Heat sees rodents and insects swarming inside

Rodents and insects are invading Rotorua homes in search of water as drought grips the region.

But for those struggling with the dry conditions, today is predicted to see the start of four days of rain and showers, offering some relief to our parched conditions.

Rotorua's Bay Pest Services is currently dealing with dozens of calls daily from residents encountering an influx of rodents and insects including large Gisborne cockroaches and infestations of ants.

Manager Chris Brunel said the phone was ringing off the hook daily with people looking to rid their homes of the pests.

Rodent control was normally a winter issue as they clambered indoors looking for warmth from the cooler temperatures but between 15 and 20 calls weekly were from people dealing with mice or an infestation of insects, Mr Brunel said.

"We have more of rodent problems now than normal. It's so unusual for this time of year - especially for rodents. We are also getting lots of calls about ants in particular springing up ... we are seeing a lot more of the Gisborne cockroaches than in previous years as well."

He puts the high rise in pests venturing indoors down to little water available in the environment.

"There isn't much moisture in the plants so they are heading into homes looking for it ... there is normally enough food and water in their environment to keep them outside in the warmer months. They are getting pretty bold ... Mice normally make their nests in the bushes but they need to find water ... all the rivers and creeks are dry at the moment."

There are little ways of keeping insects and rodents outdoors - especially during the hot, clammy nights as people left their windows open to keep cool, he said.

"There is a lot of insect activity at the moment. You can't keep them out. They will find any small crack to crawl through."

While there had been a rise in rodents and insects, Mr Brunel said he had noticed fewer wasps around this year.

Showers were expected later today, rain tomorrow and showers from Monday through to Wednesday.