The people of South Australia experience a combination of both hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters which may be called a Mediterranean climate. These climate fluctuations are due to the Southern Hemisphere’s mid-latitude in the west and close to the Southern Ocean.

Pests are organisms that are a nuisance to humans, crops, animals, and also to the environment. But the climate of South Australia favours the increase in the pest population in various regions of Adelaide and suburb regions, so studying their behaviours and seasonal patterns is very important. This will help to mitigate potential risks and implement appropriate pest control measures.

Why It Is Crucial To Understand Seasonal Pattern Of Pests?

It is crucial to understand the seasonal patterns of pests, as:

This will help you to take steps for your safety and health at the right time.
You can plan many pest management strategies based on these patterns. These strategies help in the minimization of infestation and ultimately prevent potential damage.
There are a number of diseases and allergies caused due to pests, by understanding their behavioural patterns and the time when they are highly active, you can take necessary precautions.

Which Are Seasonal Pests In South Australia?

Spring Pests in Adelaide, South Australia

During the spring season, some pests become very active and are more likely to cause infestation during this period, these pests are called spring pests. Some of the common types of spring pests are as follows:

Cockroaches: Insects having antennae, reddish brown in colour. They invade your home in search of food and shelter. They spread diseases and bacteria, contaminate food and household surfaces, and may aggravate respiratory problems. They can be prevented by maintaining hygiene and elimination of cracks and crevices. Cockroaches can be controlled by the use of baits and other repellents.

Ants: Never go on the small size of ants, they may cause huge amounts of damage by hollowing the foundation of your home. They carry bacteria and fungi, sting very badly, and may attract other pests. The use of ant baits is the best method for the control of ants. You can prevent their infestation by eliminating food and water source, and blocking off access points

Rodents: Rodents has long naked tail, protruding eyes, short hair, and rounded erect ears and comes in the category of gnawing mammals. Rodents whether rats or mice are very well known for their infectious behaviour and carry many diseases. They also cause property damage by making holes in different places inside your home. The best way to control rodents is to remove the source of food and water, that provides shelter to rodents, and clean your home properly. To control them, you can use various types of rodenticides, and traps and may also contact professionals if required.

Summer Pests in Adelaide, South Australia

There are various summer pests in South Australia, whose descriptions, risks associated with them, and strategies for prevention are given below:

Mosquitoes: These are small flying insects with wings, females feed on human and animal blood. They transmit diseases such as Malaria, West Nile virus, Dengue fever, and Zika virus. Can be prevented by mosquito repellents containing DEET and eliminating standing water from every place including gutters.

Ants: Small insects that live in colonies, give painful stings and bites and damage various areas of your home. They can be prevented by sealing cracks and openings in walls and controlled by ant baits and other insecticides.

Spiders: Have eight legs and two body segments. Their bite may cause swelling, and form webs inside your home. They can be prevented by sealing openings and cracks. For reducing hiding spots, keep the house clean and clutter-free. Spider repellents and insecticides are used to control them.

Flies: Free flying with a single pair of wings. Lives at places where garbage, food, and decaying matter are present. They spread bacteria including E.coli and Salmonella and contaminate food surfaces. You can use fly screens on doors and windows, store food properly, dispose of garbage, and regularly clean your trash to control their presence. Their control measures also include fly traps and insecticides.

Bees and wasps: Wasps are known for nest building while bees are important pollinators. Their stings may cause pain, and severe allergies in some cases. They can also form hives which may be completely impossible to remove. Prevented by regular cleaning and disposal of garbage and sealing of openings and cracks. You have to contact a professional for their control and removal.

Autumn Pests in Adelaide, South Australia

In Autumn, many pests have to store food sources and search for shelter for winter in South Australia.

Rodents: These mammals have a long tail, potential snout, and small ears that have the ability to chew through materials. They can damage property by gnawing. Preventions include sealing openings, storing food properly, and disposing of garbage. Baits and traps are used to control them.

Termites: Termites are small insects with wings, that cannot be detected easily. They thrive in damp autumn weather in South Australia. Cause significant damage to internal walls and timber foundations. Filling cracks in cement foundations and avoiding wood-to-soil contact are some of the preventive measures. Various termiticides are available to kill termites but you should take professional help for getting the best solution.

Cluster flies: In the attics and wall voids, they gather in large numbers and are slightly bigger than houseflies. Leave stains and emit an unpleasant odour. Controlled by the use of insecticides and other repellants. You can use mosquito nets for preventing the entry of these flies into your property.

Winter Pests

The pests in this season become very less active in winter in Australia as many of them hibernate. There are a number of winter pests present. They are:

Bed bugs: They infest furniture, bedding, and mattresses and are small insects with reddish-brown in colour. These cause itchy bites, Psychological distress, and sleep disturbances. Preventive measures include vacuuming regularly and washing and drying infested bedding on high heat. Control measures include steam cleaning and hiring experts.

Termites: Termites have straight antennae and small, pale-coloured insects with soft bodies. They cause a huge amount of damage to buildings in Australia. You can prevent them by regularly removing wood debris near the buildings, sealing cracks, and addressing moisture issues. If possible consult a professional for help.

Benefits Of Using Professionals For Controlling Pest Infestation

While dealing with an infestation, professionals can offer a number of benefits which are shown below:

They help develop tailored treatment plans by using their expertise on the basis of property size, specific infestation, and severity of the problem. These plans ensure effective eradication and minimize risks and potential damage.

Time and cost-efficient techniques are used as they have resources to tackle severe infestations.

They deal with severe infestations that can be stressful and overwhelming as they are trained enough and thus providing you peace of mind through effective results.

Experts conduct thorough inspections, have the tools and equipment to detect infestations, and thus help you in the long run.

Conclusion

Seasonal pests can be a significant concern for homeowners. Almost all pests either cause diseases or may damage your home or sometimes both. They can be prevented by regular house maintenance as well as the sealing of cracks, crevices, or any other openings. Their control measures mainly include baits, traps, and insecticides. You should hire professionals if all the procedures do not work well for you. Plan your pest control strategy such that these seasonal pests can do no harm to your property and family.