Pest Information – Insecta Order Hemiptera

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Bed bugs are tiny, crawling, blood-sucking insects frequently found in our bedrooms. Their bodies are around 5 mm in length, oval and slightly flattened (similar in size and shape to a match head). They are reddish brown in colour, but after gorging themselves on blood they appear a much brighter red. Bed bugs cannot fly, with only a tiny pair of wing buds visible on their backs.

How Do Bed Bugs Breed?

Mating in bed bugs is brutal! The females lack a proper genital opening, so the male punctures the side of her abdomen to inseminate her. The female uses a transparent glue to attach her eggs to rough surfaces, such as mattresses and back boards. She lays an average of 350 eggs in her life time, but this may reach up to 500 if conditions are favourable.
Bed bugs have an incomplete lifecycle. Upon hatching, the nymphs closely resemble their parents in appearance and will moult their skins 5 times to reach adulthood. Adults can live for up to a year.

Where Do Bed Bugs Live?

Bed bugs are considered to be a common household pest in most countries around the world. They are often associated with poor sanitation and low socio-economic areas, but the truth is that even the most prestigious five-star hotels have experienced infestations. During the day bed bugs prefer to shelter in places with rough surfaces such as:

• Mattresses
• Baseboard of bed
• Bedstead (framework of the bed including headboard and springs)
• Nearby cracks and crevices
• Curtains and drapes
• Bedside tables and drawers
• Window sills and frames
Feeding occurs as night, usually just after sunset and again at dawn. Once you are in bed, they use signals such as the warmth from your body and the carbon dioxide from your breath to locate you and move in for a feed.

How do Bed Bugs Feed, What Do Bed Bugs Eat?

The blood of warm-blooded animals is the only food bed bugs will consume. Blood is needed between moults for the growing nymphs and females must feed before eggs can be produced.
Bed bugs have piercing-sucking mouthparts and use a tube called a rostrum to penetrate your skin and slurp up the blood. It takes only 5 minutes for them to fully engorge and they can increase their body weight by five times during feeding.

Are Bed Bugs Dangerous?

Bed bugs are cryptic, feeding while we sleep and retreating to their hiding places before we wake. But they do leave behind evidence of their nocturnal feeding and can have significant effects on our homes and health including:
• Staining of bedding with brown dots or smears (the fecal deposits of partly digested blood)
• Itchy red lumps where you have been bitten
• Allergic reactions to bites
• Secondary infections from scratching itchy bites
• Daily feeding can cause anemia in infants
• Unpleasant odours (a mixture of smelly scents released by the bugs and a build-up of excrement)

Pest Prevention

How to Prevent Bed Bug Infestations?

There are many steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of infestations.
• Be vigilant. Take a few moments to search for bed bugs whenever you change your bedding. Run your fingers along seams, check the bed frame for the tiny black spots of faeces and inspect sheets for any blood or faecal stains.
• Reduce hiding places for bed bugs by clearing your room of any clutter, particularly areas close to your bed
• Seal any cracks and crevices
• Use a powerful vacuum to remove bed bugs from surrounding carpet, curtains and bedroom furniture
• Use a stiff brush to dislodge eggs from your mattresses and vacuum well, paying particular attention to any seams and edges
• Move bed frames away from the wall and ensure sheets are tucked up from the floor, cutting off their access to your bed
• Invest in a protective cover for your mattress – 1300 Pest Control can arrange to have one supplied and fitted when they come to do a bed bug removal job
• Beware of hitch hikers! When travelling, bed bugs can crawl into your luggage and you can bring an infestation home with you. Store luggage on provided luggage racks or in cupboards and avoid putting your suitcase on the bed. Wash bags thoroughly and leave in the sun to dry.

Pest Response

Bed Bug Control

Bed bugs are tough little critters. They can survive for over 200 days without feeding, can adapt quickly to new environments and can be extremely difficult to eradicate once they have settled. As a single female is capable of laying up to 500 eggs, they have the potential to completely take over your home!

1300 Pest Control treatments are environmentally friendly, child and animal safe and can be specifically tailored to suit your needs. Control measures include contact, both heat & chemical treatments, which will rapidly knock down bed bugs. Insect Growth Regulators may also be used to halt the breeding cycle and prevent future generations from invading your home.  Bed Bug eradication is not an easy process.  All harbourages need to be identified and treated, clothing and soft furnishings need to be addressed, prevention methods such as special mattress protectors need to be installed and follow up is always necessary.  It is one pest that an intergrated pest managaement approach must be adhered to in order to properly rid yourself of bed bugs.  Treatment is therefore more costly than the average General Pest Control service but is far more laborious and final elimination of bed bugs is a much more intense process.  Definately ask questions, not all Pest Control operators are understanding of Bed Bug Elimination.  Ensure you are dealing with someone who is fully licensed and insured and who also follows the Australian Bed Bug Code of Praactice with their control methods. 

 Did you know?

• Bed bugs don’t just have an appetite for human blood. They will also feed on mice, rats, rabbits and chickens!

Written by Michelle Gleeson, Bugs Ed. www.bugsed.com

We are experiencing an increase in reported  Termite Activity in Southern Queensland following the recent rains.   

Historically we have been alerted to an increase in Termite or White Ant Swarming in the later part of the year and although this has been the case in some areas such as the Gold Coast recently, the level of activity appears on the increase now in most localities.  Our Gold Coast, Ispwich, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast branches have all recorded an increase in reported cases of active Termites and there have been more homeowners requesting information on Termites as well as looking for advice on ways to avoid a Termite infestation such as Chemical & Physical Barrier options and Termite Monitoring.  

