Tag: Pest control

Categories
Cleaning

How to kill bed bugs

How do you know if you have bed bugs?

Bed bugs are often hidden and only come out in the dark, making them difficult to spot and making it necessary to know what bed bugs symptoms to look for in your home. One of the main signs you have bed bugs in Australia is discovering bed bug bites on your skin when you wake up each morning, particularly on your arms and legs. The bites can cause swelling and the formation of blisters. You may also notice small spots of dark or brown blood present on your sheets or bedding, which bed bugs leave behind. Bed bug symptoms often include small red bites on the body that looks similar to mosquito bites and itch. The bites are easy to identify because bed bugs bite multiple times in the same spot, creating a bed bugs rash. Bed bugs bite when you’re sleeping before retreating to the mattress or bedding where they hide.

What causes bed bugs

Bed bugs are known to come from another infested area outside of the home and can travel in suitcases, on used furniture, and even on visitors’ clothes. In multi-room buildings, they can easily travel in between different rooms. They also tend to hide on porous materials, including backpacks, blankets, and purses. Although bed bugs can spread to any home, maintaining a cleaner setting can prevent the bugs from hiding and infesting. One of the leading bed bugs signs is if you notice their shells left behind on various porous surfaces in the building.

Source: Shutterstock

Materials and tools required to get rid of bed bugs

  • Bed bugs spray: Many products kill bed bugs upon contact, including 91 per cent isopropyl alcohol.
  • Encasement: Using a mattress cover on your bed will contain the bed bugs and prevent them from spreading. Their inability to leave the encasement will cause the bed bugs to starve after a few weeks.
  • Chemical treatments: Chemical treatments work well for killing bed bug infestations, specifically dust-based pesticides that you can apply to small cracks and holes present in the building.

How to kill bed bugs

  • Strip the bed: Start by stripping the bed of the comforter, sheets, and mattress cover. Immediately place all the bedding in a trash bag to contain any bed bugs or eggs that can easily fall out onto the carpet. 
  • Wash all bedding and clothes: Throw the bedding in the washing machine and wash everything in hot water. All clothes that are in proximity to the bed also need to be laundered in hot water. Adding a few drops of tea tree oil can also kill the bed bugs.
  • Vacuum: Vacuuming the mattress and carpet will remove any bed bugs and eggs that are present. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to contain the bed bugs and prevent them from falling out of the vacuum. A vacuum with a head attachment will also make it easier to clean hard-to-reach areas where the bed bugs may be hiding. If you want to learn how to find bed bugs, look in hidden places that are dark and offer shelter. Vacuum the mattress and surrounding carpet every day for two weeks to ensure you suction any eggs that the bed bugs leave behind. Dispose of the contents in an outside trash can.
  • Spray the affected area: Spray the mattress and affected area with pesticide after confirming the bed frame is free of bed bugs.
  • Traps: Installing traps at the base of your bed’s legs can make it easy to collect all the bed bugs present in the room.
  • Extreme temperatures: If you’re looking for natural treatments to get rid of bed bugs, high temperatures are known to kill bed bugs in the building if you’re unsure where they may be present. This is ideal for larger infestations or when they’re present in multiple rooms in the home. Avoid only heating the room where the infestation is present, which can cause bed bugs to relocate to a cooler room in the building.

Contact local pest control experts

How to prevent bed bugs

One of the best ways to prevent bed bugs from finding their way into your home is to be cautious with the types of items you bring into your home. Avoid purchasing used furniture at yard sales or thrift stores because bed bugs may be hiding near the upholstered materials’ seams.

It’s also important to use a mattress cover on each bed in the home, which can prevent bed bug infestations as they look for a place to hide. Vacuuming your mattress regularly will also reduce the risk of bed bugs laying eggs. Washing your bedding in hot water every week will also kill any bed bugs or eggs that may have entered the home.

If you travel, avoid bringing your suitcase back into your home once you get back from your destination. Leave your suitcase in the garage and throw your clothes in the washing machine to ensure any possible bed bugs don’t find their way into one of the bedrooms where there’s a higher risk of an infestation.

