Cooler weather can change where people notice pest activity, but winter does not make every pest more active. Some species seek sheltered conditions, while others remain active inside buildings where food, water and warmth are available.
Newcastle’s relatively mild winters also mean that many household pests do not disappear completely. Rodents, cockroaches, ants, spiders and termites can still be present even when their outdoor activity becomes less noticeable.
The following are five pests Newcastle residents may encounter during winter and the signs that may indicate professional assessment is needed.
Five Pests You May Find Indoors During Winter
1. Rats and Mice
Rats and mice may enter buildings when they find accessible food, water and secure nesting sites. Roof voids, wall cavities, subfloors, garages, storage rooms and areas behind appliances can provide suitable shelter.
Rodents can enter through surprisingly small gaps. Once inside, they may gnaw:
- Electrical wiring
- Insulation
- Cardboard and packaging
- Plastic containers
- Stored belongings
- Timber and other building materials
Signs of rodent activity can include:
- Droppings
- Scratching sounds at night
- Gnaw marks
- Greasy rub marks
- Damaged food packaging
- Shredded nesting material
- Unusual smells in concealed areas
Rodents can also contaminate food and preparation surfaces with urine, droppings and nesting material. NSW Health notes that some infections can be transmitted through direct rodent contact or food and surfaces contaminated by rodent urine or faeces. health.nsw.gov.au
Do not handle rodents or disturb substantial accumulations of dry droppings without suitable precautions. Sweeping or vacuuming contaminated material may disperse particles into the air.
For more warning signs and prevention advice, read why rodent control matters in Newcastle.
2. Cockroaches
Cockroach activity may become less visible outdoors during cooler weather, but indoor pest species can remain active throughout winter. Kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, appliance cavities and plumbing areas may provide the warmth, moisture and food they need.
German cockroaches are particularly well suited to indoor conditions. They can reproduce inside heated buildings throughout the year and may be introduced through:
- Cardboard boxes
- Grocery bags
- Appliances
- Deliveries
- Second-hand furniture
- Items moved from an infested property
Larger cockroach species may enter through gaps around doors, drains, vents, pipes and other openings.
Signs of an indoor cockroach infestation include:
- Live cockroaches, particularly at night
- Droppings resembling pepper or coffee grounds
- Egg cases
- Shed skins
- Activity around appliances or cupboards
- A persistent odour in a substantial infestation
It is also important to distinguish pest cockroaches from native species. The Australian Museum notes that Australia has about 400 native cockroach species and that these are generally not serious household pests. The Australian Museum
If you find a small indoor cockroach, see our guide explaining what to do if you find a German cockroach.
3. Ants
Ant activity often changes with temperature, rainfall and food availability. Some outdoor colonies may become less visible during winter, while ants nesting inside walls, roof spaces or other protected locations may continue foraging.
Ants may enter buildings in search of:
- Food crumbs
- Sugar and other sweet substances
- Pet food
- Water
- Warm or protected nesting sites
A small trail of ants does not necessarily mean the entire building is infested. However, recurring trails from the same crack, wall cavity or plumbing area may indicate a nearby colony.
Avoid repeatedly spraying only the visible workers. Surface sprays may kill foraging ants without reaching the nest, and repellent products can interfere with certain baiting programs.
Useful prevention measures include:
- Cleaning food spills promptly
- Storing food in sealed containers
- Closing pet-food bags
- Repairing plumbing leaks
- Sealing suitable entry gaps
- Trimming vegetation away from the building
- Keeping bins clean and closed
The ant species should be identified before treatment because different species can respond differently to baits and other control methods.
4. Spiders
Spiders are not generally more active simply because it is winter. Their seasonal behaviour varies according to the species, life cycle, prey and local conditions.
Some spiders may be noticed indoors during cooler or wet weather because the building provides shelter or because insects are present inside. Common locations include:
- Garages and sheds
- Storage areas
- Roof voids
- Window frames
- Outdoor lighting
- Eaves
- Garden furniture
- Areas containing undisturbed clutter
Most spiders play a useful role by feeding on insects. One spider or web does not automatically indicate an infestation.