1300 Pest Control is the Number you Know and Trust

• Our technicians can be trusted to carry out a professional job.  They have a full Timber Pest Licence, Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance. 
• All Termite Inspections are carried out to Australian Standards or greater.  
• Termite Inspections are very thorough, at least 1 hour for an average house.  The Inspector will need access to all rooms including the ceiling cavity.
• The Termite Inspection is performed with an array of tools and thorough Visual Inspection of the premises.  These tools can include but are not limited to;  
  • Moisture Meter – an electronic device that detects moisture migration.  Termites are almost 100% moisture and so this is a required tool in inspections.
  • Video Inspection/ Boroscope – allows inspectors to see inside of wall cavities, trees and other structures (only with the approval of the property owner).
  • Termatrac – Radar device.  Termatrac is a valuable tool that is used to determine the likelihood of termite activity in a particular location.
  • Thermal Imaging – infrared technology that detects hot spots in wall cavities. Can assist in Termite Detection in conjunction with other methods of detection.
  • Inspection Probes (Sounding Donger)/ Listening devices – important for hearing termite activity within the buildings walls.
  • Pest Inspection Report – will be provided within 24 hours documenting termite activity and the risk of Termite Infestation.

Termite Control has advanced significantly in recent years.  All 1300 PestControl branches support Industry best practices and keep up to date with the continuing improvements in Termite Inspection, Termite Treatment and Termite Prevention.

We service both the domestic and commercial sectors.  All enquiries welcome! 

Get a fast quote via email

To speak with one of our friendly Termite Inspection experts call us on 1300 PEST CONTROL (1300 737 826)

1300 Pest Control offers clients:

Exceptional Customer Service

Safety - our products are environmentally friendly and safe to use around children and animals

Peace of Mind – our Pest Controllers are Fully Licenced & Fully Insured for every product they use

Competitive Pricing

Warranties

The latest in Pest Control Practices, Products & Technology that comply with Australian Standards

Advice on Integrated Pest Management for Residential and Commercial clients

1300 Pest Control is a member of the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association

General Pest Control Services include treatments for the following;

• Rodent Control – Rat Control – Mice Control
• Cockroach Control
• Spider Control
• Silverfish Control
• Ant Control
• Beetle Control
• Moth Control
• Flea Control
• Bee Control
• Wasp Control
• Bed Bug Control

Termite Control Services include:

• Termite Inspections > Pest Inspections
• Termite Treatments > Termite Control
• Termite Prevention >  Termite Barriers > Termite Reticulation > Termite Monitoring

To speak with one of our friendly Local Pest experts call us on 1300 PEST CONTROL (1300 737 826)

Pest Information – Arachnida Order Araneae

What Do Spiders Look Like?

Spiders are arachnids, a group of 8-legged critters including mites, ticks and scorpions.  The body of a spider can be divided into 2 parts – the “front body” known as the head or prosoma and the “rear body” called the abdomen or opisthosoma.

Most spiders have 8 eyes, but depending on the species they may have 6, 4, 2 and in some cave dwelling species – none at all!  Despite all of those eyes, many spiders have poor vision, relying instead on touch and taste to detect prey.  Jumping spiders are the exception – they have excellent vision and can even track their own image in a mirror!

Spiders have two finger-like palps near their mouth, which are often mistaken for legs or antennae (which arachnids don’t possess).  They help spiders to taste and manipulate their prey (like a little set of cutlery).  The jaws of a spider are known as chelicerae.  They consist of a strong, wide base which tapers down in to a sharp, curved fang.  Venom is pumped from glands in the head through a narrow tube ending in a tiny hole at the tip of the fang, much like a hypodermic needle.

Spiders have eight legs, which are covered in highly sensitive hairs that help to detect their surroundings – in particular the vibrations caused by nearby prey.

How Do Spiders Breed?

Attracting a mate in the spider world is not all that different from our dating rituals.  Spiders use alluring perfumes (chemical smells known as pheromones) and strut their stuff (by flashing brightly coloured legs or abdomens).  Males impress females with their dancing skills (by waving their legs or body) and will give elaborately wrapped gourmet gifts (usually a fly bundled up in silk).

Male spiders lack a proper sex organ.  Instead they deposit their sperm on a little pad of silk and then pick it up with the swollen tips of their palps.  The male then transfers it to the female.

Eggs are laid in batches wrapped in silk to protect them from the elements and hungry predators.  The silken egg case can contain several hundred eggs.  Some spiders show maternal care – a female wolf spider will carefully tow her egg case around until they hatch and will even give her young spiderlings a piggy-back ride on her abdomen until they are big enough to fend for themselves.

Spiders will moult their skin between 4 and 20 times to reach adulthood, depending on the size of the spider.

Where Do Spiders Live?

Spiders are found in every country, with the exception of Antarctica.  Over 40 000 species have been described so far.

Spiders can occupy many different habitats, from tree canopies to underground burrows, in domestic dwellings and even in and around the water.  Many spiders disperse by ballooning – releasing parachute-like webs from the end of their bodies and rising on the breeze to colonise new locations.  They can travel hundreds of kilometers and have even been found floating several thousand meters in the air!

What Do Spiders Eat?

All spiders are carnivores, preferring to catch and kill live prey.  They will eat any organism small enough for them to overpower, from insects such as flies and grasshoppers for smaller spiders, through to lizards, frogs and even small birds in larger species.

With a few rare exceptions, all spiders produce venom which is used to subdue their prey.  Venom also contains enzymes to help break down tissue – spiders have no teeth so can only suck up liquid food.

Their hunting techniques are varied.  Orb weavers produce large silken webs and wait for insects to become tangled in the sticky threads.  Huntsman spiders are ground hunters using their powerful legs to chase down prey.  The clever (and very lazy) net-casting spider can’t be bothered spinning an entire web.  Instead he makes a little net which he holds between his front legs.  He throws this web over passing insects, much like a lasso!

Are Spiders Dangerous?