Source: Shutterstock

How to hire a pest control expert

If you’re looking for a pest control expert, find someone with several years of experience in the industry. They should have a thorough and detailed process instead of just spraying the property with pesticides. 

It’s also necessary to find someone who is licensed, making it necessary to search for their license with the state. They should also have qualifications that prove their reputable and use advanced commercial equipment. Ask for references to ensure you can talk to their customers and determine if they’re satisfied with the services performed.

The business should also have a website and a physical location where they operate to ensure you hire a legitimate company.

Categories
Outdoor living

A DIY guide on how to get rid of a wasp nest

Wasps are a common sight in Australian homes and gardens. They can be aggressive and their stings are painful, so it’s important to know how to get rid of a wasp nest safely.

Wasps are known to build nests in a variety of locations, including under eaves, on tree branches, tree trunks, and even inside your home. If there’s a wasp nest on your property, identify if it’s really a wasp or bee hive, and then take action to remove them. If you’re wondering what to do with wasp nests, this article will guide you.

How to identify and deal with a wasp nest

There are over 10,000 wasp species in Australia. These include European wasps introduced to Australia, and thus, have no predators to keep their population in check.

You can find these insects in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and urban areas. One such wasp, the paper wasp, can even find their way inside your home and nest there. Some European wasp nests can also be found in Australian homes.

While some people are comfortable removing wasp nests themselves, it’s generally recommended to contact a pest control company for assistance. They have the experience and equipment for easy and safe wasp nest removal and to prevent future infestations.

Wasps can be dangerous to people | Source: Shutterstock

Signs you have a wasp problem in your property

wasp nest under the roof
Check under your roof for nests | Source: iStock

Wasps can become a nuisance if there is a significant increase in their activity around your property.

Signs of increased wasp activity include:

  • Wasps congregating around soft drink cans, rubbish bins, and compost heaps
  • You or your children being stung by wasps more frequently

Accidental contact with these hidden nests can trigger a swarm of aggressive wasps to attack and inflict multiple stings.

If you are experiencing these signs, it is important to take action to identify and remove any wasp nests before the situation escalates further.

Safety precautions and tools you’ll need to remove wasp nests

Before you get rid of wasp nests, safety should be your top priority. Always wear protective gear, such as a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, gloves, and a hat, and avoid working near nests during peak activity hours (usually midday to late afternoon).

  • Protective equipment and clothing
  • An empty spray bottle
  • Heavy-duty garbage bag for wasp nest disposal
  • Headlamp or torch
  • Long-handled brush or broom
  • Ladder (if the nest is located high up)
  • A can of wasp spray
  • Other household materials

Using these tools and materials enables you to create many different methods to remove wasp nests yourself for a small wasp nest removal cost. Remember, if you’re unsure about removing a wasp nest yourself, it’s best to call in a professional pest control company.

Contact local pest control experts

How to get rid of a wasp nest

Once you’ve taken the necessary safety precautions, it’s time to tackle the wasp nest. Here are some common methods for removing wasp nests.

Look in the corners where they could be hiding | Source: Shutterstock

Method 2: Try natural repellents

Certain natural substances can deter wasps from nesting. Essential oils like peppermint and lemongrass can be mixed with water and sprayed around the nest. Bonus: peppermint also works on other insects, such as termites. You may need this repeatedly to achieve results.

Method 3: Chop up chilli peppers

Boil 2 cups of chopped chilli peppers in 2 cups of water for 2 minutes and let it cool. Afterwards, put it in a spray bottle and spray the nest and the wasps with it.

Method 4: Mix a dishwashing liquid solution

cleaning supplies flat lay
The solution could be found in your kitchen | Source: iStock

Mix dishwashing liquid with water (about two parts water to one part of dishwashing liquid) and spray it directly onto the wasp nest. The soapy solution will clog the wasps’ breathing holes, suffocating them.

Method 5: Block the entrance

Seal the entrance to the wasp nest with caulk, sealant, or even duct tape. This will prevent wasps from entering and exiting the nest, eventually suffocating them.

