How to keep common pests out of your house

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are insects that are highly efficient at transmitting infections from their faeces and saliva using their feet, legs, bodies, and mouths.

Cockroaches need a daily drink to survive, so your first step should be to remove any extraneous water sources, such as pooling at the bottom of your shower, or in leftover dishes by the sink.

At night, cockroaches will search for food in kitchens, bins and drains. They'll feed on almost any animal or vegetable matter, as well as materials like paper and leather. Make sure you dispose of food scraps, keep bin lids secure and seal any cracks so cockroaches can't get inside.

Rodents

Scratching inside your walls and small black droppings are tell-tale signs of a rodent problem. 

Rats and mice can spread more than 35 diseases and can cause costly damage to your property - especially if they gnaw through your home's electrical wiring.

"Check around your home and gardens for any signs of droppings, chewed materials, strange odours, tracks, nests, or scratching,” says Hayes.  

To prevent a rodent infestation, remove or securely cover all sources of food, water and shelter like compost scraps, pipes, overflowing bins or recycling and any excess foliage. Any food sources, including pet food, should be stored in airtight containers.

Mice can squeeze into gaps as small as 8mm, so be vigilant about filling even the tiniest cracks and holes in your foundations, walls and roof with caulk or filler. 

"Cut back any trees, shrubs, or other vegetation that touch your home," Hayes adds. “Rodents can use these to climb into your home.” 

If you do end up with a rodent problem, traps and baits can help you to control it.  "Place traps in areas where you have seen signs of rodent activity," Hayes recommends. 

If you're using mouse traps, place them along the walls where the rodents travel, with the bait end facing the wall, so they're tempted to explore them. "If the problem persists, you may need to contact a pest control professional for help,” Hayes says. 

House flies 

House flies are one of the most common insects across the globe - and probably one of the most annoying, too. House flies gather wherever humans do, and make themselves at home in our waste, feeding and breeding in garbage, animal droppings, and rotting food scraps.

To deter flies, create an indoor barrier by checking that all screens and seals on windows and doors are intact. Poorly managed compost bins are goldmines for fly larvae, so seal them, so it's too hot for flies to breed, or turn the compost frequently. 

Pet waste is an ideal breeding environment for flies - and they may visit droppings before landing on your food. Ensure that you cover your food both indoors and outdoors, and always clean up after your pets. 

Termites

According to the Victorian Building Authority, termites can cause serious damage to Australian homes – more than fire, flood, and storms combined. 

Damp homes are nirvana for termites, which need both wood and water to thrive. They eat through timber, and can cause major structural and economic damage to homes. Signs of termite damage include sagging floors, damaged walls, and even power failures.

There are several ways you can prevent a termite infestation:

• Fix any leaks, and make sure drainage flows away from your home.
• Keep garden beds away from exterior walls to help prevent damp.
• Remove wood mulch and firewood stored underneath or up against your house.
• Remove cardboard boxes, newspapers and magazines, and stacks of scrap paper near the house.

“Remember, the crucial step in preventing a termite infestation is to act as soon as you suspect you have a problem,” says Hayes. “The longer you wait, the harder it will be to control.”

Regular property inspections by a qualified professional are a good investment. This way you can identify any termite issues early, preventing extensive damage and costly repairs. 

 Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are small flies that can bite and transmit disease. They are attracted to water, with even a modest puddle doubling as a breeding ground. Here are some tips for dealing with these common pests:

• Keep your surroundings as dry as possible by draining the sink after you've done the dishes.
• Consider installing an ornamental pond with larvae-eating fish.
• If you have a swimming pool, run the filter for a few hours each day. 
• Clear gutters of leaves and debris that collect water.
• Change your pet's drinking bowls regularly.
• Check the integrity of your flyscreens, especially before summer.