Life on the Gold Coast is sunshine, surf and outdoor living—too bad it also involves a range of pests year-round. From summer ants through to winter rodents, seasonal pests can do more than just make a nuisance of themselves—they can destroy your home and threaten the health of your family.
Knowing which pests to expect in each season, and how to deter them from making themselves at home, is the key to keeping your home safe and comfortable. The lowdown on seasonal pests on the Gold Coast and preventing them before they enter the scene is below.
Summer: Ants, Cockroaches and Mosquitoes
The heat and humidity of a Gold Coast summer create perfect breeding conditions for any variety of pest. Ants infest pantries and kitchens, in search of food, and cockroaches and mosquitoes thrive on the warm, humid conditions.
To keep summer pests out:
- Store food in tight-fitting containers and clean benches frequently.
- Wash pet dishes and empty bins regularly.
- Empty pot saucers, bird baths and gutters of excess water on a regular basis.
- Seal any gaps around skirting boards, windows and doors.
Everyday spraying by a pest control Gold Coast expert early in summer will help create a seal that will repel crawling insects.
Autumn: Rodents and Spiders
As the weather begins to chill, mice and rats start looking for warmth—and your home is the perfect place. Rats and mice usually make their way into loft spaces, garages and walls. Spiders become more noticeable, as well, as they search for sanctuary inside.
To stay ahead of fall pest activity:
- Block holes or cracks that rodents can squeeze through.
- Store firewood away from the house and off the ground.
- Keep outside areas tidy to reduce spider hideaways.
- Avoid leaving pet food outside overnight.
When you start to hear scratching noises in the ceiling, don’t do anything—this might be rats moving in. Specialist treatment is best to get rid of them effectively and deter future nesting.
Winter: Mice and Silverfish
Although winter in the Gold Coast is milder than in other parts of Australia, it’s enough to drive pests indoors. Mice like to stay in warm, dry places, and silverfish are usually located in bathrooms, laundries and dark pantries.
To make your home pest-free in winter:
- Install weather stripping on doors and windows.
- Leave storage areas open.
- Check cardboard boxes and linen pantries on a regular basis.
- Employ dehumidifiers in damp rooms if they are needed.
Now’s also a good time to get a pest inspection—termites may not be as evident in winter, but they’re still busy working underground.
Spring: Termites and Wasps
As the temperatures warm up, pests start to become more active again. Spring is the season when termites begin swarming, so it’s a significant time for preventive treatments. Wasps become more aggressive, constructing nests around eaves, fences and sheds.
Prevention of spring pest problems:
- Arrange for a termite inspection annually with a pest control Gold Coast expert.
- Keep plants trimmed back from home walls.
- Clear garden beds and remove dead wood or tree stumps.
- Inspect your house for wasp nests and have them removed safely.
Don’t Wait for an Infestation
The most effective way of dealing with pests is avoiding them from occurring in the first place. A seasonal pest control program makes your home safe for a whole year. Most pest control professionals on the Gold Coast employ season-related treatments modified based on the dominant pest threats in your area.
Final Thoughts
From summer mozzies flying around to sneaky spring termites, seasonal bugs are an unfortunate fact of life on the Gold Coast. But with a little know-how and some preventive steps, you can avoid serious issues.
If you have no idea where to start, or you’ve noticed signs of pest infestation, it’s worth calling a local pest control Gold Coast service. They’ll counsel you on the best method for your home, and help keep pests at bay—no matter the season.