Summer invaders are taking over homes—here’s how to fight back

As the temperature rises and daylight lingers, many Australians over 60 are noticing that they are not alone in seeking refuge indoors.

Uninvited guests—cockroaches, mice and other pests—are staging their annual invasions.

Some of the patterns this year are more alarming than usual.

Sydney named Australia’s pest capital

New research from Airtasker has crowned Sydney as Australia’s pest capital, with eight of the nation’s ten most pest-affected areas located within Greater Sydney.

For older residents, the news carries concerns far beyond spotting a scuttling cockroach.

Sydney’s City and Inner South topped the national list with a pest score of 61.04 out of 100, followed by the Eastern Suburbs on 56.16 and the Inner West on 51.21.

These areas recorded more than 7,300 pest-related Google searches per 100,000 people, suggesting residents are actively seeking solutions.

Licensed pest technician Ibby El-Jamal describes the conditions as ‘a paradise for cockroaches and rodents’ once warm weather sets in.

Brisbane’s Inner City ranked fourth nationally with 48.33, largely due to humidity and high pet ownership contributing to flea infestations.

Melbourne’s inner suburbs came sixth with 44.18 but recorded the highest rate of rodent infestations, as rats and mice sought warmth in dense housing during cooler months.

Health risks from pests

Older Australians are particularly vulnerable to health risks from pests, with weaker immune systems making them more susceptible to illnesses.

Termites, mosquitoes, rodents, flies, fleas, rats and mice, cockroaches, bed bugs and ants can all carry harmful pathogens.

Pests can irritate wounds, contaminate food and trigger allergies, while also causing anxiety and distress for older residents who feel unable to manage infestations independently.

The cost of pest control varies nationwide, ranging from $147 to $467, but complex infestations involving termites or bed bugs can exceed $4,000—a significant burden for retirees on fixed incomes.

Urban pest costs and seasonal surges

Sydney households face the highest costs, paying up to 80 per cent more than regional areas due to high demand and limited pest control availability.

This can make the difference between addressing a problem early or letting it worsen.

Airtasker data shows pest-related tasks have risen 24.1 per cent since 2020, with requests peaking in December and January—122 per cent higher than average.

Many seniors face this seasonal surge while hosting family over the holidays.

Even after professional fumigation, toxic chemicals can linger for weeks and pose serious risks to the elderly.

Using eco-friendly and non-toxic products is critical, and treatments should be APVMA-approved to ensure safety.

Prevention strategies

Prevention remains the most effective strategy and can often be done safely without harsh chemicals or climbing ladders.

Seal entry points at ground level by checking door seals, window screens and gaps around pipes.

Use weather stripping or caulk to close small gaps.

Maintain dry conditions by fixing leaky taps promptly and ensuring good ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms.

Transfer pantry items to sealed containers to prevent infestations and spot problems early.

Wipe down surfaces after meals and avoid leaving dishes overnight—consistent small efforts outperform occasional deep cleans.

While DIY products exist, many are unsafe for seniors.

Professional services can assess specific situations, recommend the safest options and provide follow-up support, with some offering senior discounts.

Non-toxic DIY methods include essential oil deterrents, sticky traps placed safely away from walkways, and natural repellents such as coffee grounds for ants.

Timing and rural considerations

With summer approaching, preparation is key, particularly before December and January when pest activity peaks.

Scheduling a professional inspection in November can improve availability and potentially reduce costs.

Rural Australians face lower pest risks, with Western Australia’s South Outback recording the lowest activity at 12.32, followed by the Wheat Belt at 15.43 and North Outback at 16.10.

Urban living offers convenience but comes with higher pest risks, yet proper preparation and safe strategies can prevent unwelcome visitors from spoiling summer.

If you’re looking for practical ways to keep pests out of your home, there’s a clever approach that has helped many households stay bug-free.

This method focuses on non-toxic, easy-to-use remedies that target spiders, fruit flies, and other common invaders before they become a real problem.

It’s a great follow-up to what we’ve discussed about preventing infestations and maintaining a comfortable, healthy home.

Read more: Keep your home pest-free with this 'magic' remedy that stops spiders, bugs, and fruit flies invading your home

Have you noticed increased pest activity in your area this year, and what strategies have worked best to keep your home safe?