The Hunter seasonal
pest calendar
Newcastle's pests follow the seasons. Here's what tends to show up when — and the best time to get ahead of each one.
Quick answer: Across Newcastle and the Hunter, spring brings termite swarms, wasps, ants and spiders; summer peaks for cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes and ticks; autumn is when rodents start moving indoors; and winter sees rats, mice and spiders sheltering inside. Treating just before each peak is the most effective approach.
Spring (September–November)
As it warms up, pest activity takes off. It's the classic season for termite swarms (a key reason to inspect in early spring), and for wasps and bees building nests around eaves. Ants and spiders also become far more active.
- Watch for: termite swarmers, wasp nests, ant trails, webbing spiders
- Best action: book a termite inspection and a preventative general treatment
Summer (December–February)
Peak pest season in the Hunter. Heat and humidity supercharge cockroaches, while flies and mosquitoes thrive — especially near the wetlands around Shortland, Hexham and the harbour. Bush-backed yards see more paralysis ticks.
- Watch for: cockroaches, mosquitoes, flies, ticks, ongoing spiders
- Best action: general pest treatment early in summer; treat mozzie and tick harbourage
Autumn (March–May)
As nights cool, rats and mice start looking for somewhere warm — and your roof void is ideal. Autumn is the time to proof entry points before they move in. Spiders are also still mating and very visible.
- Watch for: early rodent activity, spiders, lingering cockroaches
- Best action: rodent proofing and baiting before winter
Winter (June–August)
Pests don't disappear — they move indoors. Rodents are most active inside now, and spiders shelter in roof voids and garages. It's also a quieter, easier time to get bed bugs and other indoor pests treated.
- Watch for: rats and mice in roofs, indoor spiders, bed bugs
- Best action: indoor treatments and a fresh rodent program
The simplest plan
You don't need to memorise all of this. A general treatment heading into spring and again in early summer covers most households, with a rodent program in autumn and an annual termite inspection. Not sure what your home needs? Book online or find your suburb and we'll point you in the right direction.
When is pest season worst in Newcastle?
Summer (December–February) is the peak, when heat and humidity drive cockroaches, mosquitoes, flies and ticks. Spring is the other busy period, especially for termites and wasps.
When should I get a termite inspection?
Early spring is ideal, as it lines up with termite swarming season — but the key thing is to inspect at least once a year in the Hunter's high-risk climate.
When do rats and mice come inside?
From autumn onwards, as nights cool. The best time to proof and bait is early autumn, before they settle into roof voids and subfloors for winter.
Do I need pest control all year round?
Most homes do well with a treatment heading into spring and early summer, a rodent program in autumn, and an annual termite inspection. We can tailor a simple plan when you book.