Although pests are a problem throughout the year, some seasons see more activity than others, and it’s useful to understand how the climate affects their movement.
To help you prepare your property against an unwanted invasion, we’re going to outline how the seasons affect the behaviour of common household pests. We’ll also discuss the best end of lease pet control and commercial pest control methods should you already have a problem on your hands.
Spring: Awakening and mating
Pest activity peaks in spring, especially in the colder areas of Australia where insects awaken from hibernation. As the temperature rises and the flowers bloom, many of the most common household pests start venturing out of their winter nests, inevitably finding their way into your home.
Bees will take advantage of the fresh pollen floating through the air and termites start seeking moist timber. As the first rains of the season hit, ants wander indoors to seek refuge from the deluge.
Spring is also breeding season for many common pests, who congregate in search of a mate. Keep a close eye out for large colonies in and around the home—the earlier you spot them, the easier it’ll be to intervene.
Summer: An outdoor invasion
When the mercury starts to soar, you’ll probably notice fewer insects inside your home as they’ve got plenty of food and water outside. The exception is during torrential midsummer rains when ants invade your home in their thousands.
The most bothersome summer pest in Australia is the fly, which buzzes persistently around the barbeque and contaminates your food. Remember to keep your produce covered at all times, either with a layer of glad wrap or in sealed Tupperware containers. Flies have a habit of finding their way indoors; you’ll need to be vigilant with your fly screen doors and keep a can of insecticide at hand.
The other prevalent pest in the summer is the mosquito, which breeds in large numbers around any water source it can find. Avoid letting liquid pool on the ground and consider draining your water features for the season if the infestation becomes too much.
Bees and wasps also make their presence known in the summer by building big hives around your home. Wasps can be especially dangerous, so train your kids to keep a safe distance and call in a professional to remove the nest. Check the foundations and any overhangs for signs of hidden hives.
Autumn: Sheltering from the cold weather to come
Insects and spiders start looking for shelter in autumn in preparation for winter, so expect to see an influx of bugs inside. Most will hide out of sight in dark, warm places like the crevices and cracks of your walls. Rats and mice pose a more severe threat in autumn, as these unhygienic creatures can significant disruption.
Autumn is a great time to catch up on your home maintenance by blocking off potential entryways to keep the rodents at bay. Inspect your property for any possible access points in the garage, floors, attic, and foundations, then seal them up using a caulking compound or sealant. Take the time to inspect your roof, too, as cracked tiles are a favourite entry point for pests.
Winter: Hibernation time
In the colder regions of Australia, pests seldom cause much nuisance as they tend to hunker down in hibernation until spring. Most ants remain underground to see out the cold weather, while bees and wasps take refuge in trees and logs.
Rats and mice are more likely to invade your home in winter, which is why it’s so crucial to do your annual maintenance before it starts getting cold.
In warm parts of Australia where the winters are mild, pest activity won’t halt entirely, but there will be a noticeable reduction.
Pest prevention
There are several things we can do to treat an infestation of the most common household pests.
Ants
We can apply specially formulated dust and sprays to specific sections of your home to stop ants spreading around the property. Chemical baits are less invasive and work immensely well for certain species of ants, but may take more time and effort to flush out a colony.
Bedbugs
Chemical dust and sprays can be used to kill live bedbugs, but are ineffective against their eggs. Therefore, follow up inspection and treatment is often required. Exposing the affected linen and clothing to extreme heat or cold can help.
Termites
Termite dust effectively kills a known nest, though baits are the better option when the colony cannot be found. Chemical and physical barriers stop termites from spreading around the home, thus reducing the potential for damage.
Rodents
Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment will deter rodents from nesting inside, while rodenticides will stop them in their tracks. Traps are a good, albeit expensive, option where chemicals can’t be used such as food preparation premises. For residential areas, removing food sources and areas of harbourages would be a crucial step. To minimise nesting and breeding, trim the trees around your home so it doesn’t touch the roof, clear away piles of unused items, ensure your grass is kept short and neat, as well as pack away dog or cat food, and bird seeds.
Bees & Wasps
The European wasp can be extremely dangerous and should only be removed by a licensed professional. Applying an insecticide is the best method of removal, preferably early in the morning or late in the evening, while they’re less active and aggressive.
Understanding how the seasons affect pest activity is crucial for protecting your residential or commercial property for the year to come. For professional pest control in Glen Waverley, Wantirna, Bayswater, Springvale, Malvern, Chadstone, Blackburn South, get in touch with the team at Positive Pest Solutions today.
