Pests are a common occurrence in Australia. That said, there are some things you can do to reduce the likelihood of pests coming into your home, as well as things you can do to prevent them.
Drain covers
Drain covers are great first-line pest-proof solutions. They’re not just for catching hair! This includes not only shower drains, but also covers and grates for the other drains in your Northern Beaches home. Drain covers are a great way to stop rodents and insects like cockroaches from finding their way into your property.
It’s best to purchase a pest-preventing drain cover from a DIY store. You might already have some basic drain covers for your drains. However, some pests can slip through even the finest meshes and gaps. So, always make sure that your drain covers are properly up to snuff.
You can also repair manhole drains with repair kits. However, consider hiring a professional drain repair specialist for these large jobs. This way, you know pests will definitely stay out.
Keep your outdoors well-maintained
Compost and other uncovered bins around your North Shore home are tempting for a wide variety of pests. This is why the next thing on our list of pest-proof solutions is to always fully close your bins, with a weight on the lid or even locks if necessary, depending on the pests you’re contending with in your area. Place these bins away from your home, preferably well away from windows and doors, and out of direct sunlight, which can intensify the scent.
If you have a shed or other outdoor storage area in your Sydney home, you should keep this space tidy. A disorganised space gives insects and rodents more places to shelter and nest, and also makes it more difficult for you to spot pests.
Another unexpected pest-attracting problem is bird feeders. Though you may want to help birds of the Northern Beaches have a stable source of food in scarce months of the year, be aware that these nut and seed feeders can also attract rats. If you suspect rodents are skittering around your area, remove these feeders to prevent major infestations.
Cover external entry points
One typical way rodents, such as mice, can enter a North Shore house is through air brick vents. Next on our list of pest-proof solutions is to cover the ventilation bricks with unchewable mesh wire. To do this, simply cut the mesh to the correct size before fitting it to the outside of your air vent with screws or a hard-wearing sealant.
If you live in a building like a flat, external entry points like ventilation blocks are less of a worry. Instead, look for other small holes, such as the spaces where water and heating pipes meet your floors and walls. You can use chew-proof steel wool to fill in any gaps you find in these spaces. After all, rodents can wriggle into even the tiniest of spaces!
Look for nesting sites
Have you found something in your Sydney home or garden that you think could be a sign of a particular pest? Depending on the pest, you may be able to deal with it yourself, or you may need to call your local council or a professional pest control group.
In the case of wasp or bee nests in Northern Beaches, for example, you’ll need to call in the authorities. Your council or a pest controller will help you identify exactly what the nest is, while spotting other nests is a little less straightforward. Rodents and insects like cockroaches will leave debris in the form of droppings, shed skin, and their distinctive nibble marks.
Other signs of pests
If you see a bee or wasp nest, this is an obvious sign that you should call in pest professionals. But when else should you be bringing in pest control pros?
Besides nests, pests leave loads of other signs of their presence. Again, you may notice droppings, whether shed exoskeletons or excrement. You could also smell the musty scent of cockroaches, or the ammonia odour that accompanies rodent urine and droppings. Many pests might also nibble your furniture, skirting boards, or food packaging, leaving gnaw marks. And if you listen carefully, you could hear the buzzing sounds of insects or the scratching of rodents. All these things are signs of major infestations that warrant expert treatment.
When you choose Everest Pest Control North Shore, Sydney, you partner with a team valuing your trust and safety. If you think you’re currently facing a pest problem or just want to prevent one, don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer comprehensive pest control solutions uniquely tailored to your home’s needs.
Contact us today for a free quote. Together, we can create a safer and more comfortable living environment for you and your family on the beautiful North Shore of Sydney.