It goes without saying that spiders are probably the most feared and hated animals on Earth.  But of the 40 000 plus species world-wide only around 200 can inflict a harmful bite.  Many spiders have fangs that are too small to pierce human skin and most spiders are timid creatures, only striking as a last resort.

Here in Australia, there are two species of spider that are commonly found in and around our houses and have potentially dangerous bites.

Redback Spider – Latrodectus hasseltii

Adult females are the size of a fifty cent coin, with shiny black legs and head.  Their abdomen is black to dark brown, with a bright red stripe down the centre and a red marking underneath their abdomen in the shape of an hour-glass.  Only adult females possess fangs that are large enough to pierce our skin – males and juveniles are considered harmless.

The Redback Spider has a very bad reputation and belongs to the same genus as the infamous Black Widow Spider in the Northern Hemisphere.  The following factors contribute to its status as a notorious pest:

• Widespread throughout Australia.
• Very tough – can withstand extremely cold and dry conditions.
• Breeds prolifically – egg sacs can contain up to 300 eggs and are resistant to aerosol insecticide sprays.
• Redbacks are rarely found in natural forest, instead preferring developed urban environments such as our homes and backyards.
• They build their tangled webs under the lips of pot plants, the handles and edges of wheelie bins, the rim of above-ground pools; around outdoor furniture and play equipment, under window sills and around the petrol pumps at service stations.
• They can inflict a painful bite and their venom contains a powerful neurotoxin.  Symptoms may include sweating, nausea, vomiting, fainting, irregular or rapid heartbeat, muscle spasms and paralysis.
• Over 5000 bites are recorded in Australia each year – thankfully a readily available, highly effective anti-venom means that few bites are fatal.

White-tailed Spider – Lampona

The White-tailed Spider gets its name from the pale spot located at the end of its dark grey, oval-shaped abdomen.  It is the size of a fifty cent coin and doesn’t build a web, instead hunting food on foot.  White-tails prefer cool, dark places and are frequently found in our homes on the walls, under beds and in bathrooms.

White-tailed spiders aren’t timid and will bite repeatedly if disturbed.  Their venom is a cytotoxin, causing tissue death which paves the way for bacterial infections.  Bites are painful and may be accompanied by redness, swelling and small ulcers.  Despite reports in the media, there is no scientific evidence to support claims of extensive necrosis and ulcers as a result of White-tailed spider bites.

Pest Prevention

Spider Prevention

In most cases, spiders are timid, reluctant to bite and are great for controlling cockroaches and other nasties in your home.  It is usually best to leave them be, as many people are bitten whilst trying to capture or kill spiders.  However, if you have young children or simply can’t stand sharing your house with 8-legged tenants, you can try the following:

• Seal any cracks and crevices around your home and place rolled up towels or door stoppers under your doors.  Even the largest huntsman spider can flatten its body to sneak through tiny gaps.
• Control insects – spiders enter our house seeking readily available prey and will quickly move on if there are no bugs for them to eat
• Turn off exterior lights at night time – these will attract insects into your home, encouraging spiders
• Keep your lawn mowed, bushes well pruned and yard clear of debris.  This will reduce shelter for both spiders and the insects they eat.
• Remove any webs that you see and stomp on any egg cases (or if you’re feeling charitable, pop them in a jar and release them in a nearby park or bushland).

 Pest Response

Spider Control

Whilst the above suggestions will help to reduce the risk of an infestation, once spiders have established themselves it is difficult to get rid of them without professional help.  Spiders have the remarkable ability to close off their lungs for several hours, so many surface sprays and aerosols fail to kill them and their egg cases.  The most efficient method is the use of fast-acting contact chemicals that kill spiders dead in their tracks.

1300 Pest Control treatments are environmentally friendly, child and animal safe and can be specifically tailored to suit your needs.  Our pest control specialists will thoroughly inspect your home to determine the extent of your spider problem and will recommend an appropriate action plan.

Interesting Fact on Spiders

Did you know?

• Spider silk is one of the strongest substances on Earth.  A single strand is five times stronger than a similar-sized strand of steel.

To get a quote on Spider Pest Control call on 1300 PestControl today.

While mice may be fun and furry little pets for some people, finding that you have a rodent infestation in your house is not funny at all.
The same can be said for rats. Ugh!

Generally, the species of mouse or rat found in pet shops is not the same as the kind you find invading your home and gnawing on everything they can find.

Dealing with a Rodent Infestation

While you may consider grabbing the broom to chase away a cute little mouse that is scurrying across your lounge room carpet an acceptable solution, it is NOT the answer. Nor is a mouse trap, or in the case of a loathsome rat, a rat trap. Let’s have a look at some of the reasons why:

• Mice and rats tend to congregate in a mouse nest or rats nest. So seeing one rodent usually means there are at least 4 or more you haven’t seen;
• Rodents like mice or rats breed prolifically. A female mouse reaches sexual maturity by 10 weeks of age and can produce a litter within 20 days of mating;
• Rats and mice carry up to 35 diseases, including plague, leptospirosis and salmonella which are potentially deadly to human beings;
• Rodent droppings also contain diseases, to say nothing of the fact they are smelly, unhygienic and unsightly; and
• Rat poison and mouse baiting may cause harm to family pets and young children.

Most of the acceptable methods for rodent control present some risk to you and your family or they simply don’t work effectively.

Regular mouse traps can be messy, difficult to set and inhumane, and then you have to deal with the problem of disposal if you do happen to trap one of the little pests. In addition, you will have to be extremely patient and persistent if you want to eliminate the entire family.

Poisons and baits also have their problems. While most rats will go outside to die, that isn’t always the case, particularly with mice, so you can find yourself faced with the issue of dead rats or mice hidden in inaccessible places around your home.

