As temperatures rise, insects breed faster and become more active, and your home and backyard become prime real estate. A bit of preparation now saves a lot of hassle over the Christmas holidays and summer barbecues. Work through this checklist room by room.
Summer pests to expect in Melbourne
| Pest | When | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Cockroaches | Most active in warm weather | Remove food and water, seal gaps, use baits. Read more |
| Ants | Spring and summer, after rain | Remove trails and food, treat nests. Read more |
| Spiders | Spring to early autumn | Brush down webs, reduce insects and clutter. Read more |
| European wasps | Nests grow through summer | Find and treat nests early. Read more |
| Mosquitoes | Late spring to early autumn | Tip out standing water, use repellent. Read more |
| Termites | Swarm on warm, humid evenings | Book an annual inspection. Read more |
| Fleas | Warm weather | Treat pets and their bedding. Read more |
Kitchen and inside the home
- ☐ Store food in sealed containers and don’t leave pet food out overnight.
- ☐ Clean behind the fridge, stove and dishwasher, where crumbs and grease build up.
- ☐ Fix leaking taps and pipes under sinks.
- ☐ Seal gaps around pipes, cables and skirting boards.
- ☐ Check and repair flyscreens on doors and windows.
- ☐ Empty kitchen bins daily in hot weather.
Outside and in the garden
- ☐ Tip out water from pot saucers, buckets, toys and tarps every week.
- ☐ Clean gutters and check water tank screens.
- ☐ Keep garden beds, mulch and soil away from walls and weep holes.
- ☐ Move woodpiles and timber away from the house.
- ☐ Trim trees and shrubs touching the house or roof.
- ☐ Keep bin lids closed and rinse recycling.
- ☐ Watch for wasps flying in and out of the ground, walls or eaves.
Sheds, garages and outdoor areas
- ☐ Declutter sheds and garages, where redbacks love to hide.
- ☐ Check under outdoor furniture, play equipment and bins for spider webs.
- ☐ Wear gloves when moving stored items or gardening.
Pets
- ☐ Keep pets on a vet-recommended flea and tick treatment.
- ☐ Wash pet bedding on hot regularly.
Get your home summer-ready
A general pest treatment covers cockroaches, spiders and ants inside and outside, from $199. Add a termite inspection for $399 combined.
When to call a professional
- You’re seeing cockroaches during the day, or lots of small ones at night.
- Ant trails keep coming back after cleaning.
- There’s a wasp nest anywhere near the house. Don’t try to remove it yourself.
- You’ve seen mud tubes, damaged timber or flying termites.
- It’s been more than 12 months since your last termite inspection.
See what each service costs in our Melbourne pest control price guide, or browse all pest control services.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for pest control in Melbourne?
Late spring is ideal for a general pest treatment, before cockroaches, ants and spiders become most active over summer. Termite inspections should be done at least every 12 months.
How long does a general pest treatment last?
Most homes book a general treatment once a year. How long it lasts depends on your home, the weather and how many pests are around.
Do I need to leave home for a summer pest treatment?
For most general treatments you only need to stay out of treated areas until they’re dry. We’ll tell you exactly how long.
How much does a general pest treatment cost?
Our general pest treatments start from $199 including GST, or $399 combined with a termite inspection.
