Melbourne homes are no strangers to uninvited guests—and we’re not talking about nosy neighbours. With its mix of hot summers, wet winters, and leafy suburbs, Melbourne creates the perfect conditions for creepy crawlies to settle in. From ants marching across your benchtop to possums setting up shop in your roof, pests will take any chance they get.
But here’s the good news: keeping your home pest-free doesn’t always require sprays or exterminators. Sometimes, all it takes is a few smart habits. Let’s take a look at what you can do year-round to make sure bugs don’t feel welcome at your place.
Don’t Invite Pests In: Simple Habits to Keep Your Home Bug-Free
1. Seal Up Gaps and Cracks
You’d be surprised how easily pests squeeze their way in. A tiny gap in your doorframe or a crack in your wall is an open invitation. A local locksmith can help ensure your doors and locks are properly aligned and sealed, reducing entry points for pests.
- Install door seals and weather stripping.
- Use silicone or caulk to close up cracks in walls, skirting boards, or around pipes.
- Replace broken flyscreens or damaged vents.
- Check around windows—especially older timber frames that may have shrunk or cracked.
Even small fixes can make a big difference in keeping pests out.
2. Keep It Clean (Especially the Kitchen)
This one’s a no-brainer, but it’s often overlooked. Your kitchen is like a buffet for pests—food scraps, crumbs, spills, and bins are all part of the attraction.
- Wipe down the benches after cooking
- Sweep or vacuum floors regularly (yes, under the fridge too!)
- Store food in sealed containers
- Don’t leave dirty dishes sitting overnight
- Empty bins regularly and give them a rinse every so often
Even pet food can be a drawcard—so don’t leave it sitting out all day.
3. Declutter Inside and Out
Clutter isn’t just bad for your mental space—it also gives pests more places to hide. Spiders love untouched storage boxes, and rodents are drawn to cardboard and paper piles.
Inside:
- Keep wardrobes and storage areas organised
- Use plastic containers with lids rather than cardboard boxes
- Rotate stored items occasionally so nothing becomes a ‘permanent home’
Outside:
- Clear up piles of wood, bricks, or leaf litter
- Store firewood off the ground and away from the house
- Keep gardens trimmed and don’t let plants grow too close to your walls or windows
Less clutter = fewer hiding spots.
4. Control Moisture and Damp
Many pests—like cockroaches, silverfish, and termites—thrive in damp environments. Moisture inside your home can attract them in droves.
- Fix any leaking taps or pipes
- Check under sinks, behind the toilet, and around the laundry
- Use exhaust fans when showering or cooking
- Consider a dehumidifier for particularly damp rooms (especially in winter)
- Make sure gutters and downpipes are clear to avoid water build-up near your home’s foundation
Keeping things dry keeps the bugs at bay.
5. Take a Look at Your Roof and Walls
Possums, rats, and even birds can find their way into your roof cavity and make it their personal nest. Not only is it noisy, but it can lead to damage, foul smells, and droppings. A professional property inspection service can help identify early signs of entry or damage before they become major issues.
Trim any tree branches that touch or overhang your roof.
Check for broken tiles, gaps in eaves, or holes near the roofline.
Make sure chimneys and vents are properly covered.
A quick check once or twice a year—especially before winter—can prevent a full-blown invasion.
6. Don’t Forget the Drainage
Drains and pipes are pest highways. Some insects, like cockroaches, can come up through them, while others are drawn to standing water around the property.
- Clean out bathroom and kitchen drains regularly (a simple mix of vinegar and bicarb soda works wonders)
- Make sure outdoor drains don’t pool water
- Fix broken or blocked gutters that cause water to run into your foundation
It’s not glamorous, but it’s effective.
7. Be Smart About Outdoor Lighting
Bright lights can attract flying insects like moths, mosquitoes, and beetles. If you’ve got lights right near your doors or windows, you could be drawing them in.
- Use warm or yellow-toned LED lights outdoors
- Keep lights pointed away from doors and windows
- Consider motion sensor lights to reduce constant brightness
This one’s an easy fix that makes a big difference, especially in summer.
8. Do a Seasonal “Bug Sweep”
Make it a habit to walk around your home every season (or at least twice a year) and check:
- Inside cupboards and storage areas
- Roof voids or basements
- Under sinks, behind appliances, and around drains
- Your garden and backyard for signs of nesting or burrowing
The more often you check, the sooner you’ll spot any issues before they turn serious.
Final Word
Melbourne’s diverse climate and beautiful greenery make it a great place to live, but also a magnet for pests. The key is not waiting until you see something scurrying or flying. By building these simple, practical habits into your routine, you’ll keep your home healthier, cleaner, and far less appealing to unwanted guests.
Remember, prevention is way easier (and cheaper) than dealing with an infestation. So stay one step ahead—and don’t roll out the red carpet for pests.