Wollongong’s coastal climate brings unique pest challenges throughout the year. As the seasons change, different types of pests become more active, invading homes and businesses. Understanding which pests are most common during each season can help you keep your property safe and healthy. In this guide, we’ll break down the pests you might face in Wollongong during each season and provide easy tips to prevent them.
Summer: Cockroaches, Ants, and Mosquitoes
The hot and humid summer months in Wollongong bring pests like cockroaches, ants, and mosquitoes. These pests thrive in warm temperatures, making it important to take steps to keep them out of your home.
- Cockroaches: Cockroaches live in warm, damp places like kitchens and bathrooms. They can spread bacteria and make you sick. To keep cockroaches away, store food in sealed containers, clean up crumbs, and fix leaky pipes. Keep surfaces dry and seal gaps around sinks with caulk to remove hiding spots.
- Ants: Ants are very active in the summer and often come inside looking for food and water. Seal any cracks around doors, windows, and walls. Keep food sealed and wipe surfaces with vinegar to repel ants. Place bait traps where ants are active to control their numbers.
- Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Empty birdbaths, plant saucers, and other containers that collect water to stop mosquitoes from laying eggs. Use insect screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out, and consider using outdoor fans since mosquitoes struggle in breezy areas. Citronella candles can also help during outdoor gatherings.
Autumn: Rodents and Spiders
As the weather cools down in autumn, rodents and spiders start moving indoors. They look for warmth and food, making your home an inviting place.
- Rodents: Rats and mice are common in autumn as they try to find shelter. They can damage wires and insulation and spread disease. Seal gaps around the outside of your home, especially near windows and utility lines. Store food in metal or glass containers and keep garbage bins sealed. Trim tree branches away from your home to stop rodents from using them to reach your roof. Place traps in areas where you notice rodent activity.
- Spiders: Spiders also come inside in autumn to find shelter. Most spiders aren’t dangerous, but their presence can be unsettling. To reduce spiders, keep your home clean, vacuum regularly, and remove webs. Reducing other insects can help as spiders feed on them. Use weather stripping on doors and windows to keep spiders out, and turn off outdoor lights to avoid attracting insects.
Winter: Rodents and Silverfish
Winter in Wollongong brings colder weather, which means rodents and silverfish are more likely to look for a warm place indoors.
- Rodents: Rodents continue to be a problem in winter. They seek warmth and food, often hiding in basements and attics. Seal gaps around doors, windows, and pipes using steel wool, which is hard for rodents to chew. Store firewood away from your home, as rodents can nest there. Keep storage areas organized and check for droppings or chewed items.
- Silverfish: Silverfish live in dark, damp places like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. They feed on paper, fabrics, and glue. Reduce moisture by fixing leaks, using dehumidifiers, and ensuring good airflow in damp areas. Store items like books and clothes in sealed containers and vacuum regularly.
Spring: Termites and Bees
Spring is when pests become more active after winter. In Wollongong, termites and bees are common as they begin to swarm and build nests.
- Termites: Spring is when termites start to swarm, looking for new places to build colonies. Termites can cause major damage to wooden structures. Make sure there is no wood-to-ground contact around your home, and keep firewood and mulch away from your foundation. Schedule a professional termite inspection to catch any activity early.
- Bees: Bees are important for the environment, but they can be a problem if they build a hive near your home. If you see a hive, avoid using pesticides, as bees are important for pollination. Instead, contact a beekeeper or pest control professional to move the hive safely. Plant flowers away from doorways to keep bee activity away from your home.
General Pest Prevention Tips for Wollongong Homeowners
- Keep Your Home Clean: Keeping your home clean helps prevent pests. Vacuum regularly, wipe surfaces, and store food properly. Clean up spills quickly and don’t leave dirty dishes out overnight.
- Seal Entry Points: Check your home for cracks or gaps, especially around doors and windows, and seal them to keep pests out. Use caulk on windows and weather stripping on doors.
- Reduce Moisture: Many pests are attracted to moisture. Fix any leaks, use dehumidifiers in damp areas, and ensure good ventilation. Keeping gutters clean and directing water away from your home can also help.
- Manage Waste Properly: Pests are attracted to trash. Make sure bins are sealed tightly, and take out the garbage regularly. Keep waste away from the house to reduce the risk of pests.
- Schedule Regular Inspections: Regular pest inspections help catch problems early. Professionals can identify issues before they become major. Inspections are especially important in spring and autumn when pests are most active.
By understanding the seasonal pest patterns in Wollongong and taking proactive steps, you can keep your home pest-free all year. Whether it’s sealing entry points, reducing moisture, or getting regular inspections, prevention is the best way to ensure your home stays comfortable and safe. Stay ahead of pests by adjusting your pest control measures with each season, and remember that professional help is always available if needed.
Need Help with Pest Control in Wollongong?
Contact Pestaguard today for expert advice and professional pest control services to keep your home protected year-round. Our experienced technicians are ready to provide solutions that fit your needs and ensure your property stays pest-free, no matter the season.
