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Owning a holiday home on the South Coast of New South Wales, in beautiful areas such as Nowra, Kiama, Berry, or Ulladulla, can be a dream come true. However, keeping it pest-free while it’s empty can be challenging. Pests can easily move into an empty home, causing damage and creating unpleasant surprises when you return. Not only do pests like rodents, insects, and other critters make a mess, but they can also cause long-term structural damage if not properly managed. To help keep your South Coast holiday home, whether it’s in Kiama, Berry, or Ulladulla, in great shape and ready for relaxation, here are some simple but effective pest control tips for keeping pests away while the property is vacant.

1. Seal Entry Points

To stop pests from getting into your South Coast holiday home, whether it’s in Batemans Bay, Kiama, or Nowra, start by sealing any gaps or holes where they could enter. Walk around the outside of your home and look for cracks, gaps, or holes, especially around doors, windows, and utility lines. Even the smallest openings can provide easy access for pests like ants, mice, and spiders. Use caulk to seal small cracks, and stuff steel wool into bigger gaps—rodents can’t chew through steel wool. For added protection, install door sweeps at the base of all exterior doors. Sealing entry points is a great way to keep insects and rodents out while your home is empty and helps ensure that no critters make their way inside to settle down.

Also, check vents and chimney openings to make sure they are covered with sturdy mesh. This will help prevent birds, bats, and larger pests from getting inside. By securing all these entry points, you’ll make it much harder for pests to access your holiday home.

Key Steps to Seal Entry Points:

  • Inspect the entire exterior for cracks, gaps, or holes.
  • Use caulk for small gaps and steel wool for larger openings.
  • Install door sweeps and mesh over vents and chimney openings.

2. Keep Food Sealed and Clean

Pests love food, so make sure they can’t find any in your South Coast holiday home, whether it’s in Nowra, Berry, or Batemans Bay. Store all non-perishable food in airtight containers, and empty out the fridge and pantry before you leave. Even small crumbs can attract ants, cockroaches, and rodents, so take the time to clean up thoroughly. Wipe down countertops, sweep and mop the floors, and clean inside cabinets to ensure no food remnants are left behind. Don’t forget to take out the garbage and recycling before leaving, as these can also attract pests if left unchecked.

A clean kitchen and pantry make your home much less appealing to pests. If possible, consider using natural deterrents like bay leaves in pantry areas—many pests dislike the smell and will stay away. Keeping your holiday home clean and food-free is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent pest problems.

Tips for Keeping Food Sealed and Clean:

  • Store all food in airtight containers.
  • Clean countertops, floors, and inside cabinets.
  • Use natural pest deterrents like bay leaves.

3. Control Moisture

Many pests, like cockroaches, silverfish, and termites, are drawn to moisture. Before leaving your holiday home, check for leaks under sinks, around toilets, and in other plumbing. Fix any leaks you find to avoid creating a damp environment that pests find inviting. Make sure gutters and downspouts are clean so they direct water away from your home’s foundation. Stagnant water around the home can attract mosquitoes and other insects.

You could also use a dehumidifier if the area is very humid, since reducing moisture will make your home less attractive to pests. Make sure to ventilate damp areas like basements, laundry rooms, and bathrooms by using exhaust fans or opening windows to reduce humidity levels. Checking for signs of moisture regularly and addressing them immediately will help prevent infestations of moisture-loving pests.

How to Control Moisture Effectively:

  • Fix any leaks in plumbing and faucets.
  • Clean gutters and direct water away from the home.
  • Use dehumidifiers in humid areas and ventilate damp rooms.

4. Set Traps and Baits

To keep pests under control while you’re away, consider setting traps and bait stations around your holiday home. Place rodent traps in the attic, basement, or near entry points to catch any rodents that may sneak in. You can also set up bait stations for ants and cockroaches in places like the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry area. Traps and baits can help prevent pests from taking over while the property is empty.

For rodents, snap traps are effective, while bait stations work well for controlling insect populations. Just make sure that any traps or bait stations are placed out of reach of pets or children if they visit the property. Using traps and baits gives you a level of control over pest activity while you’re away, helping to stop minor issues from becoming major infestations.

Where to Set Traps and Baits:

  • Place rodent traps in attics, basements, and entry points.
  • Use bait stations in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas.
  • Ensure traps are safely placed away from pets and children.

5. Remove Clutter

Clutter gives pests places to hide and nest. Before you leave, declutter areas like basements, garages, attics, and storage rooms. Store items in sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes, which rodents can chew through easily. Plastic bins also keep out moisture, reducing the risk of mold and the pests that are attracted to it.

Reducing clutter will make your holiday home less inviting for pests looking for a place to nest. Clear out old newspapers, magazines, and cardboard, as these materials are particularly attractive to pests like silverfish and cockroaches. Keeping storage areas organized and tidy will make it easier to spot any signs of pests if they do manage to get in.

