While some pests are only active during the warmer months, others like to seek out warm and comfortable environments to spend the colder months. With the cool breeze starting to kick in, rain tending to fall heavier, Autumn is the prime time for numerous pests to start looking for ways into your family home. Some of the most common pests that are active in Autumn include rodents, termites and cockroaches.
Rodents – Rats and mice, like humans, prefer to stay warm and dry during the colder months. To find the perfect location to spend their winter, they will start to look for nesting locations in ceilings, wall cavities and any other warm, dry places in the family home. As rodents are normally active during the night, it may not always be easy to notice them until damage has been done to your home.
Termites – Some subterranean termites are active all year round and love the typical, moist Autumn weather. They are small in size but can cause large amounts of destruction to your family home, destroying timber foundations and internal walls. Due to their secretive nature, termites can be hard to detect and you are far more likely to spot the signs of termite damage before you spot termites themselves.
German Cockroaches – German cockroaches are a big problem in many parts of Australia and thrive in a wide range of environmental conditions. During winter they begin to breed which means treating them during autumn is critical to eradicating them or a small cockroach problem could quickly evolve into a major one.
Key Hotspot for Common Autumn Pests
Although pest infestations can occur in any part of your home during autumn, it is still important to know the key hot spots for pest activity. Ensure blow areas are clean and regularly inspected:
- Underneath kitchen sinks and inside cabinets
- In and around rubbish bins
- Pipes and drains
- Storage rooms and wardrobes
- Roof cavities and attics
- Garages
- Basements
Autumn pest prevention tips
Now you are aware of the common autumn pests, it is important to take precautions to keep them out. Below are some simple tips to keep your home protected this Autumn:
- Seal off all cracks or crevices found in walls, floors and ceilings which serve as ideal access points for pests
- Install fly-screens for all windows and bristle stips for doors to external areas
- Ensure waste is disposed of regularly and all garbage bins have tightly closing lids
- Store all food materials in containers/bins that can be tightly shut
- Keeping lawns short and gardens well maintained to reduce harbourages for pests like rats, mice, cockroaches and more
- Stack firewood away from your home. When wood becomes wet, it will retain moisture and become a hotspot for creepy crawlies
- Rake leaves into piles and discard them as these are susceptible to pest invasion