We encounter several pests that worry us every year when they arrive on schedule for the season. Many pests thrive in different seasons, some being more common throughout particular times of the year.
These rogues damage our properties, and controlling them can be very expensive. While you can’t completely protect your property against pest problems, you can be aware of them, learn how to identify them, and take steps to manage them.
The following information will assist you in getting ready for Australia’s spring, summer, autumn, and winter, as well as the preventative measures you may take to safeguard your family against the most common pests to expect every Australian season.
Types of Pest to Expect in Every Australian Season
Summer (December-February)
Many Australians enjoy spending their summer days outside with friends and family while keeping their windows and doors open to let the pleasant summer air into their homes. Yet, many pest species can reproduce best in warm temperatures and more humidity.
The most frequent pests you’ll come across in the summer include ants, flies, fleas, mosquitos, rats, cockroaches, bees, and wasps.
Autumn (March-May)
Although we often think of insects and bugs as being active during the warmer months, many are actually active during the colder months as well. Insects and spiders will seek shelter in the months before winter. That’s why you might notice more of them inside your house.
In the cooler months, insects and animals prefer to hide in the dark, warm corners of your home as opposed to the summer when they are easily visible. Rodents are a bigger concern in the autumn since they may do much damage and are unhygienic.
The most frequent pests you’ll encounter in the autumn include termites, cockroaches, rodents, moths, snails, and slugs.
Winter (June-August)
Throughout the winter, when they seek protection from the cold, insects and animals frequently find their way inside your home, with rodents being a particular problem. Before the weather turns chilly, carry out an annual cleaning to prevent unwelcome intruders.
The most frequent pests you’ll run into in the winter include rats, cockroaches, termites, and ants.
Spring (September-November)
You will encounter common pests, such as ants, spiders, bees and termites, during the spring season.
The breeding season officially started when there was a visible rise in the activity of these pests during the warmer months as a result of blooming flowers, pollen in the air, and fresh rain.
In light of the fact that spring is typically the busiest season of the year for pests and pest control services, we advise hiring a professional for a preventive inspection.
What Are the Most Common Pest All Year Long?
You can find many types of pests in every Australian season, so knowing what you’re up against is important.
Ants
Ants are one of the most common pests you’ll encounter. They can be found in every Australian season, and they usually appear when it’s warm enough for them to find food suitable for their needs.
Ants are small insects that live together in colonies, usually made up of thousands or millions of individuals. The largest ant species is the queen ant (also known as “queen”), which is responsible for breeding other members of her colony by laying eggs after mating with a male worker or soldier ant. Female workers don’t have wings, but they do have stings on their heads that can deliver painful bites if you try to approach them directly; this means you should use caution when handling these creatures.
Ants tend to nest close together, so it’s easy for them to become trapped between cracks and crevices inside your walls – especially if no repairs haven’t been done lately! It’s also possible that an area has already been infested with ants before moving into your home, where they’ll continue building up numbers even further over time until eventually taking over completely:
Cockroaches
Roaches are common pests in Australia and can be found in many homes. There are different roach species, but the most common is the German cockroach. These small insects live in warm dark places and like to hide during the daytime before coming out at night time to look for food.
You can also find cockroaches in restaurants, warehouses and even homes. They like to nest in warm dark places such as:
- Behind fridges and freezers
- Inside pantry cupboards
- Under kitchen benches and tables
- In cardboard boxes or paper bags
The most effective way to get rid of cockroaches is by using insecticide sprays or baits that contain insecticides such as neem oil or boric acid (which is poisonous).
Spiders
Spiders are among the most common pests in Australian homes, but they don’t have to be. Spiders are actually very afraid of us and will run away from us if we make any sudden movements or noises. If you feel like playing with them, try putting on some Joel Stevenson’s Spiderman music and walking around your house with a plastic bag over your head (so the spiders don’t see anything).
Spiders will only bite if they’re provoked into it, meaning that if there’s nothing for them to eat or something else nearby that looks tasty (like food), then chances are good that they’ll just leave your home alone!