One of the most effective off-the-shelf solutions for rodent infestation is an electronic trap which delivers a fatal shock to rodents which enter the trap. But you are still faced with the problem of disposal and continually re-setting the trap until you are certain the whole family has been caught.

Connect to your Local Rodent Control Specialists

Dealing effectively with a rodent infestation is a tricky and messy operation.

If you have been unsuccessful with all the DIY methods for controlling mice and rats in your home, it’s time to call in the experts.

The quality rodent control specialists at 1300 PEST CONTROL will locate the hidden pests and provide you with the most effective and safest treatment options.

The techniques and methods used ensure you and your family are safe from the diseases spread by mice and rats.

All you need do is call 1300 PEST CONTROL to connect with quality, reputable pest control experts in your area.

Or you can click on 1300 PEST CONTROL service areas to search your location for a rodent control specialist.

For a fast rodent control online quote – visit our FAST QUOTE page.

Don’t put it off any longer. The health of your home and family may depend on it!

White Ants is a popular term used when referring to Termites because they look like a White Ant. However, White Ants are not related to ants and are another group of insects closely related to cockroaches!

White Ants Control – White Ant Inspection

A White Ants nest can contain a colony of anywhere from a few hundred to over a million. White Ant damage to your home is a real and costly threat. The best White Ants Control method is an annual White Ant Inspection of your property by a Timber Pest Qualified Technician using the latest White Ant detection methods.

For a Free Quote for a White Ant Inspection call 1300 Pest Control (1300 737 826)

White Ants signs

White ant damage often goes undetected because the colony eats from the inside out. For White Ants signs look for:

• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
• Gaps or crumbling wooden beams
• White Ant mud tubes that run above ground and are built by the White Ant workers to get the colony from Point A to Point B across open ground without direct sunlight.

White Ants Removal

So you want to know how to get rid of White Ants? If you find White Ants signs on your property, do not disturb the White Ants nest! Instead, call in a White Ants control specialist to carry out a White Ants Inspection of your home, the foundations, the inner structural elements, fencing and all wood products in and around the house and recommend the most effective White Ant treatment to kill White Ants.

White Ant Management Systems

White Ant Management Systems include the use of physical White Ant Barriers, chemically treated zones (reticulation systems) and White Ant Monitoring & White Ant Baiting Systems.  

‘Generally it is a combination approach of inspection, physical & chemical barriers that prove to have the most resistance to White Ant attack’.  

A White Ant barrier can prevent an infestation and detect White Ant activity.

Physical White Ant Barriers

Physical White Ant Barriers are made from metal, crushed rock, wire mesh or other materials that White Ants find impenetrable. Barriers are required for new buildings and also can be retro-fitted to existing structures. Most manufacturers of these barriers require the Pest Controllers to be certified in the installation of their system.

Chemical White Ant Barriers – Treated Zones

Chemical White Ant Barriers are usually insecticide barriers placed around existing homes and/or under concrete slabs & foundations for new dwellings by professional pest controllers.  There are several different registered termiticides that can be used and are either categorized as ‘in-soil’ chemical barriers (applied to soil under or around the foundations of a building) or ‘in-plastic’ chemical barriers (plastic sheets containing insecticide that are installed like physical barriers).

Chemical Barriers are also known as White Ant Treated Zones & are a popular and proven method of White Ant prevention for new and existing structures. White Ants that do prey into the treated zone are repelled away. There are several types of White Ant Barriers available and they differ in upfront & ongoing costs, monitoring requirements, residual effects, structural differences & a property’s suitability.  It is a good idea to discuss what system best suits your needs with your Pest Control and White Ant Specialist.

White Ant Reticulation Systems

White Ant Reticulation Systems are physical barriers that also store chemical treatments and are designed to impede the entry of White Ants into the building as well as aid in the detection and eradication of White Ants if entry still becomes possible.

In some states of Australia, builders must have a physical White Ant barrier or a reticulation system installed before a concrete slab is poured for a new building.

With White Ants causing more damage in Australia than fire, flood and other accidental causes it pays for all new houses in all parts of Australia to be fitted with a White Ant Reticulation System.

There are a few reticulation models so it pays to discuss your options with your Pest Controller who will be able to assess your individual needs based on your geographical location, building structure & budget constraints and other variables. Most reputable reticulation systems available also require the pest controller to be accredited or certified with the installation and monitoring of these systems.

White Ant Monitoring & Baiting

A popular method used for White Ants control is “White Ant monitoring”. Small ‘bait stations’ generally cylindrical in shape are installed around the perimeter of a property and near areas that are conducive to White Ant foraging.  These monitoring stations are then checked regularly for signs of White Ant activity.  If White Ant activity is discovered then bait can be applied to these stations which worker White Ants will ingest and carry back to the nest, where the entire White Ant colony is exposed and infected.  

Our say –

White Ants Control has advanced significantly in recent times.  All 1300 Pest Control branches support Industry best practices and we keep up to date with the continuing improvements in White Ant Prevention.

What works well for one house may not for another and all considerations such as cost, climate, building construction and location need to be taken into account before you decide on what White Ant Prevention best suits you.

The best thing to do is speak to an expert who is genuine about wanting to offer the right treatment for you.  Talk directly with one of our Branches who deal daily with the people who live and work in your area.

