Name: Allstate Pest Control
Address: 686 South Road, Glandore, South Australia, 5037, Australia
Telephone: 8371 1277
Rating: 4.9

Tips To Prevent Pests In Autumn

March 20, 2023

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March 20, 2023

TIPS TO PREVENT PESTS IN AUTUMN

It’s been a warm couple of months – perfect for going to the beach, relaxing and spending a whole lot of time outside. As the autumn weather forces us back indoors, you’d be forgiven for thinking pests are also going into hibernation and you won’t have to worry about them anymore.

Unfortunately this isn’t quite the case… rats, mice and cockroaches are just some of the pests still active in the cooler months.

If you’re keen to stay on top of nuisance pests this autumn, read this guide to find out what to do. We’ve covered which pests to look out for and our recommendations for keeping them away from your home or business for good.

What questions will this article answer?

Why pests are still a problem in autumn

If you thought that pests would go away at the end of summer, you could be in for a surprise. While it’s true that many pests do not adapt well to cooler weather, preferring to hibernate instead of breeding during the colder months, there are still plenty that will hang around your home or business.

With the onset of cooler weather, you’ll tend to find an increasing number of pests being drawn inside to shelter in warmer places like your shed, garage, as well as roof and wall cavities.

Other pests like birds and termites have not only evolved to adapt to cooler weather, but they may also become even more active. For example, pest birds like pigeons have waterproofing in their feathers. Some species of termites are drawn to moist, damp areas and can increase their activity by consuming more wood to boost their energy stores to survive.

Pests to look out for in autumn weather

The most common pests you’ll find in autumn are usually rodents, cockroaches and ants. However, some species of termites are also very active, particularly if your yard has woodpiles, fallen tree trunks or damp and shady areas.

Identifying and treating pest outbreaks in autumn

Here’s some ways you can tell if cockroaches, rodents and ants are infesting your home, and how to manage them.

Cockroaches

Active at night, if you’re noticing more and more cockroaches hopping about after dark, or even during the day time, you may need act fast to prevente an outbreak.
Look for droppings that resemble coffee grounds, skin shedding, eggs, an unpleasant musty odour and brown smear marks along walls and floors.
For professional treatment, we prefer using cockroach control dust, applying insecticide to treated zones, aerosol insecticide sprays and gel baits. Learn more about Allstate’s cockroach control program here Cockroach Control

Rodents

As nocturnal creatures, rats and mice will look for food at night, so if you see or hear them moving around, chances are, there are many more hiding away.

Pay attention to droppings, scratching and scurrying noises coming from your roof and walls, gnawed food and crumbs, bite marks on walls and electrical products, burrows and tracks in your garden, a musty odour and grease marks along your walls and skirting boards.

Rat nests are usually hidden away, but are usually fashioned out of piles of scraps such as paper and cardboard.

To manage rodents, we use a combination of chemical baits and traps, depending on the severity of the outbreak. Learn more about our rodent control options here Rats and Mice Removal

Ants

If you notice more ants marching around your home travelling along defined ant trails, this is a clear sign that you may have an outbreak.

When you follow the trail back to their colony, the entrance will look like a small mound of dirt with a central hole known as an ant mound or anthill.

Carpenter ants are known to damage wooden structures, so and leave behind discarded wood shavings, dirt, droppings or ant parts around the place.

At Allstate, we prevente ants by using a combination of treatments, including ant control dust, insecticide spray and chemical baits. You can learn more about our nontoxic ant prevention treatments here Ant Control

How to prevent an autumn pest outbreak

Taking some small steps to prepare your home or business in the summer months is the key to keeping pests away in autumn. Here’s our recommendations:

Block entry points

Rodents can easily squeeze through small gaps to enter your home, so it’s useful to regularly inspect for potential entry points and either cover or fill them. This can include fitting door seals underneath exterior doors, sealing holes and cracks within pipes and gaps in kitchen cupboards or installing mesh or screens over larger openings such as water tanks, chimneys and vents.

Learn more about sealing rodent entry points with our guide here How Rats get in your House

Building maintenance

With ants being very small in size and cockroaches having a flatter profile, this means that they can easily enter buildings through easily overlooked tiny cracks and crevices. However, these can easily be sealed over with filler and expanding foam. Look out for damaged drains and pipes which should be replaced quickly, as water leaks can attract cockroaches.

Garden maintenance

Regularly trimming your plants, bushes, shrubs, trees and mowing the lawn doesn’t just keep your yard looking tidy. It also limits hiding and nesting spots for rodents.
By reducing the amount of vegetation touching your building, this limits access points for ants and cockroaches.
Remove piles of organic waste, pet waste and fallen fruit also reduces the availability of potential food sources which attract pests.

Keep less frequented areas tidy

Storage areas such as garages, sheds and attics are preferred safe areas for pests to hide out, but not if you regularly clean and declutter.

Practice safe food handling, preparation and storage

Reduce pest access to food sources and avoid leaving food uncovered. Keep all food items stored away in the fridge, cupboards or drawers in sturdy, tightly sealed containers or packaging. Make sure all food preparation utensils, cutlery and dining surfaces are clean and wipe away spills immediately.

Practice proper waste disposal

Ensure that rubbish bins are properly covered and that bin bags are intact and tightly sealed.

Choose Allstate for reliable and effective pest prevention

At Allstate, we’ve seen firsthand how pests such as rodents, ants and cockroaches can still be a nuisance long after the summer peak season has gone.

This is why we recommend staying vigilant to deter pests from coming inside your home or business to seek warmth in the cooler autumn weather.

Fortunately, our fully-equipped Allstate pest technicians can help you avoid the disruption of having unwanted pests in your home when it’s cold. Since 1986, we’ve helped many clients all over Adelaide resolve pest outbreaks in residential, commercial and industrial settings.

