It is a common misconception that all pests hibernate and disappear in late autumn and winter months.
Although pest activity is somewhat lower than in the summer months, they can still be problematic.
Its important to know what sort of pests to look out for in autumn so you can identify and deal with the issue before any major damage is caused.
Rodents
Our homes and businesses are very attractive to rodents in the colder months because rodents seek out the warmth that buildings provide. Our homes also provide easy access to food and water, allowing rodents to conserve their energy and take advantage of the comfortable life that we provide.
- Signs of rodent activity include:
- Droppings around food packages, in cupboards and under the sink.
- Signs of chewing or gnaw marks on food packaging, wires and wooden skirtings.
- Strange smells coming from concealed areas.
- Hearing noises in your ceiling at night.
Slugs and Snails
Although these molluscs prefer warm and wet conditions, they do tend to be very active during the early autumn months. This is because they are in search of the perfect spot to hibernate and see them through the winter. When Slugs burrow into moist soil, they can can survive temperatures as low as -4.7°C!
- Signs of slugs and snails in your garden
- Irregular holes in leaves, stems and flowers.
- Silvery slime trails.
Cockroaches
We all dislike cockroaches. We know that they spread diseases and contaminate food/ basically anything they come into contact with. Most people don’t realize it, but cockroach allergies are very common. Unfortunately, cockroaches are active all year round in South Africa.
- Signs of Cockroach activity:
- Droppings (looking like little grains of pepper).
- Egg capsules.
- Shed skin.
- Unusual musty odors.
Termites
Like most pests termites are more active in warmer months, but are still active year-round. Termites generally only swarm during the spring and summer, but some species have been known to start swarming in winter if the days are unusually warm.
- Signs of termite activity
- Wood that has a hollow sound when tapped.
- Sagging wood or laminate flooring.
- Mud tunnels along walls or in the garden.
It is always best to identify the type of pest before trying to get rid of the problem as each pest has different habits and breeding patterns. If the wrong treatment method or pest solution is applied, it may not be as effective and you could risk making your situation worse.
SMARTSENZ® IPM have a team of trained professionals who know how different pests behave. Contact us for a quote and treatment plan that suits your needs.
