They’re not attractive: they’re dirty, carry disease and are generally a nuisance around the home. That’s why they’re called pests, and when you find them, you just want to get rid of them.

That’s when you call in the pest control experts or exterminators. Here are some of the common household pests you might consider getting rid of as part of your pest control management.

Cockroaches and Ants

Cockroaches are probably the most common, and most unattractive of pests. They are nocturnal and contaminate food sources and utensils. They carry disease, can cause allergic reactions with some people, and are hard to get rid of. Ants are also very common and are highly organised insects that build nests and scavenge for food. As a rule, they build their nests outside, but they can infiltrate your home, and thrive in moist areas, such as garbage bins and can find their way into kitchens easily. They follow a pheromone trail leading from their nest to the food source, which is why they travel in lines.

Looking for a pest control company near you in Melbourne?

Spiders and Flies

There are a number of different species of spiders, some harmless, but some in Australia can be dangerous, such as Red Back Spiders and Funnel-Web Spiders. Common household spiders include White Tails, Huntsman Spiders and Trap Door Spiders. As a rule, spiders are nocturnal unless disturbed during the day, and for the most part, will leave you alone. And even though they can be scary and intimidating to see, they are good mosquito and flycatchers. Flies are the most common flying pests and breed in animal waste and decaying organic matter, especially during the summer months. They carry disease and lay eggs quickly.

Termites

Termites are particularly nasty insects that resemble ants but do a lot more damage. They’re pale, have soft bodies, and some fly. They feed on wood, including dead trees and plants, especially near damp ground, and around heaters or fireplaces, so invariably the first place you’ll find evidence of a termite infestation is in the foundations of your house, and your floors or windowsills. A quick termite inspection of your foundations and floors will indicate if you have a problem.

Rodents

Rats and mice are seasonal pests and like to infest your home during autumn and winter when it’s not so nice outside. They nest in your roof, walls, and cupboards, and find their way into your food supplies. As they rummage and scratch in your walls, they can damage your skirting boards, plaster and electrical wiring. They also carry diseases, fleas, and worms. They’re active at night, and breed six to ten times a year. House mice are usually dark grey and quite small, field mice sandy coloured and a little larger, and rats are much bigger and usually black in colour. Once they’ve settled in your home, they’ll stay put, until you get the pest control experts in.

Looking for a pest control company near you in Brisbane?

What to do if you suspect you have household pests

It’s always a good idea to take preventative measures to control pests. Remove surfaces of food and water and pack food away in airtight containers. You should also consider fixing leaky plumbing (many pests are attracted to dark damp environments) and household clutter to remove hiding places. If you do need to treat common household bugs in Australia, use pesticides according to the directions and keep them away from children and pets. The best way to handle household pests, if you suspect you have them, is to hire a professional that can come and assess the situation and advise on the next steps.

When to call in the pest removal experts

It may be time to call an pest control or an exterminator if you notice:

• Bite marks in food or on packaging. It may be the sign of a mouse infestation.
• Scratching sounds in cupboards or walls. This might also tip you off that mice are in your home.
• A trail of ants across window sills or floors.
• Your walls sound hollow when you knock on them. This could indicate you have termites.
• You see even one cockroach. Where there is one, there are often many more.

Looking for a pest control company near you in Sydney?

How long will it take to know if pest control has worked?

In many cases, you can expect to see results within a day or two. The timeframe will be dependant on the pest, however, and sometimes it takes a while to completely eradicate them from the premises. In some cases, after a treatment, you may also notice an increase in pest activity. This should not be taken as a negative sign. In fact, it is a sign that the pesticide is taking effect. Increased activity shows the pests’ natural patterns have been disrupted and they are looking for a new home. Expect activity to subside quickly. Some cases may take more than one application of the pesticide. You can discuss how long it will take for the pest control to work with a pest control professional, who can discuss their plan of action in more detail.