While they don’t have a strict social hierarchy like termites, cockroaches still prefer living in groups. Depending on the breed, one female cockroach can have up to 48 babies per breeding cycle. So they multiply exponentially.
And like many other pests and insects such as Ants, Spiders or Silverfish– They spend their time crawling around revoltingly dirty places and eating rotten and awful things.
As a result, they pick up all sorts of bacteria, viruses, mould, fungi, and worms, which they then deposit elsewhere. Like your kitchen bench. Or their droppings, and their moulted skin can become airborne triggering breathing problems or asthma attacks.
Some pests such as Ants or Spiders have the potential for a painful bite or sting – but before you cringe in horror, there’s something that can be done!
Our standard pest control service is effective against cockroaches, spiders, silverfish, ants and crawling insects.
Performing this service annually is a proactive step to you can take to prevent any small infestations from becoming a major one. Paul will discuss any proposed treatment options and processes before any treatment is carried out.
Not to be confused with our native geckos, this light grey species is more easily recognised by its characteristic chirping, and has fast become a nuisance to suburbia.
Most geckos are nocturnal, hiding during the day and foraging for insects at night. They can be seen climbing walls of houses and other buildings in search of insects attracted to porch lights. They’re also drawn to warm, dry places – such as air conditioner units, solar power inverters. And they love chewing on electrical cables in appliances, air conditioners, and your circuit breaker box.
They grow to a length of between 7.5–15 cm (3–6 in), and live for about 5 years. These small geckos are non-venomous and not harmful to humans. Most medium-sized to large geckos are docile, but may bite if distressed, which can pierce human or animal skin. A tropical gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus thrives in warm, humid areas where it can crawl around on rotting wood in search of the insects it eats, as well as within urban landscapes. The animal is very adaptable and may prey on insects and spiders, displacing our native gecko species which is less robust or behaviourally aggressive.
Dealing with the Asian House Gecko is one of our most requested services, unfortunately there is currently no effective prevention BUT speak to Paul and he can give some tips to help deter them
Generally expected on cats or dogs – fleas are not only bothersome for the family pooch, but for you as well! Fleas can inhabit grassy ground or carpet, even in homes without pets! The cat flea is the most common flea in Australia, attacking dogs, rats, humans and other mammals.
In Australia, fleas are not known to transmit any human diseases, although this does occur in other parts of the world. Skin reactions to flea bites can appear within minutes or may be delayed over hours and even days. Family members can react differently to flea bites, so it’s important to be vigilant. Fleabites have several common symptoms. They are very itchy, and the skin around each bite may become sore or painful. You may experience hives or develop a rash near the site of a bite.
Scratching a lot can further damage the skin and potentially cause a bacterial infection in the area of the bite – so avoid scratching if you can, and monitor your bites for signs of an infection, including white-topped blisters or a rash.
Humans affected by flea bites can suffer from an allergic reaction to the flea saliva, known as flea allergy dermatitis.
So while fleas might be considered a “small” problem, it’s still important to get them treated.
If you’re having trouble with fleas, then both rodent and flea treatment may be needed at the same time, as rodents can carry fleas.
Speak with Paul about your concerns, and he can advise which options are available.
Mud Wasps, Paper Wasps, Sand Wasps! The Australian Museum says there are over 12,000 species of wasps in Australia, and knowing which ones are native or imported, and which are aggressive, sting, bite, swarm and become a hazard – well that’s the trick.
Wasp stings can be highly painful, and can cause allergic reactions in people who may already be sensitive – so care must be taken around these tiny terrors.
Quite often, you may not know what species you’re looking at, and if you happen to find the nest, it might not give you too much further information.
The best indication whether you have a wasp problem will be in the population – one or two wasps is fine, but hundreds of wasps aren’t. Also the nest size – smaller than your fist might be ok, but too much larger and you may well have a problem.
Generally, leave the wasps and their nests alone and you should be safe until a licensed and experienced Pest Control technician, like Paul, can be called.
Bed bugs are small insects that feed on your blood, often causing itchy bites. They tend to live around your bed and travel on clothing, furniture, bedding and luggage.
Increasing numbers of bed bug infestations have been reported in Australia, often in accommodation venues such as backpackers’ hostels and motels, but may also be found in a residential environment. Metal bed springs, and wooden bed slats make great hiding places for these little creepy-crawlies, so it really doesn’t matter what location they’re in..
Signs of a bed bug infestation include:
Bed bug bites can cause red, itchy spots. These are often found on your legs, arms and shoulders. Some bites can become infected. Some people don’t react, while others may not react until up to 9 days after they’re bitten.
While bed bugs don’t pose as high a medical risk such as fleas for example, they are still uncomfortable, upsetting and can be hard to get rid of – so it’s best to call a seasoned professional like Paul, who knows what he’s doing. Paul will assess the severity of the situation, and discuss the type of treatment required.