Winter Pests in South-East Queensland & Northern NSW
Winter Pests - An Overview
What to Watch Out For and What You Can Do
As winter sets in across South East Queensland & Northern NSW, many homeowners find themselves dealing with an influx of pests seeking warmth and shelter. Here are some of the most common winter household pests in our region and tips on how to manage them:
1. Rodents (Rats and Mice)
That’s Not a Parrot! This little rat was busted munching on this bird treat.
Rodents are a significant problem during the colder months. Introduced rats & mice need to seek out warm places in winter to nest and shelter. Unfortunately they can cause extensive damage when they gnaw on wires, insulation, and even structural components of your home, not to mention a nice warm car. They also pose health risks by spreading diseases through their droppings and urine.
DIY Management Tips:
Seal any gaps or holes in walls, floors, and foundations.
Keep food in sealed containers and clean up crumbs and spills promptly.
2. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are incredibly resilient pests that can thrive in various environments, but the warmth of your home during winter is too good to resist. They are known to spread a variety of diseases and can trigger allergies and asthma.
DIY Management Tips:
Frequently clean up any food debris and grease or oily residues.
Fix any leaks and reduce any moisture in your home.
Secure pet food in airtight containers and remove pet waste daily.
3. Ants
Ants often invade homes in search of food and shelter. In winter, they can quickly become a nuisance as they enter through small cracks and crevices in search of warmer food sources and places to build their nests. Normally they just become a nuisance, but occasionally they go further by invading bedding and appliances and have even been known to damage electrical systems.
DIY Management Tips:
Seal entry points around windows, doors, and foundations.
Keep food stored in airtight containers.
Trim vegetation that is against the exterior of the home so that it doesn’t contact the building.
4. Spiders
While spiders are beneficial in controlling other insect populations, they can become unwelcome guests in your home during winter. Some species, like the Redback spider, can be dangerous.
DIY Management Tips:
Where possible avoid clutter that can become a hiding place for spiders.
Regularly clean and vacuum to remove webs and egg sacs.
5. Silverfish
Silverfish are small, wingless insects that thrive in dark, damp environments. They can damage books, wallpaper, and clothing.
DIY Management Tips:
Reduce humidity in your home by using dehumidifiers.
Store textiles such as paper items in sealed containers.
If silverfish are found eating an item like a book or a fabric item try sealing it in a plastic bag and freezing the item (if safe to do so without damaging it) to kill any hiding insects.
6. Possums
This big brushtail possum was a welcome guest in this big open shed.
Possums can sometimes seek shelter in roof voids and attics during winter (or on occasion somewhere more public like a garage or shed), especially if there aren’t enough trees suitable for nesting nearby. They can cause plenty of noise and damage if they decide to nest in your home.
Management Tips:
Seal entry points to prevent possums from entering your home - But DO NOT do this if you suspect possums are already in your roof. You don’t want to trap them in the building.
Install possum nesting boxes in trees nearby.
Do not feed possums, not only is feeding wildlife harmful in the long term to native animals, it can cause them to want to nest as close as possible to you.
Wrapping Up….
Winter in South East Queensland and Northern NSW can bring a variety of pests looking for your home. By taking proactive measures and maintaining a clean and secure environment, you can minimize the impact of these unwelcome visitors. Regular inspections and prompt action are key to keeping your home pest-free during the colder months. Of course, if you need professional help, don't hesitate to contact Hinterland Pest Services to ensure your home remains safe and comfortable all winter long.