Pest Control Library

White Ants/Termites

There are a number of categories and species of termites (white ants) distributed throughout Australia.
The main species which cause such devastating damage to homes and other buildings are Subterranean, which invade structures from tunnels they create to travel underground, and from there up into timbers and other cellulose containing materials.
They enter either directly, from under concrete raft footings (slabs), through penetrations such as adjacent waste pipes, cracks in the concrete itself, or by building mud like shelter tubes up the side of strip footings to gain access to wooden floors and other timbers above.
Once established and feeding on the timbers, they travel constantly back and forth concealed from sight underground through their tubes and tunnels to their nest, which is  underground, or within a tree. They eat timber from the inside to the outer face, and it is only the shell of the timber that is left when the homeowner discovers the damage.
This ability to keep their activities concealed until major damage is caused is what makes termites such a destructive pest.
To ensure their major natural enemy black ants, cannot enter their workings and to retain temperature and moisture, termites close any cracks or crevices in their feeding site with what looks like mud, behind an architrave or along the top of a skirting board, where it is seen by the home owner and fortunately often gives an earlier warning of their presence.
The most destructive and commonly encountered termite species damaging homes in the Adelaide Metropolitan area and near country towns is Coptotermes acinaciformis.
Once each year, usually on a still humid night in early summer, the reproductive caste of this species which have wings and are called alates, will swarm from small openings in an infested tree trunk or timbers and wall linings within a home, and this activity also brings the infestation to the notice of the homeowner.
If you observe any of the foregoing signs of infestation, or anything at all that causes you to suspect your home is under attack from termites, consult a qualified and Licensed Pest Management Technician.
Don’t start ripping out timbers, spraying with fly spray, or pouring kerosene on the site, just leave well alone or cover up whatever you have discovered and wait to receive professional advice.
A day or two waiting for an expert inspection and treatment recommendations will make no difference to what is required or the cost.

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Bees

Carpet beetles

Carpet Beetles are approximately 3mm long.
The most common Carpet Beetles are to be found attacking various fabrics of animal origin, as well as carpets, they can be found in woollen goods, fur, silk, upholstery and stuffed animals. A Carpet Beetle infestation usually occurs in undisturbed areas i.e. below furniture or perimeter areas of carpet.
To control a Carpet Beetle infestation attention to thorough vacuuming of the affected areas followed by an application of residual insecticide spray is recommended. Insecticide dust is not effective for long as it is removed by vacuuming.
Care must be taken to ensure whatever product is used does not discolour or stain fabrics. As with most pest control issues it is best left to an Expert.

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Cockroaches

Cockroaches are nocturnal creatures and are seldom seen in any quantity during daylight hours, in areas of heavy infestations sightings of cockroaches may become more common. It is generally accepted that for every cockroach seen there are at least ten that are hidden away out of sight.
Cockroaches' harbourage areas include cracks, crevices, dishwashers, electrical motors and switches, ovens and almost any warm, moist areas where food is available.
The German Cockroach is capable of producing 20,000 offspring within a twelve month period. Female cockroaches also have the ability to produce young without mating.
Infestations can occur when cockroaches are carried into the premises on raw materials or packaging, or gain entry through drain covers, ventilation openings and under doors.
Control is achieved by a combination of good hygiene, plus insecticide gels, baits, residual sprays and dusts.
The adult of this cockroach species is light tan to medium brown and measures approximately 10-15mm in length. Wings cover the entire abdomen and there are two dark parallel stripes on the pronotum behind the head.
Distribution: Worldwide.

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Fleas

The main Flea species in domestic situations are: Dog flea, Cat flea, Oriental rat flea and human flea. These fleas have been known to transmit diseases among humans and some animals. Adult fleas vary in size, but are usually 1-2mm long, brown colour and have very thin bodies so they can move between the hairs of their animal hosts. Their piercing and sucking mouthparts are used for sourcing a blood meal from the host.
The adult female may lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime, but usually four to eight eggs after each blood meal. The eggs are laid onto the animal and fall onto floors, ground and in sleeping and resting areas. Larvae are tiny and legless, with hairs on their body. They feed on organic matter located in carpets and floor coverings as well as outside in lawns. When fully grown around 12-20 days, the larvae pupate into silken cocoons, within 7-10 days emerge as adults.
Breeding areas for Fleas can be reduced by washing floors regularly, vacuuming carpets including under the furniture and areas where animals rest, or carefully vacuuming the entire house. Heat treat the vacuum bag in the sun, always put the vacuum cleaner away fully empty.
Check animals (especially cats and dogs) either take them to a veterinary clinic or treat them with a registered pesticide for flea removal.
Control is also achieved by applying a registered surface spray, paying particular attention to cracks, crevices and wall joints, subfloor and some outside areas may also need attention.
Repeat application of surface spray may be required to gain good control, and ongoing control of the pests on animals is advised and with products supplied by a veterinary clinic is essential.
Houses are often found to be infested with fleas upon a change of tenants. One tenant moved out, taking their cats and dogs with them, and another moves in with no pets. Fleas hatch out from the eggs which have lodged in carpets etc, and with no animals present to jump on, attack the human occupants instead, usually first upon the ankles and lower leg.
Complete residual spray treatment of floor coverings, skirtings, cracks crevices, outbuildings and grounds becomes necessary under such circumstances, and requires time to give full control, as the eggs continue hatching for some time.