1300 Pest Control offers clients:

• Competitive Pricing
• Exceptional Customer Service
• Warranties
• Compliance with Australian Standards
• Fully Licenced & Fully Insured = TRUST
• Environmentally friendly products
• Safe around children & animals
• Integrated Pest Management for Residential and Commercial Pest Control
• 1300 Pest Control is a member of the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association

Get a fast quote via email

To speak with a friendly Pest expert call 1300 PEST CONTROL (1300 737 826)

Termite Control – White Ants Control Services include:

• Building and Pest Inspections
• Pre Purchase Inspections
• Termite Barrier
• Termite Inspection – Pest Inspection
• Termite Prevention
• Termite Treatment

General Pest Control Services include treatments for the following:

• Ant Control
• Bed Bug Control
• Bee Control
• Beetles Control
• Cockroach Control
• Flea Control
• Flying Insect Control
• Mice Control – Mouse Control
• Mosquito Control
• Moth Control
• Pantry Moths Control
• Rat Control
• Rental Property Pest Control
• Rodent Control
• Silverfish Control
• Spider Control
• Wasp Control

Animal Removal Service:

• Bird Control
• Possum Removal
• Snake Removal

There are many seperate types of pests, some share the same solutions.

Try and identfy your pest or pests and make a list if necessary eg:

Cockroaches, termites, white ants, ants, spiders, silverfish, fleas, moths, rats, mice etc. The more comprehensive the list, the better!

The approach to getting rid of the pests can then be discussed with the Pest Controller over the phone, saving time and ensuring the pest controller knows exactly what needs to be dealt with and the tools needed. Make sure you explain the location of the pests and any accessibility issues there may be to reach the pests and any people and pets that are at the location. The methods used could differ depending on these factors.

1300 Pest Control offers clients:

• Competitive Pricing
• Exceptional Customer Service
• Warranties
• Compliance with Australian Standards
• Fully Licenced & Fully Insured = TRUST
• Environmentally friendly products
• Safe around children & animals
• Integrated Pest Management for Residential and Commercial Pest Control
• 1300 Pest Control is a member of the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association

Get a fast quote via email

To speak with a friendly Pest expert call 1300 PEST CONTROL (1300 737 826)

Termite Control – White Ants Control Services include:

• Building and Pest Inspections
• Pre Purchase Inspections
• Termite Barrier
• Termite Inspection – Pest Inspection
• Termite Prevention
• Termite Treatment

General Pest Control Services include treatments for the following:

• Ant Control
• Bed Bug Control
• Bee Control
• Beetles Control
• Cockroach Control
• Flea Control
• Flying Insect Control
• Mice Control – Mouse Control
• Mosquito Control
• Moth Control
• Pantry Moths Control
• Rat Control
• Rental Property Pest Control
• Rodent Control
• Silverfish Control
• Spider Control
• Wasp Control

Animal Removal Service:

• Bird Control
• Possum Removal
• Snake Removal

Insecta Order Diptera

Pest Info

Appearance

Flies are a large and extremely diverse group of insects, exploiting a variety of different habitats and food types.  There are crane flies, midges, gnats, mosquitoes, blow flies, horse flies, house flies, moth flies and bee flies – to name a few.

Flies are the only insects to have a single pair of wings – all other groups of winged insects have 2 pairs.  Instead, flies have taken their hind wings and reduced them down to a tiny pair of hairs that act like rudders, helping them to steer as they fly.

Flies have large, highly developed compound eyes to help them navigate as they zoom through the air.  Their bodies are often covered in sensitive hairs known as setae to help them detect their surroundings.

The species that are of most concern to humans are those that drink our blood.  Mosquitoes and biting midges are among the worst offenders, inflicting itchy, irritating bites with the potential to transmit nasty diseases.

Biting midges are also referred to as sand flies.  They are usually dark in colour and are tiny, with an overall length of just 1-3 millimeters.  They have earned the nickname “no-see-ums” – due to their tiny size, we often don’t notice them until they start feasting on our blood.

Mosquitoes are much larger and more obvious.  They have long, scaly bodies between 3-9 millimeters in length.  They come in a range of colours and often have elaborate stripes and bands on their legs and bodies.

Breeding

Flies have a complete lifecycle, starting off as a larva before entering a pupa and emerging as an adult.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in small rafts on the surface of water and along the edges of aquatic habitats.  The larvae are referred to as “wrigglers” due to their jerky movements through the water.  The larvae have a tiny siphon at the end of their abdomen which is used to suck air from the surface.  They form tiny, comma-shaped pupae just under the water’s surface.  The adult mosquitoes emerge, balancing on the top of the water with their long legs while they wait for their wings to dry.

The larvae of midges also prefer wet or damp habitats and can be found on the edges of streams and marshes, in wet soil and compost.

Habitat

Mosquitoes and biting midges are world-wide pests.  There are thousands of different species, each favouring a particular larval habitat.

In Australia, midges and mosquitoes are at their worst in coastal areas, where frequent rainfall and extensive waterways provides an abundance of larval habitats.

Mosquitoes can utilise almost any body of water to lay their eggs in, from the brackish water in wetlands and marshes, to the tiny pools of water that collect in tree hollows and the leaves of bromeliads.

Diet

It is only the adult female mosquitoes and midges that bite.  Females require protein from a blood meal to help them grow and develop their eggs.  Males don’t lay eggs and so don’t drink blood, instead feeding on nectar and plant juices.

Larvae are also harmless to humans.  Mosquito wrigglers filter algae from the water, or prey on other mosquito larvae.  Midge larvae feed on moss and fungi in moist environments.

The adult flies have adapted their mouthparts to assist with their blood-feeding lifestyles.  Mosquitoes have a long, needle-like tube which pierces the skin & sucks up blood through a series of muscles.  Midges have a sharp cutting tool, which slices into flesh, causing blood to pool on the skin.  A sponge-like pad is then used to slurp it up.  Both insects will bite humans and other warm-blooded animals such as dogs, rabbits, sheep and cattle.

Pest Dangers

Apart from the itchiness and irritation, mosquitoes and midges can affect your health by spreading a variety of diseases.

