Many Australian homeowners don’t mind the colder winter months too much. Not only does it provide a welcome break from the heat, but in many instances, it also means having to deal with fewer bugs and household pests.
If you’ve spent the better part of the previous summer dealing with household pests such as termites, it’s a good idea to invest in expert termite treatment in Melbourne measures to avoid the same issue this summer. In addition to enlisting a professional, there are also a few expert tips you can implement to keep unwanted bugs away.
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Combine Pest Control with Property Maintenance
You don’t have to wait for summer to see which bugs are showing up before you start thinking of a plan to deal with them. Our experts recommend being proactive by combining preventative pest control with a major property spring clean. Here are a few tips to help get you started.
1. Eliminate any Potential Food Sources
Household pests, like all other living creatures, need food and water to survive. Reduce the availability of potential food sources by following these few tips:
- Store all food in airtight containers
- Avoid keeping fruit standing out in fruit bowls
- Wipe down kitchen counters and tabletops after every use
- Clean up spills as soon as they happen, especially sugary liquids that could attract ants and cockroaches
- Keep the area where your pet’s food stands as clean as possible
- Sweep up crumbs and any other food scraps after every meal prep
2. Seal Up Open Cracks and Crevices
Every home has a series of utility pipe points scattered around the property. This often includes the ones used for power, air conditioning cables or even plumbing pipes. Cracks or open spaces in these pipe and cable entry points can create an entrance for pests.
Audit the exterior of your home and seal open areas that could provide nesting areas for insects. Gutters and spaces in the roof structure should also be checked and repaired if necessary. Small gaps between the roof and wall structure are a common place for rats and mice to enter your home. These should also be closed and blocked up.
3. Spring Clean Your Yard and Garden
The most significant way to keep unwanted pests and creatures from entering your home is to keep your property clean. Piles of wood, plant matter and other debris provide easy breeding grounds for a host of flying and crawling insects.
The easiest steps to minimise pests on your property include the following:
- Clear out any garden debris, such as leaves and mulch
- Keep lawn areas mowed and clean
- Cover bins and composting containers with tight lids
- Throw away any garbage that can provide breeding space
- Move woodpiles away from home or garage walls
- Ensure that buckets and containers are stored in dry areas where mosquitoes can’t breed in them
4. Check and Clear Foundation Spaces
Home and garage foundations are common places for termites and other insects to nest. It’s crucial to keep moisture away from the house foundations. Piles of wood should be stored away from foundations and in a dry area. Remove plants growing close to the foundations and keep those areas clean and as dry as possible.
5. Add Window and Door Screens to Help Deter Insects
Many homeowners rely on screen doors and window covers to keep the bugs out without compromising natural ventilation. These screens are a blessing during the summer months when days are hot and humid. Consider adding a few screens to areas where you’ve noticed excessive insect activity.
6. Encourage Natural Pest Predators to Move into Your Garden
It’s important to know where your bugs feature in the food chain. Often, the easiest way to rid your property of unwanted pests is to encourage natural predators such as birds and lizards. To encourage natural predators to eradicate bugs, the following suggestions might be helpful:
- Provide birds with trees to build nests – this will encourage them to stay in your garden. Remember, their food source is the bugs you want to get rid of!
- Add a birdseed feeder to supplement their insect-based diet.
- Provide birds with a freshwater supply.
7. Invest in Preventive Pest Inspections
Another important step is to speak to your pest controller about termite and general pest inspections and treatments. The experts will check areas you may have overlooked and also recommend treating high-risk areas such as property lines or timber structures. It’s always a good idea to treat these areas before the pests move in. This is a super effective way to ensure they don’t show up in the first place.
Final Thoughts
While the warmer weather hasn’t reached us yet, it’s still a good idea to ensure that your pest control measures are in place to keep your summer as pest-free as possible. A combination of keeping your property clean and the right preventative pest control measures will ensure that dealing with summer bugs is not on your to-do list later this year. Speak to your pest control agent about the best types of pest control measures to implement this month!
