Bug off: Only 23% will spray against bugs this summer

Summer heat makes termites active, but only 1 in 5 homeowners will protect their homes.

When summer rolls around, the pests come out and many of us find our homes being inundated with all sorts of creepy crawlies from termites to cockroaches and spiders.

But according to a recent survey by ServiceSeeking.com.au, only 23 per cent will spray for pests this summer.

“Not enough people spray their house during the summer because many just aren’t aware of the potential damages pests like termites can cost you,” says Trent from Pest and Tree Solutions Pty Ltd, who is a registered business on ServiceSeeking.com.au. “Some of the most common pests that emerge in the summer are termites. With the warmer weather, termites can emerge from the ground and be a particularly nasty problem.

“Although the cost may seem initially high, spraying your house for pests can save you some serious cash down the road and prevent you from paying for damage caused by termites.”

Termites aren’t the only summer pest, however. For all those arachnophobes, summer is a time for heightened alert.

“Spiders are the most common pest we spray in the summer: Redback, Black House and White Tailed spiders are the most popular dangerous spiders that emerge in warmer weather. It’s a good idea to spray against these – they can be very dangerous, especially if your kids get bitten,” says Trent.

Trent says homeowners should also be mindful of other summer pests such as ants, cockroaches and rodents.

“Ants, whilst not harmful, can get into your food and cause annoyance. Cockroaches and rodents, however, can carry disease and these are definitely pests you need to watch out for.”

Most homeowners (42 per cent) admit they only spray for pests when they notice a problem. But often that ends up costing more than being proactive with preventative measures, according to ServiceSeeking.com.au CEO Jeremy Levitt.

“Spraying against pests in the lead up to warmer weather is a valuable investment,” says Mr Levitt. “It is sometimes a case of out of sight out of mind, but do you really want to start seeing spiders in your kids toys or ants and cockroaches invading your pantry before you make the call.”

For more tips on keeping summer pests at bay in your home, see here.

To find pest controllers in your local area, see here.

*Statistics are from a survey of more than 2,800 ServiceSeeking.com.au clients.