Pests already present a problem come summer, but we've seen persistent early rain this year, and with the heat and humidity, it's caused a serious problem for Australia.

I'm Keith Jacobs, a pest control expert with Brisbane City Pest Control, and if there's one thing I know, it's how the wet conditions and the heat contribute to major pest problems for Australia. I want to help you protect your home from pests!

When you combine small-scale flooding and unseasonably hot weather, it leads to a raft of issues including poor-quality fruit harvests. All of that combined leads to an uptick in pests, and as those pests hunt for something tasty to eat, it often leads them into neighbouring homes.

The Risk of Rodents

Rodents are a major problem, whether you're a homeowner or a business operator. If you spot grease marks on the wall, gnaw marks, damaged packaging, or notice an unpleasant odour, it could be rats. Droppings are also a red flag for rodent activity, so if you notice any of these signs, you need to act quickly.

As La Niña takes hold, it encourages more pests out in the open – and in particular, burrowing creatures. If it prefers living underground, there's a major risk of it coming up for air and finding safety in your four walls. Rodents and spiders are the two biggest culprits. Rats might be one of the biggest risks after storms, but they're not the only ones.

Insects Galore

There are several reasons heat waves contribute to higher numbers of insects. Being cold-blooded, many insects thrive in warmer weather and this means they breed more often. The heat can then cause eggs and larvae to mature more rapidly leading to faster lifecycles and shorter spans between generations.

The uptick in pest infestations includes termites, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and bed bugs. But it’s important not to dismiss the presence of insects as a mere inconvenience. Ignoring a small problem can lead to much bigger consequences down the track.

For instance, mosquitoes aren't just irritating. They can carry disease so you should take precautions where possible.

Bed bugs are a nightmare and can be tricky to eradicate. France famously had an outbreak earlier this year and travellers no doubt took the problem back to their home countries. While bed bugs aren't dangerous, they are difficult to control, and they can cripple hospitality businesses.

Areas at risk of flooding face an increased risk of rodents and insects but homeowners should also be on the lookout for mould problems.

You should reach out to a professional at the first sign of a problem – the quicker you deal with a pest problem, the easier the solution.

About the Author

Keith Jacobs is a  fully licensed pest management expert with a decade’s hands on experience in diagnosing, planning, and executing pest management strategies for both homeowners and commercial operators. As a Viw expert contributor and Brisbane City Pest Control business owner Keith shares his insights into pest management, trades business and his other passion, fishing!