Melbourne’s got it all—great coffee, unpredictable weather, and unfortunately, plenty of pests. From termites hiding in your subfloor to rats nesting in your roof, pests can sneak in and cause chaos before you even know they’re there.
If you’re a homeowner in Melbourne, doing an annual pest check should be as routine as cleaning your gutters or servicing your air con. It’s all about staying ahead of problems before they turn into full-blown infestations that cost you time, money, and peace of mind.
Here’s your yearly checklist for pest-proofing your Melbourne home—simple steps that could save you from a world of trouble.
Pest-Proofing Your Melbourne Home: What to Check Every Year
1. Check for Entry Points (Even the Tiny Ones)
Pests don’t need much of an invite. Rats can squeeze through holes the size of a 20-cent coin, and cockroaches will slip through gaps you didn’t know existed. Every year, take a slow walk around your home—inside and out—and look for:
- Gaps around doors and windows
- Cracks in brickwork or foundations
- Holes in fly screens or vents
- Unsealed areas around plumbing or wiring
Seal anything that looks suspicious. Silicone, steel wool, or weather stripping are great tools to block them out.
2. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
Rodents love roof cavities, and it’s one of the first places they’ll move into when the weather gets cold. Birds and possums also nest in loose tiles or broken vents.
Your checklist should include:
- Loose roof tiles or sheets
- Broken eaves or gaps around fascia boards
- Blocked gutters full of leaves (hello, cockroach hotel!)
- Tree branches hanging over or touching the roof (a highway for pests)
Trim any overhanging branches and repair damage before it becomes an open door.
3. Declutter the Yard
Your backyard can attract pests if it’s cluttered, damp, or overgrown. Every year, give the outdoor space a proper once-over:
- Clear piles of wood, bricks, or rubbish—these are prime termite hangouts
- Keep firewood stacked off the ground and away from the house
- Clean out sheds and garages—spiders and rodents love forgotten corners
- Regularly mow the lawn and keep plants trimmed away from the home’s exterior
And if you’ve got standing water in pots or birdbaths, that’s a mosquito breeding zone—tip it out and keep things dry.
4. Tidy the Kitchen (Especially Under Things!)
It’s no surprise that pests love the kitchen—food, crumbs, moisture, and warmth all in one spot. Even if you’re a clean freak, there are hidden spaces where bugs like to lurk.
Do an annual deep clean of:
- Behind the fridge, dishwasher, and oven
- Inside cupboards, especially corners and the pantry
- Under the sink—check for leaks or dampness
- Garbage bins—clean them and keep lids sealed
Make sure food is stored in airtight containers, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
5. Look for Signs of Termites
Melbourne has plenty of termite-prone zones—especially in areas with clay soil or older timber homes. Termites are sneaky and can do massive damage before you even know they’re there.
Things to check:
- Hollow-sounding timber when tapped
- Mud tubes or tunnels on exterior walls or around foundations
- Soft or sagging floors
- Paint that’s bubbling or looks water-damaged without a leak
If you spot anything suspicious, call in a professional Melbourne pest inspector straight away. Termites are one problem you don’t want to ignore.
6. Seal and Repair Your Bathroom and Laundry
Bathrooms and laundries are often warm, damp, and full of hiding spots for pests like silverfish and cockroaches. Each year, inspect for:
- Mould or moisture build-up
- Leaky pipes or taps
- Gaps around tiles or floorboards
- Damaged silicone or caulking
Fix leaks quickly and use bathroom fans to reduce humidity. Pests love a moist environment—so don’t let them get too comfortable.
7. Check the Garage and Roof Void
Out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind. Your roof void and garage can become safe havens for pests if not checked regularly.
Look for:
- Droppings, chewed wires, or nesting materials (signs of rats or mice)
- Wasps or spider webs
- Dead bugs or insect wings
- Light coming in from holes or cracks (they’re likely entry points)
You might need a torch and a bit of bravery—but it’s worth the effort!
8. Call in the Pros Once a Year
Even if you do all the right things, pests can still sneak in. A yearly professional pest inspection is your safety net. In Melbourne, where seasonal shifts and older homes are common, it’s a wise move.
A licensed pest inspector knows what to look for, from termite activity to rodent entry points. Plus, they can recommend targeted treatments or prevention tips tailored to your home’s layout and suburb.
Final Word
Your Melbourne home is your biggest investment—so it makes sense to protect it from the little things that can cause big damage. Pest-proofing once a year isn’t hard, and it can save you a stack of cash (and stress) in the long run.
A bit of sealing, cleaning, and checking goes a long way. And if you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to bring in the pros. After all, it’s your home—pests aren’t welcome here.
