Tag Archives: pest control
Is Pest Control Necessary in Winter?
When it comes to pest control, we automatically think of it being more necessary in summer. There are more flies, there are more ants and snakes come out of hibernation too. So, while there certainly are some reasons to be vigilant about pests in summer, there’s no reason to let your guard down in winter either. The possum, for example, is one of the main household pests that is most active in winter. Let’s take a look at why pest control is necessary in winter, particularly for possums, and what you can do to prevent possums from invading your space.
Possums look for new dens in winter
One of the biggest reasons to look into pest control during winter is the fact that possums look for new dens when it starts to get colder. This is when you’ll most likely hear scurrying across your roof at night, scratching on your tiles and that throaty, coughing sound that possums are well known for making. What they’re trying to do is scope out your roof and the surrounding area, seeing whether they can find an appropriate place to create a den and raise their young. While this may seem cute, we can guarantee that won’t be what you’re thinking at 2am with a possum wreaking havoc in your roof.
Steps to take for possum control in winter
It’s necessary to take preventative measures for possum activity in winter. One of the first things you should do is call a professional possum removalist. They’ll inspect your roof and your backyard, identifying possum entry points and creating a solution for your possum problems.
Possum-proofing your roof
A possum management expert will be able to spot entry points for possums in your roof and seal these points as a way of possum-proofing them. Then, when a possum tries to make a home out of your roof, it will be impossible for it to do so. Your possum management pro will also trim tree branches or point out any other ways for possums to access your roof.
Install possum boxes
As native animals, it’s our responsibility to look out for our local possums. One way we can create homes for possums without inviting them into our roofs is to install possum boxes. Your possum removalist can advise you on the best way to go about installing possum boxes in your yard, keeping them out of your roof.
Pest control is absolutely necessary in winter – unless you want a family of noisy, hyperactive possums moving in without paying a single cent in rent! To possum-proof your home this winter, and take care of any other pests, call up the team at Peter the Possum Man. They offer professional management of possums, rats, mice, wasps, cockroaches or any other form of pest. Servicing Melbourne and Adelaide, Peter the Possum Man provide top-quality, affordable protection that will guarantee your home is possum- and pest-free this winter.
How to Keep Your Home Possum and Rat-Free
While we may love animals, there are certainly some that we want to keep away from our homes. Possums and rats are common household pests that each have their own unwanted traits. Possums can damage your roof and keep you awake at night with their screeching and scratching, while rats are known for carrying diseases and compromising the hygiene standards of your home. So, to keep your home possum and rat-free, read our guide for tips below.
Get an inspection
Getting a professional in pest control to inspect your home is the first tip in keeping your home possum and rat-free. These experts are able to identify pest entry points, seal them up and spot anything else that could be attracting possums, rats or any other pest. Once a professional has given your home a once-over, you’ll have peace of mind that your home is pest-free.
Motion sensor lights
Motion sensor lights on your roof are a great way to keep possums away from your home. These bright lights scare off the nocturnal possum, preventing it from checking out your roof as its next home.
Repellents
There are repellents available for both possums and rats. Quassia chips are an effective repellent for possums. Buy them from your locally owned hardware store and spread them in vulnerable areas. Rat repellents come in the form of ultrasonic noise generators, producing high-pitched noises (not able to be heard by humans) that scare off rats and mice.
Keep food away
Keeping your food stored away from accessible places is another trick to having a possum and rat-free home. Possums are attracted to open bins outside, allowing them to rummage through the trash in hopes of scoring a snack. Keep these bins in a more secure location and make sure you don’t overfill them. Rats are attracted to food inside your home. Keep food scraps off the floor and be sure to regularly take out the kitchen and compost bins.
Prune branches that are near your roof
Possums love to hang out in trees, especially if they provide access to your roof. Keeping these trees pruned is a good way to keep possums off your roof. This way, they’ll have one less way to climb onto your roof at night and cause a ruckus. This service can be performed by a possum removalist like the team at Peter the Possum Man.
Keeping your home possum and rat free seems like a big task at first, but it gets a whole lot easier once you talk with the team at Peter the Possum Man. They’re one of Adelaide and Melbourne’s most experienced teams in possum control and other pest management. Get your home possum and rat proof today by booking an inspection with Peter the Possum Man.
Who pays for removing pests when renting
It can be difficult to work out who is liable for the cost of removing pests from a rented property.
There is no mention in the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 of who the responsibility for dealing with pests and infestations in a rented property and so unless the responsibility is is clearly defined in the lease, the party liable for the costs of removing pests may depend on some of the following scenarios:
- Where the pests were already a problem prior to moving into the property
- If there was an existing problem with the property, such as a hole in the roof, that allowed the pests to enter.
- Did the tenant unwillingly create or bring the pests with them? For example, if you leave rubbish and food scraps out or have pets with fleas, you could be served with a breach of duty notice by your landlord.
Check your property and lease before you move in
Its always a good idea to check the conditions of your lease before moving into a rented property as well as checking the property when you inspect for any signs of pests.
In cases where agreement on liability cannot be reached, either party can apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) or South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT).
