Keeping Pests Out of the Kitchen: A Pest Control Blog

Posted on: 18 March 2022

There is no doubt that summertime is peak time for pests in Australia. But that doesn't mean that your pest problems will end once winter arrives. In Australia, although the winters are mild, your home will still attract insect and animal pests alike.

Here are some of the most common household pests in winter, along with some steps you can take to keep pests at bay.

1. Bed bugs

Bed bugs don't like the cold, but winters are mild in Australia, and bed bugs live indoors alongside their favourite food source – humans! During winter, people stay indoors more often, which gives bed bugs a ready source of available food. Bed bugs also breed during the winter, so a small infestation at the start of winter can become a big problem by next spring.

Bed bugs are difficult to eradicate because they hide in crevices, cracks and creases. You can vacuum these areas to remove bed bugs and their eggs, but the best thing to do is to hire a pest control company to find and eliminate bed bugs.  

2. Rodents

Mice and rats seek warmth and food during the winter. And once they invade a home, they can be difficult to get rid of since they nest in wall and roof cavities. To keep rodents away, seal all entry points into your home, including vents and gaps around windows and pipes. Rodents don't like to travel in the open, so leave an open space between your garden and home.

3. Termites

Termites are a problem at any time of year. But some homeowners think that termites stop feeding during the winter. This isn't true. Termites might slow down during the winter, but they will still infest your home if conditions are right. If you burn firewood, store the wood away from your home. But if termites are already in your home, call a pest control company.

4. Cockroaches

Like termites, cockroaches are active in winter, especially when food and warmth are abundant. Fix any leaks in and around your kitchen, seal all food containers and keep your bins covered to stop cockroaches from taking an interest. And if you find that cockroaches have already infested your kitchen, consider hiring a pest control company as soon as possible because cockroaches still breed in winter.

Don't let your home become a sanctuary for pests next winter. Call a pest control company to ensure that your home is pest-free and ready to repel any pests that might take an interest this coming winter.