• World-wide: mosquitoes have been linked to the transmission of yellow fever, malaria, dengue fever, filariasis and encephalitis.
• In Australia: the most common transmission is Ross River Fever and Barmah Forest Virus.  Both have similar flu-like symptoms, including joint pain, fever and often a rash.
• There is usually a yearly outbreak of dengue fever in Far North Queensland.  This is a result of overseas travelers becoming infected and introducing it to our local population of mosquitoes upon returning to Australia.  However, outbreaks are carefully monitored and managed and are quickly brought under control.
• Australia has been declared malaria-free since 1981.  However, there is a small risk of the disease being brought into Australia by people infected overseas & spreading it through our local mosquitoes when they return.
• Japanese encephalitis and Australian or Murray Valley encephalitis can be spread by mosquitoes in Australia, however these infections are considered to be extremely rare.
• Mosquitoes and midges have also been linked to animal diseases such as myxomatosis in rabbits, dog heartworm and illnesses of cattle & livestock overseas.
• The saliva from mosquitoes and midges contains proteins that cause allergic reactions.  These are generally mild, with some localized swelling, itching and redness.
• Be careful not to scratch mosquito bites – it can lead to secondary infections.
• If you begin to experience any flu-like symptoms (particularly if you have recently returned from overseas, head straight to a GP for blood tests).

Pest Prevention

Protecting yourself and your family from biting flies and the diseases they may carry can be split into two equally important strategies– avoid getting bitten and reduce available habitats for the aquatic larvae.

To avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes and biting midges:

• Take care at dawn and dusk, when these insects are most active
• Wear insect repellant when outdoors.  “Tropical Strength” varieties are particularly effective.  If you are in a situation where the risk of being bitten is high (i.e. when camping or bushwalking), use a stronger application that contains DEET, but take care and follow directions for application.
• Invest in fly screens for your home.  If you don’t have screens, use a mosquito net over your bed while you’re sleeping.
• Odorless, plug in zappers are very useful for deterring mosquitoes indoors
• Use mosquito coils, citronella candles or bug-zappers outdoors.
• Don’t forget Fido – mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as Dog Heartworm.  Keep up to date with vaccinations and monthly heart-worm control.  Low irritant repellants can be applied to your dog’s coat to deter biting flies (pay particular attention to the ears).  Plug-in zappers and mosquito coils can be used to deter mosquitoes from your dog’s sleeping area.

To reduce larval habitats:

• Regularly tip out and replace the water in dog’s water dishes and birdbaths, disrupting the lifecycle of aquatic larvae.
• Monitor areas where water may collect – tip out the bases of pot plants, tins, old tires and any other containers.
• Keep gutters clear of debris – leaves may block areas allowing water to collect.
• Ensure your water tank has a fine screen over any openings to prevent females from depositing eggs
• Midges breed in moist, damp soil.  Water your gardens early in the morning, rather than at night.  The plants will absorb the water and the sun will dry out the damp soil, reducing larval habitats.

Pest Response

1300 Pest Control treatments are environmentally friendly, child and animal safe and can be specifically tailored to suit your needs.  Our pest control specialists can advise on methods for reducing mosquitoes and biting midges in and around your home.  We can deliver effective treatment options that suit your individual environment.  Call us today for a quote and information on Mosquito control.

1300 Pest Control offers clients:

• Competitive Pricing
• Exceptional Customer Service
• Warranties
• Compliance with Australian Standards
• Fully Licenced & Fully Insured = TRUST
• Environmentally friendly products
• Safe around children & animals
• Integrated Pest Management for Residential and Commercial Pest Control
• 1300 Pest Control is a member of the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association

Get a fast quote via email

To speak with a friendly Pest expert call 1300 PEST CONTROL (1300 737 826)

Termite Control – White Ants Control Services include:

• Building and Pest Inspections
• Pre Purchase Inspections
• Termite Barrier
• Termite Inspection – Pest Inspection
• Termite Prevention
• Termite Treatment

General Pest Control Services include treatments for the following:

• Ant Control
• Bed Bug Control
• Bee Control
• Beetles Control
• Cockroach Control
• Flea Control
• Flying Insect Control
• Mice Control – Mouse Control
• Mosquito Control
• Moth Control
• Pantry Moths Control
• Rat Control
• Rental Property Pest Control
• Rodent Control
• Silverfish Control
• Spider Control
• Wasp Control

Animal Removal Service:

• Bird Control
• Possum Removal
• Snake Removal

Mammalia Order Rodentia

Pest Info

Appearance

Rats and mice belong to a group of mammals known as rodents.  There are over 1500 species of rodents world-wide, including squirrels, rats, mice, beavers and guinea pigs. They are all characterized by a pair of sharp incisor teeth in their top and bottom jaws.  These teeth continue to grow throughout their life, so rodents must continually gnaw and chew on tough materials to keep them worn down.

In Australia, we have many native species of rats and mice.  However, several introduced species of rodents, such as the Black or Roof Rat (Rattus rattus) and the House Mouse (Mus musculus) have established themselves as major pests in urban environments. 

Rats and mice have large, well developed eyes and long, highly sensitive whiskers.  They are generally nocturnal and use these features to help forage for food in the darkness.  Their bodies are covered in a sleek layer of fur.  They have long tails that can be used to assist in balance, as many species are highly agile climbers.

Black rats are generally not pure black, with their fur more grey-brown in colour.  They can be identified by their enormously long tail, which is longer than the combined length of their head and body, which can be up to 25 centimeters.

The house mouse is much smaller in size, with a body length of up to 10 centimeters.  It is highly variable in colour, ranging from yellowish-brown to almost black.

Breeding

One of the factors that contribute to the pest status of rats and mice is their ability to rapidly grow and reproduce.  For example, native mice generally have just 2 pairs of teats, so can raise litters of up to four young.  The introduced house mouse has 5 pairs of nipples, allowing them to support litters of up to 10-12 pups. 