We take care to use tailored treatments which are nontoxic to pets, children and the environment. All our services are covered by competitive warranties and a 100% money back satisfaction guarantee. Payment plans are also available.

We’re available 24/7 for urgent callouts and advice, so if you’re experiencing any unexpected pest outbreaks this autumn, our expert technicians are here to help.

Our expert team is ready to help you now

or

8371 1277

Why Pet-Friendly Pest Control Matters

Pets don’t think twice about sniffing around the skirting boards, licking a spill, or rolling on the carpet. If that surface has been sprayed with the wrong product, the end result may leave even your vet helpless.

Accidental poisoning in pets is a common household emergency. Dogs and cats are especially sensitive to insecticides. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, drooling, or worse.

And it’s not just about pets. If you’ve got toddlers crawling around, they’re exposed to the same risks. That’s why pest control that’s safe for pets and kids is the best choice.

Common Pet-Friendly Pest Control Methods That Work and Don’t

Online DIY forums are full of advice on pet-friendly pest control methods that work and help you keep the pest control service away. But let’s see how they test.

Natural Solutions

Many people try natural remedies first. Essential oils, diatomaceous earth, and even planting herbs like basil and rosemary around the yard. These options are eco-friendly pest control methods.

Some also swear by planting herbs around the fence line. Yes, they smell nice and look nice.
But mozzies and cockroaches don’t really care.

One bloke in Adelaide tried peppermint oil sprays. His dog sneezed nonstop. He later discovered that peppermint can be harmful to dogs.

Sure, they can help with mild pest problems, but they’re not reliable.

Science backs it, too. A 2005 study in Phytotherapy Research tested 38 oils. None protected against mosquito bites for more than 2 hours. Citronella oils, which lots of people rely on, need re-application every 20–60 minutes to stay effective.

Eco hacks might be fine for a backyard BBQ, but not for a full-blown cockroach infestation in the kitchen.

Pet-Friendly Pest Control Sprays

The better option is low-toxicity sprays used by professionals. These are proper pet-friendly pest control sprays, not off-the-shelf supermarket products. They’re regulated, tested, and applied with care.

We don’t soak your whole house. We treat cracks, skirting boards, and entry points. That way, pests are dealt with, and pets aren’t exposed to wet chemicals.

Want to know how these treatments work? Check our General Pest Treatment Guide for a full breakdown, or call a pest control professional and ask your questions.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Then there’s IPM, Integrated Pest Management. It’s not just about treatment; it’s about prevention.

Here’s how it works:

An IPM professional comes to inspect and monitor pest activity.
Seals off entry points around the house.
Removes food and water sources.
Uses bait stations or rodent traps that are tamper-proof.
Applies treatment only where and when it’s needed.

The result is highly effective pest control with minimal chemicals and long-term safety for pets and families.

Preparing Your Home for Safe Pest Control

Even with pet-safe products, you’ll want to prep your house before a visit. Think of it as helping us to do a better job.

Here’s what to do:

Pick up all pet bowls, toys, and bedding.
Cover aquariums or bird cages.
Keep dogs and cats outside until treated areas are dry.
Open windows or doors to air out rooms after sprays.

If we’re doing rodent work, we’ll place bait stations or rodent traps where pets can’t reach them. You can see more in our steps for preparing for rodent treatment.

Long-Term Pest Prevention That’s Pet Safe

Safe pest control isn’t a one-off. Pests can come back if the conditions are right. Long-term prevention is key.

Here’s what you can do around the house:

Seal gaps under doors with draft stoppers.
Fit mesh screens on windows to keep insects out.
Store food in airtight containers.
Keep bins sealed and away from the house.
Clear clutter in sheds and yards where rodents love to hide.

And here’s what we do as part of our home pest maintenance services:

Regular low-toxicity treatments.
Monitoring of high-risk areas.
Pet-safe traps and bait stations.
Tailored advice for your property.

Real Homeowners Choosing Pet Safe Options

A lot of Aussies are testing out “pet-friendly” pest control ideas on their own. Some work for a little while. Some don’t. And some can cause more trouble than expected.

Take one Adelaide dog owner. They sprayed peppermint oil around the skirting boards, thinking it would keep spiders out. Within minutes, their dog was sneezing and rubbing against the carpet. A vet later explained that peppermint can be toxic for dogs if it’s inhaled or licked. What seemed like a harmless natural fix turned out to be a risk.

pet friendly pest control feedback

Another family with two cats tried essential oils for mozzies after reading about it online. The smell was strong, but the mozzies were back the same night.

Then there was a Reddit thread where one user said they wouldn’t risk their pets’ health “to save $100 a year” on a pest control service. They said, “They’re professionals. The cost to buy the stuff and figure out proper amounts is hardly worth the effort.” They pointed out how easy it is to get the wrong mix or dosage when you’re guessing with DIY solutions.

pet friendly pest control review

These stories are reminders and warnings that not every “natural” or DIY idea is as safe or effective as it seems. If you’re trying something at home, always check whether it’s safe for pets first. And know that some methods may not last long enough to fix a real infestation.

Keep Pests Out and Your Pets Safe.

Pet-friendly pest control is about doing things smarter and not harsher. You don’t have to choose between protecting your home and keeping your pets safe. With low-toxicity sprays, IPM, and long-term prevention advice from your pest control professional, you can enjoy a pest-free home without risking your furry mates.

DIY fixes might look appealing, but they’re often unsafe or ineffective. Professional support from a licensed pest control company is the safer option for your family, pets, and property.

At Allstate Pest Control, we’ve built our reputation as South Australia’s most trusted pest control company by protecting what matters. Call 08 8371 1277 today or book a pet-friendly pest control service online in Adelaide. Keep pests out, and keep your pets safe.