Method 6: Use a vacuum cleaner

Use a vacuum cleaner with a long hose attachment to suck up the wasps and the nest. This method is quick and effective, but it’s important to use a vacuum cleaner with strong suction power.

Method 7: Deploy a wasp trap

a plastic bottle being used as trap for wasps
Get resourceful when making wasp traps | Source: iStock

Identify the location of the nest and set up a wasp trap near the entrance. Traps typically contain a sweet liquid that attracts wasps, which then get trapped inside. That said, wasp traps are great for reducing the wasp population but may not always eliminate the entire wasp nest.

Method 8: Prepare a boric acid solution

Mix 1 to 3 teaspoons of pure boric acid powder with half a gallon of sweet liquid like fruit juice or sugar water. The wasps are attracted to the sweet bait, and you can place it in areas where wasps frequent, similar to the wasp traps above. Not only will the wasps that ingest the solution get poisoned, but they will also bring the rest of the poison to the entire colony. Wait for about two weeks to see the results.

Method 9: Sprinkle baby powder

Dust baby powder on the nest and other areas where wasps are frequent. The talc in it drives wasps away. One reason is that the fine dust that talc consists of can clog wasps’ respiratory systems, which can be found in their exoskeleton, like many other insects. This makes baby powder also effective for other pests like ants and spiders.

Method 10: Use vinegar

white spray bottles
Get spray bottles for your vinegar solution | Source: iStock

Using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water around doors, windows and potential nesting sites can help keep wasps away, as they dislike the strong acetic smell. However, spraying directly on wasps or nests will only anger them without killing them.

Method 11: Try cucumber

To get rid of wasps, slice cucumbers and place the slices on aluminium foil or in an aluminium container. This creates a chemical reaction that produces a faint scent undetectable to humans but highly repulsive to wasps.

When to call for professional pest control

How do you get rid of a wasp nest? The easiest answer is usually by calling a professional exterminator.

While DIY methods can work for smaller, easily accessible nests, there are times when it’s best to call in the professionals. If you’re dealing with a large nest, a nest located in a hard-to-reach area (like high up in a tree, under the eaves, or general European wasp removal), or if you’re simply not comfortable tackling the job yourself, a professional pest control company is the way to go.

If you’re wondering who to call to get rid of wasp nests, keep the following in mind:

  • Look for companies that are licensed and insured
  • Read online reviews from other customers
  • Ask for a quote and discuss the specific details of your wasp problem with the pros.

In any case, hiring a professional is the safest and most effective method, especially for large or difficult-to-reach nests.

How to prevent wasps

To keep wasps away, don’t have thick shrubs near your home. Empty and wash rubbish bins regularly. Clean and properly maintain your gutters. Wasps sometimes build large nests in or under gutters. Put screens on windows and doors and seal all cracks to stop wasps from entering your home. Put wasp traps in your garden. Keep sweet-smelling plants far from your house. If you see wasps flying near your home, it is a good indication that they have a nest nearby. 

How to deal with wasp stings

A wasp sting can be painful, but knowing how to handle it can help. Carefully scrape out the stinger if it’s still embedded, then wash the area with soap and water. Apply a cold compress for 10–15 minutes to reduce swelling and pain. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like paracetamol or ibuprofen.

If you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or nausea, seek immediate medical attention, as this could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. If the sting site becomes red, swollen, or painful, or you experience any unusual symptoms, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Make your home a wasp-free zone

Dealing with wasp nests can be a real pain, but with the right knowledge and precautions, you can successfully tackle those pesky insects. By addressing the problem promptly and safely, you can reclaim your space and enjoy a peaceful summer without the threat of stings.

And if you’re ever unsure about tackling a wasp nest yourself, remember—there’s no shame in calling in the pest control experts. They’ve got the gear, the know-how, and the experience to get rid of those buzzing bludgers for good.

FAQs on getting rid of wasp nests

How can I get rid of wasp nests in Australia without killing them?

While it’s difficult to relocate wasps without harming them, you can try using natural repellents like peppermint oil or vinegar solutions. These may deter wasps from nesting, but they won’t eliminate existing nests.