Rats and mice build shallow nests or burrows, which they line with shredded plant material.  Sheltered within this nest, the female will give birth to live young & then feed them on highly nutritious milk, resulting in rapid growth.  House mice take just over two weeks to become weaned and are sexually mature in just 55 days. 

In man-made shelters such as houses and barns, rats and mice often live together in small family groups, living and foraging within a set territory.

Habitat

Mice and rats have been introduced to every continent – even Antarctica, where house mice have set up homes in heated, man-made shelters.  Generally they are introduced to other countries by stowing away on ships, where they can survive for many months on limited food.  It is likely that rats and mice were introduced to Australia when the first fleet landed in 1788.

The house mouse is well established in towns and cereal growing areas throughout Australia.  If food and water is abundant, mice populations can explode, resulting in huge plagues with as many as 500 animals to a single hectare of land.

Rats are just as widespread, however unlike mice, rats also survive well in undisturbed bushland and have extended their populations into our forests and bushland.  They are also found in sugar cane and cereal crops, fruit orchards and around river banks and sewers.

Diet

The diets of rats and mice are highly omnivorous – that is, they will eat just about anything.  They mainly target stored food and cereal crops, but will also consume fruit, living plants and insects.

Pest Dangers

In addition to being a social nuisance, rats and mice cause extensive damage through their feeding & nesting behaviours.

• Males often have an unpleasant, musty smell that is obvious with larger infestations.
• They will nest in wall cavities, roofing, under corrugated iron and amongst equipment and machinery stored in sheds.
• Rats have a fondness for rubber and plastic, and will gnaw on hoses, pipes, electrical wires and telephone cables, often resulting in system failures.
• Rats are agile climbers, and will steal ripe fruit from trees in your garden.
• Rats and mice require shredded material to line their nests.  In your house, they will shred insulation, wall sheeting, carpet and upholstery to gather this material.
• House mice are extremely tough and can survive and breed in extremely adverse temperatures.  They can survive freezing cold and will happily live in cold-rooms and refrigerating units.
• They scatter droppings around your home and have strong, unpleasant smelling urine.
• Rats act as a reservoir for infectious diseases such as bubonic plague and infectious fevers.  These diseases can be picked up by blood sucking parasites such as ticks, mosquitoes and fleas and transmitted to humans.
• Rats can also directly infect humans with bacterial diseases such as leptospirosis and salmonella if we come into contact with their saliva, faeces or urine.

Pest Prevention

The key to reducing rat and mice infestations is to limit their access to both food and shelter within your home and garden.

• Keep your counters clear of food and crumbs.
• Store food in air-tight containers within your pantry.
• Store dry dog food, bird seed and other pet foods in air-tight containers.
• Vacuum regularly (especially under cupboards and refrigerators) to remove crumbs.
• Wipe down benches, sinks & close toilet lids to limit access to water.
• Keep storage areas free of clutter and avoid stacking things on the ground.
• Keep your garden well maintained, lawns regularly mowed and prune any branches that are in contact with the roof or walls of your house. 
• Remove any piles of rocks, wood or other debris that may serve as a shelter.

Pest Response

Trying to eliminate rodents from your home can be quite difficult.  Traps have limited success, must continually be reset & you are stuck with disposing of the bodies of any you may catch.  Baits and poisons may harm household pets or put young children at risk.  The best option is to call in the professionals, who will locate hidden nests and provide you with safe and effective treatment options.

1300 Pest Control treatments are environmentally friendly, child and animal safe and can be specifically tailored to suit your needs. 

Did you know?

• A female house mouse can produce up to 11 litters each year, each containing as many as 12 pups.  That’s a lot of mice!
• Rats and mice belong to the order Rodentia, from the Latin word rodere which means “to gnaw”

1300 Pest Control offers clients:

• Competitive Pricing
• Exceptional Customer Service
• Warranties
• Compliance with Australian Standards
• Fully Licenced & Fully Insured = TRUST
• Environmentally friendly products
• Safe around children & animals
• Integrated Pest Management for Residential and Commercial Pest Control
• 1300 Pest Control is a member of the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association

Get a fast quote via email

To speak with a friendly Pest expert call 1300 PEST CONTROL (1300 737 826)

Termite Control – White Ants Control Services include:

• Building and Pest Inspections
• Pre Purchase Inspections
• Termite Barrier
• Termite Inspection – Pest Inspection
• Termite Prevention
• Termite Treatment

General Pest Control Services include treatments for the following:

• Ant Control
• Bed Bug Control
• Bee Control
• Beetles Control
• Cockroach Control
• Flea Control
• Flying Insect Control
• Mice Control – Mouse Control
• Mosquito Control
• Moth Control
• Pantry Moths Control
• Rat Control
• Rental Property Pest Control
• Rodent Control
• Silverfish Control
• Spider Control
• Wasp Control

Animal Removal Service:

• Bird Control
• Possum Removal
• Snake Removal

Pre Purchase Pest Inspections

Face it, buying a house can be a stressful event.  Generally when you buy a property there is no Building and Pest Inspection Report to go by at all or also one that you can trust.  You want to do the right thing and ensure you are investing in what you think you are paying for so you will employ someone to do a Building and Pest Inspection.  Sometimes you can feel comfortable with the one company taking these two very separate modules on board all at once but our approach is different.   Align yourself with a professional company who performs either service and who can assist with arranging for the other and who can also liase with the real estate agent to save you time & needless stress when buying a house.  In other words, call on a Pest Controller for the Pest Inspection and a Builder for a building inspection.   Two experts is better than one expert in their chosen profession.

