A checklist of Spring pest

With the warmer months ahead of us, you may begin to spot common household pests such as spiders, cockroaches and ants. They’re all in search for food, water and shelter, and can spread their presence to different sections of your home.

Kitchen

Your kitchen is optimum location for spills, sticky residue and crumbs. To prevent ants and cockroaches from having picnics in your kitchen, clean kitchen surfaces regularly, as well as appliances such as toasters and grills. Kitchen pantry pests like weevils, beetles and moths, are attracted to grain and baking ingredients. It’s best to remove out-of-date items and ensure that ingredients like flour and rice are stored in tightly sealed containers.

Bathroom

Pests such as cockroaches and silverfish are attracted to moisture. Regularly wash shower curtains, dry bathroom surfaces, clean out draws and cabinets (especially sticky residue from medicinal ones). You may notice pest activity from locations such as window sills, drains and cupboards, especially in the lead up to summer.

Garage and Shed

Storage spaces are ideal for spiders, cockroaches and rodents as they are often dark and filled with lots of clutter. These conditions are perfect for breeding and hiding! Keep an eye out for cracks and crevices, and as a rough guide, if you can poke a pencil through it, insects and even rodents can gain entry. Remove items in your garage or shed such as cardboard and newspapers/magazines that would be ideal materials to create nests.

Your own Spring Pest Checklist:

• Check for cracks and crevices around your home and carry out repairs by filling in any gaps you may see.
• Trim and tidy vegetation around the exterior of your home as pests may use these as a ‘bridge’ to enter. This includes shrubs, bushes and any overhanging trees.
• Check for any damage or gaps to insect doors or screens. Ensure they are fitted correctly and replace screens if there are any holes or tears.
• Mow lawns and remove weeds from the garden regularly – long grass provides shelter for pests such as rodents, ticks and fleas.
• Remove cobwebs both inside your home and around its exterior.
• Check for leaking taps to further reduce any water sources for pests.
• Empty containers or vessels that may hold stagnant water around your property – mosquitoes lay their eggs into still water and are weak fliers so they will stay local!
• Discard any old or unused items, especially cardboard boxes. Reduce pest harborages by cleaning in and around cupboards and electrical appliances.
• Clear gutters of any leaves and debris, and drains of any standing water.
• Ensure garbage bins have secure lids to reduce pest food sources.
• Book in your general pest service to treat the interior and exterior of your home
• Schedule your regular termite inspection to check for termite activity.
• Repair damaged roof tiles and fill gaps with roofing cement.
• Remove unwanted tree stumps.
• Store items in plastic boxes, ideally off the floor.

If you do spot any activity or signs of pests, reach out to your local professional pest management company.