The best way to avoid dealing with wasps is to prevent them from nesting in the first place. This can be done by sealing up any cracks or holes in your home, keeping food and drink covered, and removing potential nesting sites like old wood piles or piles of leaves.

If all else fails, you can relocate the wasp nest. This is a more challenging option, as it requires carefully removing the nest and relocating it to a more suitable location, often far away from your property. This is best left to professionals with experience in handling wasps.

Will wasps return to a sprayed nest?

If the nest isn’t completely destroyed, wasps may return and rebuild. Ensure you’re using a wasp-specific insecticide and thoroughly spray the entire nest, including the entrance and any visible wasps. For best results, remove the nest after spraying and dispose of it properly.

How much does it cost to remove wasp nests in Australia?

The cost of a removal of a wasp nest service varies on the nest size and location as well as the pest control company you choose. You can expect to pay between $100 and $550 for a wasp nest removal. For more specific pricing, contact local pest control companies in your area.

Categories
Outdoor living

How to get rid of possums

Possums are a typical backyard visitor in many places around Australia. Possums are a relatively harmless animal. However, they can be quite a pain if they find a way into your roof or home due to the noises they will make during the night. Additionally, they can provoke pets such as dogs, causing them to bark. Keep reading this article for tips you can follow to deter possums from your yard and roof, as well as what to do if a possum finds its way into your home.

Are possums dangerous?

Possums are not aggressive animals. If you get too close to them, they tend to hiss at you to scare you away. If the hissing doesn’t work or if the animal sees you as a threat, it will lay on its side and play dead. You do not need to be afraid of possums hurting you, but it is always a good idea to still keep your distance. 

What does a possum sound like?

If you have a possum in or on your roof, you will usually hear the pattering of their feet as wells as some scratching. How loud this sound is can depend on the material of your roof. As possums are nocturnal, the level of noise they make is increased at night, which is why you will want to try and get rid of one if they end up in or on your roof.

How do possums get into roofs?

Possums like to live in the hollows of trees. The holes and nooks in a roof make an excellent substitute for trees, which is why possums will commonly make themselves at home there. Possums can climb very easily, which makes it easy for them to gain access to your roof.

Possums like to burrow themselves in small, dark spots / Source: Oz Pest Control Canberra

How to deter possums

Cover openings

A straightforward way to keep possums out of your home is to cover any holes in or around your home. If you have uncovered compost heaps outside your house, then those will attract possums, too. It’s most important to cover up any holes in your roof, as possums like to burrow themselves insides small, dark nooks. 

Motion sensors

Motion sensor lights will often deter possums and other animals. You can purchase these at a hardware store. Motion sensors are triggered by a possum’s movement, which will cause the light to turn on. This will hopefully scare the possum away. Possum deterrent spray is also effective, but only if you follow the appropriate safety guidelines on the label. 

Remove food sources

One of the simplest steps to possum control is to eliminate food sources. Any food scraps left outside will attract possums, encouraging them to come into your yard. Do not leave pet food out on your porch or in your open garage. If you have outside garbage cans, cover them tightly. 

Secure your veggie patch

Possums especially like foods that don’t require hunting. To keep possums away, construct a secure fence around your garden, or you can use pesticides as a possum repellant. 

Use smells as a deterrent

You can use lots of smells that possums don’t like to attempt to deter them from your garden and home. Scents are onions, garlic and ammonia can be effective in doing so. You can regularly spray the side of your garbage cans with a mixture that contains half ammonia and half water to stop possums from getting into your bins. 

Contact local pest control experts

Trim trees

Possums and other animals may climb trees in your yard. If trees are close to your house, then you are likely to find possums around your house. Keep trees trimmed to reduce the number of places where the animals can nest. Additionally, reducing the size of your trees can help stop possums from reaching your roof so easily.

Install a possum box

A possum box is a small wooden box placed in a tree where a possum can nest. By allowing a possum to make its home in the box, you can prevent it from trying to enter small holes in your roof or walls.

