Pests in the Sutherland Shire keep to a fairly reliable calendar. Our coastal humidity, the bushland around the Royal National Park and Heathcote National Park, and all that water on Port Hacking and the Georges River mean different pests peak at different times of the year.

Knowing what's coming lets you get ahead of it. Stick this on the fridge, or at least in the back of your mind.

Spring (September to November)

Spring is when the Shire wakes up, and so do its pests.

• Bees swarm. European honeybee swarms are most common in spring, often hanging off branches, fences or eaves while they look for a new home.
• Wasps start building. Paper wasp nests are small in early spring and much easier to deal with before they grow.
• Termites become more active. As the weather warms, termite activity increases, and winged termites may fly on warm, humid evenings.
• Ants reappear in the kitchen as temperatures rise.

Spring to-do list:

• Walk around the house and check eaves, pergolas, letterboxes and sheds for nests.
• Clear gutters and fix leaks from winter storms.
• Pull garden beds and mulch back from the walls before the growing season takes off.
• If it's been a year, book a yearly termite inspection.

Summer (December to February)

Hot, humid and stormy, summer is peak season for most insects.

• Cockroaches thrive in the heat and humidity, both in houses and in apartment buildings.
• Ants flood indoors after summer storms, when rain floods their nests.
• Funnel-web spiders are on the move. Male funnel-webs wander at night in the warmer months, particularly after rain, and turn up in pools, garages and shoes.
• Wasp nests reach their largest size, and more people are outdoors to disturb them.
• Bed bugs hitch rides home from holiday travel.

Summer to-do list:

• Check the pool each morning with a scoop, never your hands.
• Keep food sealed and bins emptied regularly.
• Shake out shoes and towels left outside.
• Inspect luggage and wash holiday clothes on hot cycles when you get home.

Autumn (March to May)

Autumn is quieter, but it's when you set yourself up for winter.

• Spiders are still around, especially in gardens and around outdoor lighting.
• Rodents start scouting for winter shelter as nights cool.
• Termites keep working through milder autumn weather.

Autumn to-do list:

• Trim trees and vines that touch the roof.
• Seal gaps around the eaves, pipes and vents before rodents move in.
• Clear stored timber, boxes and garden rubbish from around the house.
• Tidy the subfloor and check ventilation is clear.

Winter (June to August)

Cooler weather slows many insects, but it doesn't make the Shire pest-free.

• Rats and mice are at their most noticeable, nesting in roof voids, wall cavities and garages.
• Cockroaches retreat to warm spots near fridges, dishwashers and hot water systems.
• Termites keep feeding in sheltered, damp areas, even when you can't see them.

Winter to-do list:

• Listen for scratching in the ceiling at night and check for droppings.
• Store pet food and pantry goods in hard, sealed containers.
• Fix any drainage issues exposed by winter rain.
• Plan any treatments you want done before spring.

Year-round habits that help

• Keep moisture under control: fix leaks, clear gutters and keep water away from the footings.
• Don't let garden beds, soil or mulch cover the slab edge or weep holes.
• Keep the house sealed, with door seals, fly screens and gaps filled.
• Deal with small problems early rather than waiting for them to grow.

Some pests are worth a regular professional treatment, particularly if you live near the bush or the water. A professional spider treatment before the warmer months is worth considering, particularly for homes that back onto bushland or sit on the water.

Your local help, all year

Sutherland Shire Pest Control Pro provides pest control services in Sutherland NSW and across 35 Shire suburbs, for homes and businesses. Whatever the season, call 02 8360 3033 for advice or to book.