Silverfish
Silverfish are small, wingless insects often found in houses and can be problematic in kitchens. They feed on starches and sugars and can be found in damp areas. Silverfish do not bite or sting people but may damage your belongings if left unchecked.
Silverfish are easy to get rid of by vacuuming any loose debris around the baseboards where you think they might be hiding out – including newspapers too. If you see an infestation, then it’s best to call a local pest control experts straight away who will be able to treat all areas of your home with insecticide sprays.
Termites
Termites are social insects that feed on wood. Their colonies can be found in the soil, but they can also be found indoors. If a termite infestation occurs in your home, there are several signs to look for:
- Mud tubes (which look like worms) emerge from the ground near where you’ve seen a colony or mud tunnels dug into your walls. These tunnels lead to the nest sites of these pests and can be seen as soon as two weeks after their arrival
- Wings emerging from their nests – this indicates that they’ve hatched!
Pest-Proofing Your Home in Every Australian Season
Australia is known for its diverse climate, with each season bringing unique challenges when it comes to pest control. From scorching summers to chilly winters and everything in between, pests in Australia can be a year-round nuisance. To keep your home pest-free, it’s essential to adapt your pest-proofing strategies to the changing seasons. In this guide, we’ll explore how to pest-proof your home in every Australian season.
Spring
Spring in Australia, while lovely, signifies the onset of heightened pest activity. To safeguard your home during this season, take these steps: First, meticulously inspect your residence for gaps, cracks, or openings that pests might exploit as entry points, and be sure doors and windows are well sealed. Second, maintain your garden by trimming bushes, trees, and shrubs away from your home, cutting off potential pest pathways, and eliminating standing water sources in your yard that can draw pests. Lastly, maintain cleanliness within your home, with a focus on the kitchen and dining areas, to deter pests attracted to food residue.
Summer
During the scorching Australian summer, flies, mosquitoes, and ants are quick to thrive in the heat. To effectively keep these pests at bay, there are several key strategies to employ. Firstly, install screens on doors and windows to create a barrier that prevents flying insects from entering while still allowing fresh airflow. Secondly, ensure food storage is secure by using airtight containers, and promptly clean up any spills to deter ants and flies. Lastly, considering professional pest control services can be vital to promptly address any infestations that may arise during this season, ensuring a pest-free summer living environment.
Autumn
As the cooler temperatures of autumn set in, pests may seek shelter indoors. To effectively pest-proof your home during this season, follow these steps: Firstly, conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify nests, particularly those of stinging insects like wasps and bees, and promptly enlist professional removal if found. Secondly, bolster your defenses by installing weather stripping around doors and windows, preventing pests from infiltrating while they search for warmth.Winter
While winter in Australia can be relatively mild in certain regions, it can still draw rodents and spiders seeking shelter into your home. To ward off these unwanted guests, take these measures: Firstly, thoroughly inspect your residence for any cracks or crevices that might serve as entry points for pests, and seal them using caulk or other suitable materials. Secondly, discourage pests from nesting in or around your home by storing firewood and outdoor items away from the house. Lastly, maintain a routine inspection regimen to monitor your home for signs of infestations and promptly address them as needed.
Year-Round Tips
Regardless of the season, some general tips can help keep your home pest-free year-round:- Proper Waste Disposal: Use sealed trash bins, and keep them away from the house. Empty them regularly to avoid attracting pests.
- Routine Maintenance: Regularly inspect your home’s exterior and interior for signs of pests, and take preventive measures accordingly.
- Professional Help: If you suspect a severe infestation, don’t hesitate to call a pest control professional to assess and address the issue.
Pest-proofing your home in every Australian season requires a combination of preventive measures, regular maintenance, and adapting to the unique challenges each season brings. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a pest-free home throughout the year, ensuring a comfortable and healthy living environment for you and your family.
Conclusion
Protecting your residential or commercial property all year long requires an understanding of how the seasons affect pest activity. With these common pests in mind, you should be able to keep your property safe from these unwelcome guests.
If you notice any signs of infestation, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Pest Police Australia today for effective pest control in Melbourne. We can help you with any problems and ensure your family is safe. Contact us today for an obligation-free consultation.