How the weather affects pests in your home

Few things can be as annoying as seeing dozens of little ants scurrying across your freshly washed countertop. Or the horror of finding a nest of cockroaches romping under the kitchen sink. Household pests have been around much longer than houses. And we tried for a long time to get rid of them. Ants, cockroaches, flies, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, rats, mice, termites – the list is endless.

Fortunately, extensive Pest control at home You can leave your home free from these annoying little creatures and feel reassured about the residents of your closet or roof!

When you first see these pests, why do you always assume that you have to grab a towel and start cleaning? It is not necessarily dirt or grime that is the cause. Have you ever stopped to wonder if it is the weather that is affecting the flow of living things into your home? Let’s take a look at some of the effects of the weather on these enemies if ours.

Long hot summers

Insects are exothermic and therefore more active in warmer conditions. With an average maximum summer temperature of 29 ° C in most parts of Australia, heat and moisture invite many insects into your home.

The summer brings with it Cockroaches, fleas, flies and most often ants. All of these pests have a substantial population in Australia and the only thing they all have in common is the search for food and protection. They live mostly outdoors, but move indoors if it provides a viable place and enough food for a new colony.

Spiders often go inside in summer and chase the other insects they feed on. They stay in the house as long as they have a constant food supply. Bed bugs are also more visual in summer. They leave their nests because the heat makes them dehydrated and thirsty. Despite their name, they can also live in cracks in your house.

Icy cold winter

Some Australian cities have winter temperatures below 15 ° C, causing many warm-blooded rodents such as rats and mice to flee indoors. They will not survive the cold outside temperatures and will have to seek shelter, food and warmth inside.

Rodents that nest in walls, ceilings, or even in food cabinets can contaminate food or damage electrical wiring. As disease carriers, they are far from ideal roommates.

Pests like cockroaches and termites are not seasonal, and although they are more active in summer, it does not mean that you will not see them in winter. It is estimated that one in four households in Australia encounters termites at one time or another. Sneaking in depends on how much food and heat is available.

Carpenter ants love moisture and often move into houses after a cold, icy snapshot. Bats, which are not often on the list of household pests, are known to find their way into houses after strong winds have damaged roof shingles.

Pouring rain

Ever the expression ‘bring the rain and the Ants come march ‘? Insects are more affected by rain than anything else. Dense rainfalls in summer cause the pests to gather and either seek semi-permanent protection or at least until sunrise.

After heavy rains, ant colonies are often washed away and then try to find drier and more stable soil. This can lead them straight to your home. It is not uncommon for several different types of ants to move into your house at the same time!

Australia has one of the heaviest cockroaches that can weigh up to 35 g and can be 80 mm long. Cockroaches actually thrive in areas that are easily flooded, such as drains or gutters. Probably the most common household pest that requires pest control. After moving in, they do not leave it so easily.

Mosquito infestation increases even after rains. Rain and warm temperatures lead to an increase in humidity and this leads to an increase in the mosquito population. At least rain can also destroy the eggs that may be in standing water, and this will inhibit mosquito infestation.

Household pests and climate change

With the increased focus on how Climate change If you concern us, you may shiver as you think about the impact this will have on pest infestation in and around your home. Scientists believe that increased daily temperatures lead to longer feeding periods and thus faster reproductive cycles.

A temperature rise of just 2 ° C can cause insects to go through up to five additional life cycles per season. Therefore, the survival rate of the insects and the reproduction rates increase with increasing temperatures. This may be the reason why you are more affected than you have seen in the past.

Finally

Contrary to a common misconception, household pests are not always the result of a messy kitchen. Sometimes it’s really the fault of the weather. Although you can’t control the weather, taking proper precautions and pest control at home will help you at least keep control of the animal’s invasions!