However, Australia has species capable of medically significant bites. NSW clinical guidance recognises that suspected funnel-web and other serious spider bites require appropriate medical assessment and management. Ministry of Health
Do not handle a spider you cannot confidently identify. If someone may have been bitten by a funnel-web spider, call Triple Zero on 000 and follow current first-aid advice.
For household prevention and treatment information, read our guide to getting rid of spiders at home or work.
5. Termites
Termite swarming is more noticeable during warmer, humid conditions, but a concealed colony may continue feeding inside or beneath a building during winter. Cooler weather should not be treated as evidence that a property is free from termite activity.
Subterranean termites are the type most commonly associated with structural damage in Australia. CSIRO reports that Australia has more than 350 termite species, with approximately 20 causing significant damage to human-made structures. research.csiro.au
Termites do not usually enter homes through open doors and windows. They may gain concealed access through:
- Cracks in concrete
- Construction joints
- Gaps around service penetrations
- Concealed slab edges
- Timber in contact with soil
- Subfloor areas
- Bridged or damaged termite management systems
- Additions that compromise the original system
Possible warning signs include:
- Mud shelter tubes
- Hollow-sounding timber
- Soft or damaged wood
- Bubbling paint
- Discarded wings
- Timber that appears thin or papery
- Previous termite repairs or treatment records
Do not break open suspected termite workings or spray the insects. Disturbing the area can cause termites to retreat, making inspection and treatment planning more difficult.
Arrange a professional termite inspection and detection service if you find suspicious timber damage or termite activity.
How to Reduce Winter Pest Activity
Winter pest prevention should focus on access, food, water and harbourage.
Seal appropriate entry points
Inspect for gaps around:
- Doors and windows
- Pipe and cable penetrations
- Vents
- Rooflines
- Garage doors
- External cladding
- Damaged screens
Do not seal active termite entry points or rodent holes before obtaining professional advice. Sealing the wrong opening can disturb termites or trap rodents inside the building.
Store food securely
Keep pantry products, pet food and animal feed in sealed containers. Clean spills and crumbs promptly and avoid leaving food out overnight.
Manage rubbish
Use bins with secure lids and clean waste-storage areas regularly. Keep external bins away from doors where practical.
Repair moisture problems
Repair leaking pipes, taps and appliances. Improve drainage where water accumulates beside the building.
Moisture may support cockroach activity, attract ants and create conditions favourable to subterranean termites.
Reduce clutter
Cardboard boxes, stored papers and undisturbed belongings can provide harbourage for cockroaches, rodents and spiders. Replace damaged boxes and keep storage areas accessible for inspection.
Inspect deliveries and second-hand items
Cockroaches and other pests may be introduced in appliances, boxes and used furniture. Check items before bringing them inside.
When to Arrange Professional Pest Control
Professional assistance may be appropriate when:
- Pest sightings continue after cleaning and prevention
- You find rodent droppings or hear scratching in walls
- Cockroaches are active during the day
- Ant trails repeatedly emerge from structural gaps
- You find a wasp nest or potentially dangerous spider
- Timber shows possible termite damage
- Activity occurs in inaccessible wall, roof or subfloor areas
- Several rooms or neighbouring apartments are affected
A technician should first identify the pest and inspect the areas where it is active. Treatment may then include monitoring, traps, baits, dusts, targeted insecticide application or recommendations for proofing and repairs.
No pest control treatment can guarantee that pests will never enter the property again. Results depend on the pest, the extent of the problem and whether contributing conditions are corrected.
Winter Pest Control in Newcastle
Winter is a useful time to inspect areas that are often overlooked, including roof voids, garages, storage rooms and spaces around plumbing. Finding droppings, damaged packaging, cockroach activity or suspicious timber early can prevent a minor issue from becoming more difficult to manage.
Newcastle Pest Exterminators provides pest inspections and targeted treatment for homes and businesses throughout Newcastle. Tell us what you have seen, where the activity is occurring and when you first noticed it. These details help our technicians determine the most appropriate service.
Contact Newcastle Pest Exterminators if pest activity continues during winter or you find signs that require professional identification.