How to get rid of possums in your roof or home

Hire a professional

If a possum finds its way into your home, you should always call a professional to remove it, rather than trying to do it yourself. It is against the law in Australia to kill a possum. It is also illegal to catch it and release it somewhere else, which is why you should only leave this method to professional pest control experts.

Pest control experts specialise in animal control and possum removal. A licenced company has satisfied all the necessary prerequisites for licensure in your state or territory. Licenced workers are also well-versed in the appropriate use of fumigants and pesticides. 

Possums are active a night / Source: Shutterstock

How to hire a pest control expert

Licencing and qualifications

There are specific pest management licenses that professionals must obtain in Australia to be a pest control expert. These licenses can differ from state to state, so research and ensure your professional has all the relevant qualifications before hiring them.

Reviews, referrals & quotes

It’s always a good idea to obtain quotes from several different professionals before hiring one of them. Research any available online reviews to get a good understanding of the service and performance of prospective pest control experts. Lastly, getting referrals from friends or family is an excellent way to ensure you’re hiring someone who will do a good job.

Categories
Cleaning

Get rid of ants in your house

What causes an ant infestation?

The most common reason why you see ants in your house is that you have a food source for them. Ants can survive on tiny crumbs in your kitchen as well as the food your kids and pets leave behind. You might have an infestation on your hands due to the moisture that the bugs need. Not only are they attracted to your pet’s water dish, but ants can also pull moisture from wet or damp wood. While garden and green ants are common in Australia, you may see other types, including:

  •  Blackhouse ants
  •  Sugar ants
  •  Pavement ants
  •  White-footed house ants
  •  Fire ants

How to get rid of ants naturally

Create ant bait

The best way to get rid of ants might be with homemade ant bait. Combine equal parts borax and sugar before sprinkling the mixture around your home. The sweet smell of the sugar attracts the ants, but the borax kills them. You should keep borax ant bait away from pets and children as it is not safe for them to consume. 

Use sprays to deter ants

When you look at how to get rid of ants in the house, you can learn how to deter them and make them avoid your house. Natural sprays are easy to make and use. Peppermint is available in an essential oil form and only requires a few drops of oil mixed with water and pour into a spray bottle. If you have distilled white vinegar on hand, use one part of the vinegar to two parts water and use it in a spray bottle. You can also try pepper. Both black pepper and spicy peppers work when mixed with water or vinegar. Apply the solution around your home, making sure to focus on the areas where you saw ants. 

How to get rid of ants in the kitchen

Immediately clean up food scraps

As any food scraps will attract Australian ants, it’s important to try to clean them up as soon as possible. You should also empty the trash into the outside bin regularly.

Food scraps are a common cause of attracting ants / Source: Shutterstock

Use sealed containers

Another great tip on how to stop ants is to use sealed containers. Ants have a keen sense of smell and can smell food in containers that are not air-tight. Sealed containers made from glass or plastic block out food odours and prevent ants from getting to that food.

Leave out strong-smelling herbs

Finding a natural ant repellent is as easy as looking at the herbs in your garden. Strong-smelling herbs make your home smell nice at the same time that they repel ants. Rosemary and lavender are two of the best herbs to use. You can also try thyme and peppermint. If you have cats, consider planting some catnip. It repels ants as it grows and becomes a fun treat when you dry it.

Spray vinegar inside your bin

One of the top home remedies for ants is vinegar. Both apple cider and distilled white vinegar work equally well when sprayed in your bins. Bins are a buffet for ants, especially if you don’t rinse the bin or clean it every week. They can survive on the smallest of food scraps clinging to the bin and any crumbs that get outside. Simply spray the vinegar inside the bin and let it sit. The strong odour of the vinegar will repel the ants.

Rinse pet food bowls

Learning how to keep ants away from your home will require that you clean up after your pets, too. Instead of leaving food sitting out all day, get your pets on a schedule where you feed them at set times throughout the day. After they finish eating, throw away any of the food that they left behind and rinse out their bowls. You should also keep dry food stored in sealed containers.

