Springtime in Newcastle: Top 5 Pest Animals to Watch Out For

Spring has sprung in Newcastle, and with the warming weather comes an increase in activity among various wildlife. While many of these animals are a welcome sight, others can become a nuisance or even a hazard around our homes and properties. In this post, we'll explore the top five pest animals to watch out for in Newcastle during the spring season, along with tips to keep them from becoming a problem.

1. Possums

Possums are one of Australia’s iconic animals, but when they decide to make your roof cavity their home, they can quickly become a major nuisance. During spring, possums become especially active as they look for places to nest and raise their young. You may hear scratching or scurrying noises in your attic at night—a tell-tale sign that possums have moved in.

Tips for Prevention: Trim tree branches away from your roofline, block entry points into your roof, and install possum-proofing mesh. Remember that possums are protected by law, so always call a licensed professional for humane removal.

2. Rodents (Rats and Mice)

Spring is when rodents begin looking for food and shelter as they prepare for the warmer months. Unfortunately, your home might be just what they're searching for. Mice and rats can cause significant damage by chewing on wires and insulation, and they can also spread disease.

Tips for Prevention: Keep food in sealed containers, ensure your garbage bins have tight-fitting lids, and inspect your home for small openings where rodents could enter. Sealing these entry points can make a significant difference in preventing an infestation.

3. Birds (Especially Indian Mynas)

Birds may seem like harmless visitors, but some species, such as the Indian Myna, can become a real issue during the spring. They look for nesting sites around homes and buildings, and their droppings can pose a health risk as well as damage to property.

Tips for Prevention: Block any access to eaves and roof spaces where birds may nest. Consider installing bird spikes or netting to deter them from perching on ledges. It’s also essential to remove any nesting materials you find before birds become established.

4. Snakes

With the warmer temperatures, snakes become more active during spring as they come out of brumation (a form of hibernation). Newcastle has several snake species, including both venomous and non-venomous varieties. Snakes often enter yards in search of food, such as rodents, and places to bask in the sun.

Tips for Prevention: Keep your yard tidy by mowing the lawn regularly and removing piles of wood or debris where snakes could hide. It's also a good idea to reduce rodent activity, as snakes are drawn to areas where they can find food. If you encounter a snake, do not attempt to handle it—contact a professional for safe removal.

5. Bats

Bats are often seen at dusk during the spring, foraging for insects and looking for new roosts. While bats are beneficial to the environment, they can sometimes roost in inconvenient locations, such as attics or sheds, which can lead to a build-up of droppings and noise issues.

Tips for Prevention: Inspect your home for potential entry points and seal them securely. Installing bat boxes away from your home can provide an alternative roosting site, keeping them from moving into unwanted areas.

Final Thoughts

Spring is a wonderful time in Newcastle, filled with blooming flowers and warmer days. However, it’s also the time when pest animals become more active, which can lead to issues around your home if not addressed early. By taking a few preventative measures now, you can help protect your property and ensure a pest-free season.

If you're dealing with pest animal issues this spring, remember that Anything But Humans provides humane and environmentally responsible solutions. Whether it's possums in the attic or snakes in the garden, our licensed professionals are here to help with safe, custom solutions tailored to your needs.

Need assistance? Contact us today to learn more about our pest control services and how we can help keep your property pest-free this spring!