Decluttering Tips:

  • Use sealed plastic bins for storage instead of cardboard boxes.
  • Clear out old newspapers, magazines, and clutter.
  • Organize storage areas to easily spot pest activity.

6. Install Door Sweeps and Window Screens

Adding door sweeps to exterior doors and making sure all windows have screens can help keep pests out. Door sweeps stop insects and rodents from getting in under doors, while window screens let you keep windows open for fresh air without letting pests inside. Check that all screens are in good shape and repair any tears or holes, as even a small opening can be enough for pests to enter.

Consider using fine mesh screens, which are more effective at keeping out smaller insects like mosquitoes and gnats. By ensuring your doors and windows are properly sealed, you can enjoy fresh air without the risk of pests invading your space. If you have sliding doors, make sure the tracks are clean and the doors close tightly to prevent gaps that pests can use to enter.

Steps for Installing Door Sweeps and Screens:

  • Install door sweeps on all exterior doors.
  • Check window screens for holes and repair as needed.
  • Use fine mesh screens to keep out small insects.

7. Maintain the Yard

The yard around your holiday home can also attract pests if it’s not well maintained. Trim back bushes, tree branches, and other vegetation that touch the house, as they can provide a path for pests like ants and rodents. Keep the grass cut short and clear away any piles of leaves, firewood, or debris that could be a nesting spot for pests.

If you store firewood, keep it at least 20 feet away from your home and off the ground, as it can attract termites and rodents. Regularly rake up fallen leaves and keep mulch away from the foundation to reduce hiding spots for pests. Maintaining the yard will help keep pests from finding their way inside and will make your holiday home less inviting to critters.

Yard Maintenance Tips:

  • Trim back vegetation that touches the house.
  • Keep grass short and remove debris like leaves and firewood.
  • Store firewood away from the house and off the ground.

8. Use Pest-Repellent Products

Using pest-repellent products can help keep pests away while your South Coast holiday home is empty, whether it’s located in Ulladulla, Kiama, or Nowra. Spray insect repellent around the outside of the house, especially near doors, windows, and any other entry points. You can also use natural repellents like peppermint or lavender essential oils to deter pests. Soak cotton balls in essential oils and place them in areas where pests are likely to enter, such as near windows or under sinks.

Placing mothballs or cedar chips in storage areas can help prevent moths and other bugs from damaging your belongings. There are also electronic pest repellers available that emit ultrasonic sounds to keep pests away. While their effectiveness can vary, they may be worth considering as an extra layer of protection.

Using Pest-Repellent Products:

  • Spray insect repellent around the home’s exterior.
  • Use natural repellents like essential oils.
  • Place mothballs or cedar chips in storage areas.

9. Hire a Professional Pest Control Service

If you’re worried about pests moving in while your holiday home is vacant, consider hiring a professional pest control service. A pest control expert can do an inspection and apply treatments to keep pests away. Many companies offer maintenance plans, which can give you peace of mind knowing your holiday home is protected all year round.

Professional pest control services can also help identify potential problem areas around your property and provide specific recommendations for keeping pests out. Regular treatments, especially before and after peak pest seasons, can help ensure that your holiday home stays pest-free and ready for you to enjoy at any time.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Pest Control Service:

  • Regular inspections and treatments.
  • Identify problem areas and provide recommendations.
  • Ongoing maintenance plans for year-round protection.

10. Regular Property Checks

If possible, arrange for someone to check on your holiday home regularly while it’s empty. This could be a neighbor, friend, or property management service. Regular checks can catch signs of pests early, so you can deal with problems before they get out of hand. It also ensures that any maintenance issues, like leaks, broken windows, or fallen branches, are fixed quickly before they attract pests.

Ask your property checker to look for signs like droppings, nests, or chewed materials. If they notice anything unusual, they can alert you so you can take action right away. Regular property checks are one of the best ways to prevent small pest problems from turning into big issues, and they also help keep your holiday home in good condition overall.

Regular Property Check Tips:

  • Arrange for a neighbor or friend to check the property.
  • Look for signs of pests like droppings or nests.
  • Address maintenance issues promptly to prevent pests.

Conclusion

Protecting your holiday home on the South Coast from pests means being proactive. By sealing entry points, storing food properly, controlling moisture, and keeping both the inside and outside well-maintained, you can greatly reduce the chances of a pest infestation. For extra protection, set traps, use pest repellents, and consider hiring a professional pest control service. Regular property checks will help catch any problems early, giving you peace of mind that your holiday home is safe and ready for your next visit. With these pest prevention tips, you can feel confident that your South Coast holiday home will stay pest-free, well-maintained, and ready for you to enjoy whenever you need a break.

Categories: Pest Control