How to get rid of ants outside

Boiling water

Boiling water is one of the easiest ways to get rid of ants naturally outside. Ants live inside nests that look like small hills in your yard. Once you find a nest, you can get rid of the ants with plain boiling water. The easiest way to do this is boiling a kettle and pouring it directly on the nest. Not only will the water kill the ants in the nest, but it will remove the scent trail that surviving ants use to get between the nest and your home.

Vinegar

Another easy DIY ant killer that you can try outside is plain vinegar. Check your lawn and garden for anthills before grabbing a bottle of vinegar. It’s usually easier to apply the vinegar with a spray bottle than straight from the bottle. Spray enough vinegar on the anthill that you saturate the surface. Though you can use equal parts water and vinegar, straight vinegar is much stronger and gets the job done faster. The smell of the vinegar turns off the ants and causes them to seek a new home. If you find that one application of vinegar fails to kill the ants or make them leave, try using multiple applications.

Contact local pest control experts

Lawn ant killer

While chemical lawn ant killers aren’t safe to use around pets, they will eliminate your ant problem and usually work with only one application. Depending on the product that you buy, you may want to wear goggles and other gear to stay safe while using the substance. Liquid killers are easy to use and work on both the ants inside your home and any anthills that you see outside. You can also use bait products that infect ants that eat the bait. They carry the bait back to the nests and kill the other ants.

How to hire a pest control expert

Out of control infestation

If you’re tired of searching the web for tips on how to get rid of ants and want to take care of the problem as soon as possible, now might be the time to hire a pest control expert. Experts will spend some time in your house to find out why you have ants and the severity of the problem. They also let you know about the best remedies and how much each one costs.

Licensing and qualifications

Whether you want a pet safe ant killer or need to eliminate anthills outside, make sure that the pest control expert you hire has the right licensing and qualifications. Australian pest control experts need to take courses in the field and any special areas where they want to work. They also need a pest control license, which usually requires that they apply for one and show their qualifications. 

Categories
Construction

A guide to white ants

What are white ants?

White ant is a mistaken term used by individuals that do not recognise the physical qualities of termites. There is no such thing as a white ant, only termites that appear similar in movement and social behaviour.

Signs you have white ants

White ants or termites are destructive little creatures. They segregate around moist areas and chew wood in service until there is nothing left but splinters of wood. The naked eye quickly sees this once the affected area has been uncovered. Other signs that you may have white ants include:

Soft floorboards

A weakened area in your floorboards could be a sign that there are termites in floorboards and are nested beneath the surface. Worse yet, the beams may have been compromised and are weakening.

Hard to open windows

Moisture can form around the frame of windows and become a breeding ground for termites. Once they have set up a colony, the window frame can weaken and begin to stick where the wood is no longer stable.

Termite droppings

Termites will kick the droppings out of their nest, leaving a pile or a trail of dark substance that is powdery. Some resemble tiny pellets that are called frass. Tracks of frass may also be evident going up walls or along joints.

Galleries in wood

If you find dips in door frames, skirting boards or window architraves, this could be evidence of termites. They will chew a fresh board and leave small galleries in the wood that are noticeable.

Dozens of white ants crawl through old wood.
An example of white ants creating galleries in wood / Source: First Choice Pest & Termite Control

Mud trails up the side of home/building

Other signs of termites are skinny mud trails that run up the side of a home, inside or out. This is caused by droppings being scooted from piles outside of their cavities.

Faint noises coming from the walls

Faint sounds can often be heard from behind the walls that sound like tapping or chewing. While the noises may seem tiny and muffled, the termites are busy at work on your wood.

Benefits of white ant treatment

You may think that eliminating the colony of termites will rectify the problem. However, it is a lot more complicated than this. White ants will continue to return in search of food and stumble upon the same area as the others found. Keep these points in mind.

Effectiveness

A termite treatment must be sufficient for the problem to be solved. There are flying white ants that are probably searching for new breeding areas. The termite queen can lay up to one thousand eggs per day, so using an effective method of containment and trapping is imperative.

