El Niño Summer 2026: What a Hot Summer Means for Pests in Western Sydney

What is El Niño doing to Sydney's summer?

The Bureau of Meteorology says a strong El Niño is underway and likely to peak around November to December. Its latest outlook gives a greater than 80% chance of above-average maximum temperatures across almost all of Australia, with the highest chances of unusually hot days in eastern, southern and western NSW.

In plain terms: Western and South-West Sydney is likely in for a hot one. Suburbs like Penrith, Blacktown, Liverpool, Campbelltown and Narellan already run hotter than the coast, so the effect on pests shows up here first.

Does hot weather bring ants inside?

Often, yes. When the ground dries out, ants follow the easiest water and food they can find, and that is usually your kitchen, bathroom or pet bowls. You will see trails along skirting boards, around sinks and under the dishwasher.

Wiping a trail away rarely stops it, because the nest is still outside. Targeted ant control treats where they are coming from, not just where you see them.

Are cockroaches worse in a hot summer?

Yes. Cockroaches breed faster in warm conditions, and German cockroaches in particular can build up quickly inside appliances and kitchen cupboards. In dry weather they stay close to water, so check under sinks, behind fridges and around the dishwasher.

If you are seeing small, light brown cockroaches in the kitchen during the day, that usually means numbers are already high. Our guide on German cockroaches in the home explains why they stick around.

Do termites get worse in a dry summer?

Termites need moisture to survive. When the soil dries out, any steady source of water near your home becomes a target. The common ones we see are:

• Leaking garden taps and hot water system overflows
• Air conditioner drip lines running onto the ground next to the house
• Garden beds or mulch piled up against walls
• Downpipes that drain straight onto soil beside the slab

Warm, humid nights also bring flying termites out, often after a summer storm. If you see a swarm inside, or piles of discarded wings on a window sill, it is worth getting a professional to look. Read more in Termite Swarming Season in Sydney.

What about spiders?

Spider activity rises with the heat, and funnel-web season runs through the warmer months. Male funnel-webs wander more after rain on warm nights, so a storm in a hot week can bring them into garages, laundries and shoes left outside.

Keep shoes inside, check gloves before gardening, and clear clutter from around doors. A general pest control treatment covers spiders around the outside of the home.

What can I do this week to stay ahead of it?

Most summer pest problems start with water, food or a gap. These six jobs take an afternoon:

1. Fix dripping taps and check under the kitchen and bathroom sinks
2. Redirect air conditioner drip lines away from the house
3. Pull mulch and garden beds back from the walls
4. Keep food, pet food and bins sealed
5. Seal gaps around pipes, doors and weep holes with the right products
6. Empty standing water in pots, trays and bird baths every few days to cut mosquito breeding

When should I book pest control in Western Sydney?

Before the hottest weeks, not during them. Treating early means the barrier is in place when activity peaks, rather than chasing an infestation that has already built up. If you are already seeing ants, cockroaches or termite signs, book now.

PestGuard Sydney covers Western and South-West Sydney, including Penrith, Blacktown, Liverpool, Campbelltown and Narellan. Get a free quote or call JP on 0450 105 702.

El Niño summer pests: frequently asked questions