Things to note:

A pre-purchase pest inspection should be handled no differently to your annual Termite Inspection.  The inspection should be thorough and last for at least 1 hour for the average size home.  All outer buildings, fencing, decking etc should be checked as well as inside the roof void.  Your inspector should have appropriate equipment for the inspection such as a long ladder, torch, tapping equipment, moisture meters, listening devices as well as termatrac and/or  infared devices.  Inspectors should also have a camera to take photos which can be used for the written pest report.  It is important that the inspector can not only advise of Termite activity or damage but also to report on what peventitive measures are in place or what can be recommended from simple repairs to leaking taps, removal of garden beds against the perimeter of the house to specific barrier or monitoring systems.

Below are two examples provided by our Brisbane member of the importance of getting a qualified person to do a Pre Purchase Pest Inspection for you before buying a new home.

The DIY Pest Inspection

Story 1: The DIY Pest Inspection

Recently completed a termite inspection and treatment on a property where the new owner felt he didn’t need a pest inspection as he thought he could spot any termite workings/activity.  Two weeks after moving into house he started to paint a wall and paintbrush went through!  We were called and Brad identified 6 separate nests in the house and damage to property was EXTENSIVE.  Nearly $4500 later for treatment/extermination and preventative work!!  Brad reckons it is the closest he has ever come to seeing a grown man cry!

Building and Pest Inspection Combined

Story 2: The 2 in 1 Building and Pest Combined

Recently  called to a property after contact by new owner.  She had one person complete both the  building and pest inspections. He was a qualified builder who had completed a short termite course through an insurance company which allowed him to inspect, but not to treat, termites.  He did an inspection and said everything was great.  Client went to do final inspection three weeks later prior to handover and there was mudding all over living and dining room walls and in one bedroom.  There were also thousands of winged ants (alates) lying dead all over the floors.  She called inspector who did not come out and said that nothing could happen in three weeks and everything was fine – probably just flying ants.  Two days following her possession of house she was wiping down walls and termites came gushing out of walls.  She called the building and pest inspector back who then came out and said, “Yep, you have a problem but unfortunately due to licensing restrictions I can’t treat them!’.  She then called us and Brad did a full termite inspection and found substantial activity in four different places as well as mudding leading up to weepholes.  This evidence had been there for months.

The client ended up having to spend nearly four thousand dollars and still will need to have extensive repair work done to the house.

1300 Pest Control offers clients:

• Competitive Pricing
• Exceptional Customer Service
• Warranties
• Compliance with Australian Standards
• Fully Licenced & Fully Insured = TRUST
• Environmentally friendly products
• Safe around children & animals
• Integrated Pest Management for Residential and Commercial Pest Control
• 1300 Pest Control is a member of the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association

Get a fast quote via email

To speak with a friendly Pest expert call 1300 PEST CONTROL (1300 737 826)

Termite Control – White Ants Control Services include:

• Building and Pest Inspections
• Pre Purchase Inspections
• Termite Barrier
• Termite Inspection – Pest Inspection
• Termite Prevention
• Termite Treatment

General Pest Control Services include treatments for the following:

• Ant Control
• Bed Bug Control
• Bee Control
• Beetles Control
• Cockroach Control
• Flea Control
• Flying Insect Control
• Mice Control – Mouse Control
• Mosquito Control
• Moth Control
• Pantry Moths Control
• Rat Control
• Rental Property Pest Control
• Rodent Control
• Silverfish Control
• Spider Control
• Wasp Control

Animal Removal Service:

• Bird Control
• Possum Removal
• Snake Removal

Integrated Pest Management is the modern day way of treating and controlling Pests and Pest Animals; be that in the home, in the yard, in the field or in the restaurant.

Gone are the days that we need to bring out the can of insecticide for every creepy crawly that we come across. Firstly, we would be over polluting our environment and the environment of all of of those around us, secondly there may be better methods for control and pest elimination and thirdly, we wouldn’t be addressing the root cause of the pest intrusion or infestation and that is addressing the reason why they are present or causing problems in the first place.

When calling on a Professional Pest Controller to help address any pest problems you may have then be sure to ask about any Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches that they can recommend instead of just issuing a treatment.  A good Pest Controller is a professional who understands pest biology and has knowledge on a wide array of pest eradication methods – what works best under different situations & what is best for you and your environment.

New information on best practices in pest control methods is always evolving.  Pesticides are still drawn on widely but even with this form of chemical control there are better and safer products being introduced to the market and a ‘less is more’ attitude is the way of thought.  Pest Controllers these days are also knowledgeable about the products they use and what, if any, side effects or environmental problems they are able to cause.

Integrated Pest Management also takes into account Prevention & Sanitation, Exclusion, Elimination of food & water sources & Elimination of harborages as well as what is the environment and what situation the pest problems are identified in.  Not all landscapes are the same; houses are made differently and belong to  different locations, climates, populations etc.  Not all commercial locations are the same also, some belong to the food industry, others heavy industrial and others are considered sensitive locations such as hospitals and child care centres where additional consideration of pesticide use is mandatory.

Whatever the pest, wherever they are found, there will be a Pest Control expert who will be able to help the individual situation you need help for.  For every expert there are potentially several rouge operators ready to service with a chemically kill them dead only approach so be mindful as to who you call on for help.

Get a fast quote via email

To speak with a friendly Pest expert call 1300 PEST CONTROL (1300 737 826)

Termite Control – White Ants Control Services include:

• Building and Pest Inspections
• Pre Purchase Inspections
• Termite Barrier
• Termite Inspection – Pest Inspection
• Termite Prevention
• Termite Treatment

General Pest Control Services include treatments for the following:

• Ant Control
• Bed Bug Control
• Bee Control
• Beetles Control
• Cockroach Control
• Flea Control
• Flying Insect Control
• Mice Control – Mouse Control
• Mosquito Control
• Moth Control
• Pantry Moths Control
• Rat Control
• Rental Property Pest Control
• Rodent Control
• Silverfish Control
• Spider Control
• Wasp Control

Animal Removal Service:

• Bird Control
• Possum Removal
• Snake Removal