Prevention

Termites come in from the outside, so this is where prevention methods should begin. Keep dampness away from exterior house walls. Be sure to have regular inspections of white ant damage to make sure termites have not found another route inside your home. Keep water sources as far away from the foundation as possible.

Several white ants destroying some wood.
Regular inspections are critical to prevention / Source: Quality Pest Management & Solutions

Protection

Experts on white ant treatment will set up physical barriers to prevent and protect your home from returning termites. This is an excellent way to protect from another invasion, but having routine inspections will protect you from other areas becoming vulnerable.

Why do I have white ants?

Do not think that you have done something to draw white ants to your home. These insects are just on the hunt for food and shelter, and your property may be tempting. Termites need cellulose (wood), moisture and warmth to survive. Many species of white ants are already living underground and are in search of food. When building begins for a new structure, wood and concrete are the most common types of foundation. They will find this wood and make plans to move right in with you.

What is the difference between white ants and termites?

Ants and termites are similar in how they look, move and live. However, there is no such thing as a white ant. It is a termite. People began referring to termites as white ants because of the similar bodies, but you will never find an ant that is white or clear.

How often should I check for termites/white ants?

It is recommended to have your house inspected for termites once a year. However, suppose you are recovering from an infestation of termites. In that case, the specialists may place you on a management program for more frequent visits. If you have never had treatment for white ants and want to be safe, one to two years is recommended. Always be assertive to the fact that termites can move in anytime, so keep a sharp eye out for the possibility of termite damage.

Contact local pest control experts

How to get rid of white ants

Getting rid of white ants is no easy feat. It takes a professional with the right knowledge of what type of termite you have. There are over 300 different species of termites, and some are more dangerous to wood than others. There are also DIY products on the market. Still, they will help very little in tracking their habits, closing off their ability to gain entrance and to prevent any future activity. Always call a pest control expert and make sure they have the following credentials:

  • Licensed in the trade
  • Insured against damage to the residence
  • Work guaranteed for a specific length of time
  • List of references and recommendations
  • How long in the business
Categories
Cleaning

How to get rid of cockroaches

It’s unlikely that anyone will ever be pleased to see a cockroach cross the floor of their kitchen. The negative emotions we have with these creatures make us think that all cockroaches are so disgusting some of us even freak out.  While it’s true that of the 4000 cockroach species in the world, about 450 species can be found in Australia, only a few of them are actual pests.

They have a lifespan of 6 months and the female lays up to 8 oothecae, each containing about 40 eggs that incubate between 20 and 28 days. They have a flattened body and their colour is yellow to black, and sometimes brown. Its size varies from 1 to 5 cm according to the species.

If you find yourself with some of these unwelcome guests, you can attempt to rid your home yourself – or hire a professional pest control expert.

Here’s a rundown of the 3 common types of cockroaches that you might find in your house:

The Australian cockroach

Ever heard of the word sneaky? These cockroaches are the definition of sneaky – they generally enter buildings at night through the garden and found mostly in places where winter is relatively mild. Although they are called ‘Australian’ cockroaches, they are not a native species. Females of this species lay oothecae – egg cases that contain up to 24 eggs. Once hatched, it takes about 6-12 months for them to develop into adult cockroaches.

The German cockroach

The German cockroach, ‘Blattella germanica’, is a small species of cockroach typically measuring just 1 to 2 cm long. It’s found in many parts of the world, including Australia, mostly near human habitation. Its colour varies from bronze to light brown with two dark parallel streaks that extend from the head to the base of the wings – which are longer in the female than in the male. They prefer hot, humid environments – often found in residential and commercial kitchens and bathrooms.

The American cockroach

Originally from tropical Africa, the American cockroach has spread to all continents today. It is found, in general, in basements, sewage systems, and boats. As it consumes a wide variety of foods it is present wherever food is stored and prepared. It prefers relatively hot, humid, dark, and hidden places such as cellars or boiler rooms.

What do they feed on?

Cockroaches are omnivorous which means for them, everything is food, even paper, tissue, blood and faeces! In a more traditional way, they enjoy meat, dairy products, sweet foods, vegetables, fruits, and even animal feed. But they are not content simply munching on our food, they defile it with their excrement and a nauseating secretion. Finally, the cockroach is able to feed on the excrement and the corpses of its congeners. Delicious.

