South Africa is currently in the middle of summer, which means that pest activity is likely to increase. Flies are everywhere and I don’t have to tell you just how gross these little critters are. Ants are building nests and accumulating food, especially after rainfall and cockroaches love the heat.
But what makes warmer weather so attractive to pests? We take a look at the top 4 reasons why pests like cockroaches, ants, spiders and mosquitoes thrive during the summer months with Pest Control Pretoria.
Pest Lifecycle
Since most pests are cold-blooded, their behaviour is affected by the weather. It means that they are more active during their various life stages in warmer months. Ants increase in size as they reproduce in order to ensure survival during winter when they are dormant.
More Sunlight
Since the days are longer and the nights are shorter in summer, there are more hours of sunlight. These longer daylight hours enable pests to feed longer. Since pests also enjoy the longer days of summer, we see them more often during summer.
Higher Temperatures
The increase in temperature during spring and summer directly influences the development and behaviour of many pests. When temperatures reach extreme heights, pests try to find shelter indoors where there is air conditioning to escape the heat.
Additional Moisture
Pests thrive in moist environments since they need water for survival. When it rains heavily and the humidity is high during the summer, you can expect to encounter a lot of unwanted guests.
Pests are not always bothersome to humans, but many of them have the ability to bite. Here are some prevention tips that will decrease activity in your home.
- Don’t leave food and water out in the open
- Make sure to regularly clean the gutters of debris as they become a breeding ground for bacteria
- To prevent hidden entry points, trim plants growing against your property
- Identify cracks and crevices on your property and seal them to prevent entry
- Make sure your trash can lids fit snugly
What to Do When You Suspect a Pest Infestation
Pest wreaks havoc in any property they infest. If you suspect an infestation, we advise you to get in touch with pest specialists in your area right away.
The best way to avoid a pest infestation is to prevent it from happening to start with. As we’ve mentioned above, you can do this by storing away all food sources, reducing clutter inside your home and around your garden, and repairing all holes around doors and windows. If you have a damp problem, get professionals to assist asap.
Don’t let pests ruin your summer or your property. Call a pest control specialist in Pretoria for assistance with your pest infestation.
