The weather is getting colder, and as the seasons change, so do your pest control needs. The temperature never really dips as much in Brisbane as it does in the rest of the country, but it still cools enough to make a difference to the pests that can invade your home. If you’d prefer not to share your cosy home with cockroaches and rats, you’ll want to book in Brisbane pest services!
Pests that are active in winter
Colder weather means a lot of pests move indoors for warmth, food, and water – but where are they hiding? While the signs aren’t as obvious as in the summer months, there are still several things you can look out for to help you get pests under control in your home. And don’t forget, just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they’re not there!
Rodents
While rats and mice are warm-blooded and able to survive outside, they still want to spend their winters in warm, cosy spots – like in your walls! Once they make it into your house, they can do a load of damage. You might notice chew marks in your books, papers and cables, or nests made from these materials. And then there’s the droppings – yuck!
Typically, large brown sewer rats and black climbing rats are the most common rodent pest species in Queensland. Finding these critters raiding your pantry is the last thing you want! So if you hear the nocturnal scuttling of tiny feet, don’t ignore it. Rats and mice are disease carriers who think your casa is their casa! Brisbane pest services should be your first call to prevent a rodent infestation.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are a year-round pest – unfortunately, the change of season won’t stop them from invading your home. In fact, colder weather means they’ll be keen to search out warmer areas inside your property. Cockroaches love feeding on trash and carry bacteria like salmonella so it’s important to keep an eye out for these pests during the winter months – particularly in kitchen cupboards or congregating under your fridge. Yes, seriously! They love the warm motor.
Bed bugs
Bed bugs are an itchy, icky pest that can be more active in winter. Yes, colder weather can see a decrease in activity – however, if these blood-feeding critters are living in the warmth of your house, bed, furniture and clothing, they won’t notice a temperature change. This protection from the cold allows them to stay very active. Think you could have a bed bug problem? Keep an eye out for small eggs or eggshells in your bedding, and rusty blood spots on your sheets – or better yet, book in bed bug pest control ASAP – we can help renters, too!
Termites
While termites prefer summer over winter, they are active throughout the year so never underestimate their ability to wreak havoc on your home during the winter months. Significantly colder weather might cause termites to burrow even deeper into your home.
In summer, termites leave more tell-tale signs of their presence, but things like peeling paint, and cracks in your walls or ceilings could be termite-related. Left unchecked, termites can cause serious structural damage to your home so don’t wait until summer to be sure. Book a termite inspection.
Spiders
Spiders get a bad rap in Australia, but most are harmless. In fact, common Brisbane spiders like Golden Orbs or Huntsmen are nature’s very own pest control solution as they eat cockies and other annoying insects! However, we understand not everyone is comfortable sharing their home with spiders the size of dinner plates! If you have a large infestation of spiders or have spotted dangerous ones like Redbacks or Funnel-webs, it’s best to let experienced Brisbane pest services deal with them.
Ants
Ants are also active during winter – and where there’s one, you know thousands can follow! You might find ants hiding under wood piles, inside cabinets, or in cracks in door frames or windowsills. These places are ideal for laying eggs and having access to available food sources.
And if they find their way to the pantry, no squeezy bottle of honey is safe! Supermarket solutions rarely address the ant nest – and until that is destroyed, you might just find yourself sharing honey with the whole colony!