The morning air is becoming crisp in Tasmania as Summer is behind us and Winter is on the horizon. Does the colder weather mean our pest issues are behind us? unfortunately not! many pests breed throughout Autumn and Winter, but also seek shelter in our warm homes.
So what pests might we see and how can we prepare?
PORTUGUESE MILLIPEDES
Millipedes have a bad reputation for invading homes and gardens across southern Australia in plague like proportions. The cylinder shaped pest can get into food, bedding and clothes, stain surfaces when squashed, smell and damage backyard veggie gardens. They are attracted to light at night
and this is probably why they are drawn to houses. You can however reduce your chance of an infestation by:
ANTS
Unfortunately colder weather doesn’t mean the chance of an ant infestation is gone completely. Ants will enter your home in search of food and warmth, like other pest species.
The simplest way to deter activity is to limit leaving spills and leftover food sitting around for too long, and make sure food is kept in sealed containers or in the fridge. They can form their colonies inside your home in between bricks and in woodpiles. You can seal up any cracks and gaps in your walls to prevent an ant infestation beginning. If ants have made their way into your walls or ceiling cavity, they can be difficult to eradicate without professional pest control services.
RATS & MICE
When the weather starts to cool in Tasmania, rats and mice like to move inside your home for warmth and shelter. Telltale signs of a rodent infestation in your home include gnawed and chewed-up surfaces, small pellet like droppings and hearing pitter-pattering inside your walls and ceiling (especially at night)
Rodents can also potentially start fires if they chew through wires and leave them exposed. There is however some simple preventative tips to deter rodents from entering your home:
If you suspect an existing pest infestation in your home or business, the most effective method of control is to contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the pest problem.
Please select residential or commercial then complete the required information.