The likelihood of having pests at home depends on several factors, including the type of pests that are common in your area, the cleanliness of your home, the presence of moisture and the availability of food sources.
Once pests have established themselves in your home, getting rid of them can be a challenging and time-consuming process. Some pests can be challenging to eradicate without the help of a professional pest control service.
In this article, we will explore the top five most common pests in Wollongong and offer helpful tips on preventing them from invading your home.
Pests in Wollongong
Wollongong is in a subtropical climate zone, which means it experiences warm to hot summers and mild winters with high humidity throughout the year. These conditions create an ideal environment for people — and pests — to thrive since many common household pests prefer warm and humid climates.
In addition to the weather, Wollongong’s coastal location also contributes to the prevalence of pests. The region is surrounded by bushland and has many parks and nature reserves, providing ample opportunities for pests to breed and spread.
The combination of a warm and humid climate, as well as a diverse range of environments for pests to inhabit, makes Wollongong an ideal location for insects and animals of all kinds. As a homeowner, it’s essential to prevent and control pests in your home to avoid damage and health risks.
Five common pests in Wollongong
1. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are pesky insects that can carry diseases and trigger allergies. They typically thrive in warm and damp environments like kitchens and bathrooms and can enter your home through tiny crevices. Cockroaches can contaminate food and cause damage to electronics and furniture.
Here are some signs you could be dealing with a cockroach infestation:
- Seeing live cockroaches scurrying around your home, especially in the kitchen and bathroom areas
- Finding cockroach droppings, which look like tiny dark or black specks, in areas where they may be hiding or travelling
- Noticing a musty or oily odour, which can indicate the presence of a large number of cockroaches
Here are some prevention tips to keep these pests at bay:
- Keep your home clean and tidy
- Seal any gaps or crevices around doors and windows
- Store your food in airtight containers
- Fix any leaks or standing water in your home
- Consider hiring a professional pest control service to eliminate cockroaches from your home
2. Silverfish
Silverfish are small, wingless insects that can be silver or grey in colour. They are attracted to warm and humid environments and can often be found in bathrooms and kitchens. Silverfish can damage paper products like books and wallpaper.
You might have a silverfish problem if you experience the following:
- Seeing silverfish in damp or dark areas of your home, like the bathroom or basement
- Finding holes or damage to paper products or fabrics, like books, wallpaper or clothing
- Noticing yellowish stains or scales, which can be left behind by malting silverfish
Here’s how to prevent silverfish infestations:
- Keep your home well-ventilated and dry
- Store paper products in airtight containers
- Seal any gaps or crevices around doors and windows
- Remove any clutter from your home
3. Ants
Ants are tiny household pests that can sneak into your home through small openings. They are attracted to sweet or greasy foods and can contaminate your food supply. Ants can also damage your property by chewing through wood and electrical wires.
You might have an ant problem if you notice the signs below:
- Seeing a trail of ants leading to a food source, like a sugar jar or crumbs on the counter
- Finding small piles of wood shavings or sawdust can indicate carpenter ant activity
- Noticing small dirt mounds, which can be created by ants building underground nests
Here’s how to prevent ants from invading your home:
- Keep your home clean and tidy
- Store your food in airtight containers
- Seal any gaps or crevices around doors and windows
- Eliminate any standing water in your home
- Trim back trees and shrubs that touch your home
4. Termites
Termites are destructive pests that can cause significant damage to your home’s structure. They can enter your home through wood-to-ground contact or tiny openings. Termites feed on cellulose found in wood and other materials and can cause significant damage to your home’s foundation, compromising its structural integrity.
If you notice the signs below, you could be dealing with a termite infestation:
- Seeing winged termites, also known as swarmers, indicate an active infestation close by
- Finding mud tubes or tunnels near your home’s foundation, which termites use to travel between the soil and wood
- Noticing hollow-sounding wood or wood that appears to have been chewed or damaged
Here’s how to prevent termite infestations:
- Keep your home dry and well-ventilated
- Store firewood away from your home
- Fix any leaks or standing water in your home
- Remove any wood debris around your home
- Call a pest control service professional to inspect your home for termites
5. Rodents
Rodents like mice and rats can find their way into your home through small openings and cause damage to your property by chewing through wires and insulation. They can also carry diseases and trigger allergies.
The following signs could indicate a problem with rodents in your home:
- Hearing scratching or scampering noises, especially at night
- Finding small droppings, which can be dark or black and can be found near food sources or in hidden areas
- Noticing chewed or gnawed items, like wires or insulation, indicating rodent activity
Here’s how to prevent rodent infestations:
- Keep your home clean and tidy
- Store your food in airtight containers
- Seal any gaps or crevices around doors and windows
- Remove any clutter from your home
- Consider pest control services to effectively eliminate rodents from your home
Need pest control in Wollongong?
Dealing with pests can be a challenging task, but by following these prevention tips, you can help keep your home pest-free. If you are experiencing a pest problem in your home, don’t hesitate to contact Affordable Pest Control to eliminate the problem quickly and effectively.
For more effective pest control services, get in touch with our team. We are here to help keep your home pest-free!
