If you haven’t noticed the magpies going away and leaving you in peace instead of swooping down on you, or that the crisp cool mornings of the past few months have disappeared, or that people genuinely have an extra pep in their step, they are all signs that the summertime has almost arrived. As with all things, there is the good, the bad and the ugly. While many Australians will be preparing themselves to head to the beach and socialize over barbecues with a beer in hand, the other side of the coin are preparing themselves and their homes to deal with the climate change and the potential new guests that may arrive on their doorstep. (And we aren’t referring to the two legged human-kind) As temperatures are set to rise, we offer tips for managing the summer changes for the better!
Beware of the animals and insects that will come out of the woodwork…literally!
Australia is home to a lot of fauna that hibernates during the winter. Once the warmer weather starts coming, you will notice more activity with animals and insects that may pose as pests to your household. Some of the common issues that flare up during the summertime include:
Wasps – The European wasps love to hibernate around human habitations so they can scavenge for food and liquids. Be cautious when disposing food and liquids in and around your home to avoid attracting them in the swarms.
Flies – At the temperature rises, flies tend to multiply in hoards. They carry filth and can spread disease. To avoid breakouts of maggots and flies around your home, be sure to manage waste and to keep your home clean to avoid attracting them and encouraging them to breed.
Bees – Similar to wasps, they can be annoying and harmful to your family. As the months start to warm up and pollen becomes more abundant in the air, you will start to notice them around plants and gardens. They will also be attracted to sweets and sugars such as the ice blocks children are usually served over the summertime.
House mice – Mice are known to breed during the summertime. Most rural households tend to experience more issues with rodents. Immediate action is needed should you suspect any signs of mice or rodent infestations as they carry disease, contaminate food and can cause damage to your home.
Termites – In the pest control industry, there are a lot of calls from people about termite activity in their home over the summer. This particularly happens when termites enter the home following the rain, since they are able to burrow their way through the earth to find newer food sources. (Which will include your home!) Furthermore, the damage that they can inflict on your home can turn your home into a serious fire hazard. Should you suspect any termite activity, get in touch with a pest control service in Melbourne immediately!
In addition to the pests that could be lurking around your home, it is also important to take precautions to protect your home against the harsh summer conditions. This includes:
Protecting your home from fires
Australia is notorious for fires during the summertime. In 2014, several homes went up in flames following bushfires, arson and a lack of fire safety. Sadly, there were even people that lost their lives.
Homeowners should ensure adequate smoke and fire alarm systems are installed in the home and are tested regularly.
Protecting your home from storm damage
During the summer months, Australia tends to experience severe thunderstorms where homes can be pelted with hailstones the size of golf balls. This can damage roofs and other areas of the home, which could lead to further damage.
It seems that no matter where you are based in Australia, between the months of October to March, the summer heat will be on your back.
Take precaution. It’s gonna be a scorcher!
