetly, it works continuously once placed in problem areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and cupboards.
$20.50
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Super Ninja Fruit Fly Trap
The Super Ninja Fruit Fly Trap offers an easy, chemical-free way to help reduce fruit flies around the home. It uses a mix of natural ingredients, including vinegar, apple juice concentrate and water, along with a surface-breaking substance similar to detergent that helps trap fruit flies effectively.
From $10.13
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