Get ready for a bug-free summer! The warm and humid La Niña weather is a warning sign for us all to take action now and prepare our homes for the upcoming peak insect season.
La Niña brings different conditions to the North and South Islands. While the North experiences warm and damp weather, the South is expected to be warm and dry, with a longer summer ahead. This means we need to be extra vigilant about pest control.
The lack of rain in the South Island has resulted in an early arrival and prolonged stay of flies and mosquitoes. As Jane McCarrison, a pest and garden expert from Kiwicare, puts it, "It's perfect breeding conditions, not just for crawling insects but also for flying pests."
But here's where it gets controversial... McCarrison reveals that sales of pest products have spiked, with numbers usually seen in December, indicating that many of us are already feeling the bug pressure.
"You're not alone if you think your house is full of flies. It's a common issue, especially in the North Island, where warmer sea temperatures create a humid environment ideal for insect breeding."
So, how can we prepare our homes and backyards to keep insects at bay? McCarrison suggests a three-step process:
Step 1: Clean Up
Ensure your rubbish bins have lids and regularly wipe down bench tops and storage areas. Don't forget to clean the bin juice from the bottom of your bins when replacing rubbish.
Step 2: Kill
Use fly sprays or automatic systems to eliminate bugs inside your home. If you're concerned about chemicals, consider using bug bombs when no one is home, and allow the house to air out for a couple of hours afterward.
Step 3: Protect
Before going on holiday, check commonly forgotten areas like doorways, eaves, and car wing mirrors for bug accumulation. Setting off bug bombs before you leave is a great way to protect your home while you're away.
Additionally, move bins away from the entryway to your house if possible, and keep backyards free of pet waste to avoid attracting insects.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure a bug-free summer and a peaceful holiday season.
And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about keeping your home clean and protected; it's also about creating an environment that's inhospitable to insects. By understanding the conditions that attract pests, we can take proactive measures to keep them at bay.
So, are you ready to take on the challenge and keep those pesky insects at bay? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Let's discuss our bug-busting strategies and learn from each other.
