Top 10 DIY Cairns Pest Control Tips

Aahhh… life in the tropics, right? I mean, we’ve got it all. The sun, the sand, the reef, the rainforest, the outback, it’s all right on our doorstep. Oh, and let’s not forget the bugs. There seems to be a bug for every season and every occasion.

For those of you who have been living in Cairns for years, you have most likely sorted out most of your pest control routines by now. For those new to Cairns, here’s my list of things you can do around the home to keep those invasive pests at bay.

Most pest control issues can be sorted by these DIY methods and some over-the-counter pesticides, however I’d strongly recommend contacting your local pest control specialist if you’re having unresolvable issues or have noticed the early signs of damage to your property.

1. Clean up your home

Have you ever wondered why you tend to find a lot more invasive pests inside when your home is dirty and messy? Pests such as spiders, cockroaches and rodents really do like those warm, dark places to hide. They love it even more if you’ve left tasty morsels of food lying around.

Keeping your home clean and tidy will give pests less places to hide and less food sources. In short, they’ll be encouraged to forage elsewhere. Don’t let dirty dishes stack up, especially overnight when the cockroaches are active. Keep your kitchen floors clean for that very same reason. Store food in airtight containers and make sure your kitchen bin is either emptied out each night or has a secure lid.

We all know there’s loads of invasive pests in Cairns and the surrounding region, and while we all learn to live with that fact, there’s no reason we can’t take simple, positive steps to keep them at bay.

2. Wash bedding and soft furnishings regularly

How often do you wash your bedding? What about your pillows, cushions, beanbags and pet beds?

Pests such as fleas, ticks and bed bugs are commonly found in these places, however we often forget about them because we can’t see them. Washing these items thoroughly several times per month will not only keep the bugs away, your items will remain fresher for longer.

3. Clean up your garden

We all generally clean up our gardens every few weeks, especially in Cairns where the lawns and weeds really love to grow fast. Mow your lawns regularly and put those piles of weeds and leaves in the garden bin away from the home. Keep branches away from your roofline so snakes and rodents can’t get easy access into your roof voids.

Check for any ‘junk’ around the shed, carport or yard that could provide comfortable accommodation for invasive pests such as cockroaches, spiders and snakes. Move any timber away from your home and store high up off the ground. Termites are Cairns’ biggest invasive pest problem, so it’s best to remove their food source wherever possible.

4. Close up any gaps

Check the outside of your home for any ingress points for invasive pests. Even small cracks and gaps around pipes can let ants, spiders and termites into your home. Pest control in Cairns is a difficult task, so be thorough in your own Cairns building and pest inspection routine. Check external door frames, window frames, foundations, even your eaves where larger pests such as rodents, snakes and birds can enter your roof void spaces.

5. Ensure your home is dry and ventilated

DIY pest control in Cairns is made easier simply by keeping your home dry and well ventilated. Humidity in Cairns can be quite high and many Cairns homeowners keep their homes closed up, allowing mould and moisture to thrive in the tropical conditions.

Keep your home well-lit and ventilated during the day by opening your blinds and windows to let the breeze in. Too hot and humid outside? Keep your fans on and consider the dehumidifier option on you’re a/c or use standalone dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers in your cupboards.

6. Learn about the types of invasive pests in Cairns

Being able to identify active pests in your home will simplify your task of your Cairns pest control measures. If you know what they are, you’ll be better equipped to provide effective treatments.

You’ll also know what kind of damage or activity to look for which will enable you to decide if you need the assistance of a qualified Cairns building and pest inspector.

7. Know the difference between good and bad

Many of us view all insects/bugs/creepy crawlies as pests when in fact that is far from the truth. Most critters that cause damage or significant mess to your home are pests, such as termites, cockroaches, ants and rodents.

But what about the odd spider, is that really a pest worthy of destruction? For some of us, absolutely, it’s all relative to our personal comfort levels. Or the odd small group of ants foraging around your home. Again, much of this is a personal choice thing.

Before you attempt to terminate those little critters, feel free to contact your local Cairns pest control specialist for further advice, just to be sure.

8. Plants can be a great natural repellent

Surround your home with plant species known to be effective insect repellents. Here are a few suggestions:

Rosemary for cockroaches, flies and mozzies

Chrysanthemum for cockroaches, ants, bed bugs, ticks, and fleas

Basil for mozzies and flies

Lemongrass for fleas, mosquitoes, lice and ticks

Spearmint for rodents, ants and fleas

9. Follow DIY pesticide instructions carefully

It may sound like telling you how to suck eggs, but it’s really important to follow the instructions on pesticides carefully. Some may be toxic to pets and humans in larger doses, so don’t mess this one up.

There’re many reasons Cairns pest control specialists are well trained and the safety of the home occupants is certainly right up on the top of their list.

Again, if in doubt, please contact your pest control specialist at Eco Pest Management for expert advice.

10. Use a Cairns pest control specialist

If you’re unsure of how to effectively treat a home pest invasion, or if you’ve detected significant activity or damage to your home, simple pick up the phone and call Peter at Eco Pest Management for advice or to book a Cairns building and pest inspection.

A simple phone call may save you thousands in the long term.