What attracts cockroaches?

Cockroaches are lovers of heat and humidity, requiring water to survive, and will find their way in no matter what. The hotter it is the more easily they reproduce around several thousand per year per individual. Don’t underestimate them! They can easily adapt to extreme conditions – remember that this is one of the oldest terrestrial species. They can hide anywhere and feed on everything, even paper, and leather. They are very fast, they can travel 1 km/hour and can climb on all surfaces. Food also attracts them, so be sure to keep your kitchen free of any easily accessible food.

How to get rid of cockroaches?

Mostly only active at night – it can be difficult to catch them out. However, this of course doesn’t mean they’re impossible to get rid of. There are many ways of ridding your home of cockroaches, here are some of the most tried and tested methods.

Note: Cockroaches are good actors – they so plausibly pretend to be dead, having smelled the smell of chemicals, it is hard to not applaud their performance!

A fight against cockroaches should begin with making their environment inhabitable. Here is what you should do in order to avoid these pesky visitors:

  • Regularly clean the kitchen, especially appliances and the kitchen hood, which can be clogged with grease splashes
  • Never leave dirty dishes lying around
  • Fight moisture and mould. Cockroaches need water and love hot, humid places
  • Keep surfaces clear of all food, water, and other spilled substances.
  • Have pets? Avoid leaving their food and water uncovered at night – and keep their baskets and litters as clear as possible as these can easily turn into a real “cockroach nest”

If you’ve already spotted some roaches in your home, here are some methods to try and rid your home:

1. Cockroach Bait

There are a couple of methods of baiting roaches. Firstly, try mixing boric acid with mashed potatoes, boiled yolk, sugar powder or even bread. Put this mixture where you suspect cockroaches come out at night. A few of them eating the mixture is all it takes to infest most of the colony. Otherwise, you can try a bait purchased from stores. These contain .05% or Hydramethylnon 2% as the main ingredient.

Once they eat the bait, cockroaches will excrete it at their nest resulting in other cockroaches coming into contact with it and dying. This might be a lengthy process, taking up to a few weeks.

2. Cockroach Traps

Cockroaches might be sneaky but they are not exactly the smartest creatures – traps can be an effective method of fighting against them. It can also be used to determine infestation areas and degree of the infestation, monitor the effectiveness of insecticide treatments and detect the onset of cockroach infestation. Several types of traps are available, with most around the size of a large box of matches. They are open at both ends and slowly release a food attractant – with the surface covered with a very sticky adhesive.

  • Traps are placed where cockroaches are seen the most
  • Cockroaches will smell the food, enter the trap and get stuck on the surface
  • If the trap doesn’t catch any cockroaches, relocate it after a day
  • Traps can also be informative in terms of the degree of infestation and its spread

3. Cockroach Gels

This method is popular because the application is discreet, does not require work interruption or evacuation of premises, no specific precautions such as emptying the cabinets.

  • Apply the gel where you think cockroaches’ nest entrance is at
  • Apply in small drops around the entrance so that the cockroaches can’t avoid it
  • Do it in as many spots as you can in your home

After having consumed the gel, the excrements of the cockroach are infested and ingested by its congeners. The contaminated cockroach dies quickly and will be devoured by its congeners infecting the active substance, creating a chain reaction, which will quickly lead to the total destruction of the colony.

The gel has a residual action of a few weeks to 6 months depending on the type of gel used and the environment, thus providing protection against possible reinfections.

4. Cockroach Sprays

Insecticide sprays can also be used against cockroaches. Make sure the one you get is labelled for use against cockroaches and contains Cyfluthrin or some other insecticide as the active ingredient.

  • Children and pets should be kept away while spraying
  • Read and follow the instructions on the packaging
  • Ventilate the area well after each use
  • Sprays might push cockroaches even further in their nests which might create additional issues

If you are still struggling with cockroach infestation, you should find a professional pest control service and solve the issue for once and all.