Common Summer Pests in Australia

In Australia, one common concern during the summer months is dealing with pests. From mosquitoes to cockroaches, these pests can be a nuisance and even pose health risks. Summer is a season where you can spot pests on the outside as well as the inside of your home.

This season is also an ideal time for pests to reproduce and multiply rapidly. Summer is also considered as pest season because of the extensive damage they cause all over properties at this time of the year. There are many pests that become active during this time of the year. Here is a list of some of the highly common summer pests one should be aware about:

Common Summer Pests in Australia

Australia is home to a wide variety of pests, and during the summer months, many of these pests become more active. Some of the most common summer pests in Australia include mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, ants, spiders, and rodents.

• Cockroach

Summer is the time cockroaches become more aggressive and active. They may get drawn to your property due to the constant supply of food they get by way of garbage, or strewn food crumbs. The heat and warmth of this season is favourable for these pests to reproduce rapidly. 

• Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are among highly harmful pests around the world as they can spread dangerous diseases such as Zika virus, dengue and malaria. Summer is the time when their eggs hatch, increasing their population multiple times. They also prefer warm and damp climates hence you can find a spike of mosquito population in summers in and around your house. 

• Possums

Living in surroundings with possums is hazardous since they can spread several serious diseases. They can be quite a headache since they invade properties in summer on the lookout for shelter and availability of food while also bringing in more pests into your property.

• Ants

Ants are also significant pests that you need to look out for during summers. Australia has over 1300 documented species of ants whose population only increases in summer season. They can contaminate food and make it toxic and unsafe for consumption. 

• Fleas

Fleas can make your pets seriously ill. These pests enter human habitats in huge numbers during summer season. Their eggs and larvae both develop faster in this season. Your pets and farm animals both are at risk due to fleas.  

• Bees & wasps

Australia has around 2000 bees and 10,000 wasp species. Wasps are aggressive during summer and begin their nest building activities in this season. They are a trouble since they are attracted to sweet and syrupy stuff. Bees are also a nuisance pest in summer and hence you need to keep your kids and pets away from their hives.

• Ticks 

Ticks are carriers of Lyme disease that affects Australians. There are many varieties of ticks that develop the most in summer season since it is a favourable period for them. 

• Flies

Flies are a nuisance pest that multiply excessively during the warmer seasons. They carry a lot of germs and bacterial matter on themselves which spoils food and surfaces that they come in contact with. 

Measures To Be Taken For Preventing The Infestation Of These Pests

• Clean up after your pets immediately. Pet food or droppings can also attract pests.
• Do your dishes and vessels after every meal as the food crumbs on plates, dishes and cooking containers can draw pests such as cockroaches, ants, flies, rodents and more.
• Store your food, flour, noodles, pasta, spices and other edibles in airtight containers. Check the pantry for expired products and dispose them of from time-to-time.
• Trim drooping branches of trees so that possums, rodents and other pests cannot use it for accessing your roofs and attics.
• Find and seal cracks, openings and crevices with necessary chemicals.
• Clean and sweep your house regularly to get rid of dirt deposits, food crumbs, cobwebs, dust spots that usually attract pests. 

The sight of pests can be as disgusting and embarrassing for you and your guests. Do not forget to call in pest control professionals to have the pest issue at hand addressed properly.