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Mice

Within the large mammal group, rats and mice belong to the group known as Rodents.
Rodents may live and nest within buildings indefinitely, provided they have access to food (perhaps water) and shelter.
Mice and rats live in groups.
Outdoors they may nest in burrows adjacent waterways, under buildings etc, in trees, vines, garbage dumps, rubbish heaps and other places where food is readily available. Indoors they may construct nests in wall voids, in roof voids, under floors and even within stored foods.
Mice and rats can be excellent climbers also, they can scale rough walls, pipework, trees, vines and along fences, they also have the ability to swim.
Rats and mice are also known to spread disease to humans by way of contamination of food or utensils with urine or faeces, Examples of this is Salmonella food poisoning.
Control is achieved by a combination of baiting, denial of food sources, and closure of entry points to buildings.

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Possums

There are 5 Possum species in South Australia, the species most commonly found are the Brushtail and Ringtail possums.
Common Brushtail Possums are approximately the size of a domestic cat. Their fur varies in colour from light to dark grey on the back and a creamy coloured belly, and a black bushy tail.
Possums are nocturnal animals, with the removal of old gum trees Possums are finding alternative shelter in buildings with access to roof space.
If you have a Possum in your roof space, they normally have a heavy thumping sound (often described like an elephant walking on your roof). They also cough and make hissing noises. However, if it's Rats they make a pitter-patter sound when moving about.
In South Australia all Possums are protected under the provisions of the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1972. If you have a possum on your property you have the responsibility to deal with the Possum in a humane manner. It is an offence to harm or destroy it.
Possums gain access onto your roof via overhanging tree branches, loose roof tiles and holes the size of a tennis ball in timber or bricks.
Control is gained by trapping possums in approved cage traps, removing them from the roof space, releasing the unharmed animal into the immediate outdoor space, providing it is safe for the animal, i.e. no cats or dogs present, and then closing off roof space access openings.
Leave all of this work to a licensed Pest Controller who has the required permits. Do not attempt to pick up a Possum they will injure you with severe bites and scratches.

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Roof Rats or Rodents

The Roof Rats major population is in Australia and most countries around the World.
The Adult Species of the Roof Rat is Grey to Black in Colour, and has a dark tail with smooth soft fur. Their eyes are large and prominent. Average weight is about 200gm, Length 15-22cm with a tail of 18-25cm, their snout is pointed, with large ears, nearly naked.
Senses: Poor, Colourblind, but they have extremely excellent Taste/Smell/Hearing and Touch.
They are an agile and active climber and mainly nest in walls, attics, vines and trees.
LIFESPAN: 9-12 months.
As with mice, Control is achieved by a combination of baiting, denial of food sources, and closure of entry points to buildings.

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Spiders

Spiders have two body sections the Cephalothorax and the Abdomen, they have 4 pairs of legs, with no Antennae, they have no true Jaw, but fangs and chelicerae.
The Life Cycle of a spider (most spinning web spiders) is less than 12 months, but some ground-dwelling spiders, i.e. funnel webs develop slowly and appear to have a lifecycle of many years.
Spiders food source is living on freshly killed insects. More frequently when food is short Cannibalism is well established, one spider will kill the other.
Common sense in the home is the best way to avoid spider bites. Because spiders are more active at night, try not to leave clothes on the floor and shake them well before putting them on. Check your bed clothes prior to retiring at night.
Some spider bites can be very dangerous and have long term health consequences. Always try to identify the type of spider involved, and seek urgent medical advice if you are bitten.
Control is achieved by the application of residual insecticides onto the surface of external walls, eaves, fences, particularly brush fences and other harbouring places such as sheds, wooden sleeper retaining walls etc. In ceiling spaces and sometimes wall cavities, insecticide dust is applied. Treatment at least once or twice per year is generally required for good control.
Experienced Pest Technicians know just where and how to safely apply treatment for best results.

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