Hanleys Tips to preventing and controlling summer pests.

Summer is a time to enjoy the great Australian outdoors, but it's also a season that brings a host of pesky pests that can spoil the fun. These pests can pose a severe threat to your health and well-being, ranging from mosquitoes and spiders to bees and wasps, cockroaches, ants and termites. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at each of these pests, including their characteristics, behaviours, and potential impacts, as well as some tips on preventing and controlling them.

Flies

Flies are the number one summer pest in Australia. The presence of flies can be a very unpleasant experience, particularly if left untreated. They are attracted to the nasty odours of decaying organic matter like rotten potatoes or rotten onions, and love open wounds and the dead cells of decaying flesh, like the carcass of a rodent that’s been left in a trap or wall cavity. Dog and pet faeces can also provide a regular source of attraction. Flies love nothing more, than hanging around while you’re preparing food, and the rubbish associated with the scraps. If a bin is left uncovered, flies can lay enough larvae to create dozens more flies in less than a week. To reduce the presence of flies it’s important to identify sources of attraction and remove the source of the smell before the flies move in. To kill any flies that may be present, Mortein Fast Knockdown Flying Insect Killer will take care of the situation. It’s effective, convenient and easy to use. Alternately, if you're struggling with flies in your wheelie bin or a commercial bin, BinKill is a fast and effective form of insect control. It emits a powerful vapour, strong enough to kill flies and their maggots for up to 3 months.

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Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes may be small, but they pack a mighty punch when spreading disease. They’re notorious for their ability to transmit harmful viruses and parasites through their bites, such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus and the more recent concern, Japanese encephalitis. Mosquitoes are attracted to warm, moist environments and are most active at dawn and dusk. To prevent mosquito bites this Australian summer, it's important to use insect repellents, wear long sleeves and pants, and avoid areas with standing water. There are also several products available that can help control mosquitoes, such as Mortein Naturgard which emits a controlled and regular spray, Mortein Mosquito Coils that, when in use, create an aromatic smoke that repels and reduces the desire for mozzies to bite, and Aerogard Tropical Strength for Mozzies which provide up to 8 hours of protection against mosquitoes, flies, sandflies, leeches, ticks and other biting insects. These are just a few options available.

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Spiders

Australian houses and gardens are frequently infested with spiders, most benign, but some of which can be venomous and dangerous to people. The Sydney funnel-web spider, redback spider, and white-tail spider are among Australia's most dangerous spiders. If you want to keep them out of your house, keep your home tidy and clutter-free, seal any crevices or gaps that could act as entryways, and eliminate any bugs or ants as they are considered sources of food that can attract them. If you have a spider infestation, it’s crucial to contact a specialist to get rid of them, because doing it yourself can be risky. Mortein's PowerGuard is your go-to when killing spiders, yourself. Use it for skirting boards, beneath cabinets, around hot water pipes and hot water tanks, around door frames and steps, and around kitchen appliances. Additionally, use it in undisturbed areas where spiders frequently hide, such as the living room, laundry/washing area, in/around bins, storeroom, balcony, beneath the house, and roof and under outdoor patio chairs and tables.

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Cockroaches

Cockroaches are another common pest found in Australian homes and gardens. They are nocturnal insects attracted to warm, moist environments, and they can quickly reproduce and spread if left unchecked. Cockroaches are known for their ability to carry and transmit a variety of diseases, including salmonella and E. coli, so it's important to keep them out of your home or office. It's essential to keep your environment clean and free of clutter and food scraps, and any cracks or gaps that could serve as entry points to the premises, should be sealed. If you have the presence of cockroaches, several products can help, such as Mortein DIY Professional Outdoor Spray or Mortein Surface Spray for Crawling Insects with Easy Reach Adaptor. The Mortein spray has a long-reach spray to kill crawling insects from a distance of up to 2 metres and keeps killing crawling insects for up to 9 months when sprayed on surfaces.

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Bees and Wasps

Bees and wasps are vital pollinators, but they can become a hazard if they set up nests close to your house or outdoor spaces. Wasps can be aggressive and sting numerous times, while bees are typically more gentle and only attack if they feel threatened. Keep your outdoor spaces tidy and free of food scraps because bees and wasps can be drawn to sweet odours and food. Keep sweet-smelling plants and flowers away from your home and seal any crevices or gaps that could act as access points for bees and wasps to construct nests. Maintain regular checks on rock retaining walls, awnings and trees or shrubs near the home, for nests. One effective solution for getting rid of wasp nests is the MSA Wasp Killer, a powerful and effective formula that can help eliminate wasps and their nests from your outdoor spaces. It’s a convenient sized pack, easy to use and comes with a 4 metre spray jet, ensuring the operator can maintain a safe distance. An excellent choice for keeping your home and yard safe from wasp infestations.

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Ants

Ants are small, social insects that are commonly found in and around homes and gardens in Australia. They are known for their ability to work together as a team and build intricate nests, which can be found in various locations, such as in the ground, in trees, in buildings, or even inside equipment that’s sitting idle. Ants are attracted to food and water and can quickly become a nuisance if they find their way into your home or outdoor areas. To prevent ants from entering your home, it's essential to keep food and surfaces clean and free of sugary crumbs, seal any cracks or gaps that could serve as entry points, and remove any sources of standing water that could attract them. If you have an ant infestation, several products can help, such as the Mortein Ant Sand, Mortein Fast Knockdown Crawling Insect Killer Odourless and the Mortein PowerGard Easy Reach Crawling Insect Killer.

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Termites:

Termites are small, social insects that are found throughout Australia. They have a reputation for seriously damaging wood constructions, including houses, fences, and trees. Termites are attracted to the wood and can be found in moist and humid environments. Termites can be avoided by keeping your home and property dry and well-ventilated, eliminating any sources of moisture that can serve as an attraction, and scheduling routine termite inspections. If you have a termite infestation, you should get professional help immediately because handling the situation on your own is risky.

Australian summers can bring a range of pests that can be an annoyance or even a threat to your health and well-being. It's crucial to take precautions to avoid and control these pests. Various products on the market can help prevent these pests and keep your home and outdoor spaces safe and pest-free, specifically Mortein and Aerogard. To avoid these pests and have an enjoyable summer, it is always preferable to be proactive and take the required measures.

Tips to preventing and controlling summer pests

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