Decoration storage tips to prevent pests

Decoration storage tips

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While packing your holiday decorations away, there are a few thing you might want to do to make your home less attractive to household pests.

Following these tips could save you from a spider bite, a cockroach scare, or a family of rodents living in your storage areas.

Decoration storage tipsDiscard edible decorations.

If you created edible decorations with items such as popcorn or cranberries, consider lovingly putting it in the trash.

If the item has sentimental value, consider putting it in a zip-lock bag before you store it.

Food items lure in bugs and mammals that can smell items through the box.

 

Decoration storage tipsTree Storage

Any artificial tree, especially one that has had food decorations on it, shake it out thoroughly and vacuum it.

Store it in a plastic bag.

Trees retain smells that attract pests.

 

Decoration storage tipsDecoration Storage

Place all decorations in a plastic box with a tight-fitting lid.

Insects, rats & mice can chew through boxes and paper, and may nest in your holiday decorations.

Clean all plastic, metal and hard ornaments with an alcohol wipe or soapy water. This will make them less interesting to pests and preserve their appearance.

Wash all fabric decorations before storing them.

Decoration storage tipsStorage Areas

Keep all storage areas dry and well ventilated. This will make your home less attractive to pests and keep your decorations safe.

Bugs and rodents love a cluttered mess. Spiders make webs and lay eggs, mice build nests, and a whole host of other insects enjoy crawling around in the confined spaces.

Bugs don’t like wide open spaces. If your attic or basement is clean and orderly, you will give pests less of a reason to stay.

By following these tips, you can make your holiday keepsakes last longer, and keep them safe from pests.

Spiders, termites, rodents, and other pests get into attic spaces, cellar areas, and places that are undisturbed.

Proactive pest prevention is always better than a cure!

Stay safe, and stay vigilant, as you start the new year.

Decoration storage tips

Holiday Baking

Holiday Baking

Holiday Baking

Holiday Baking, no added pests!

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Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control Today

Around this time of year, no one is thinking about pantry pests. The lead up to the holidays keeps most people busy.

When you get to your holiday baking, the discovery of pantry pests could put a stop to your holiday baking plans!

What are pantry pests?

Pantry pests are pests that live in the dry goods in your pantry.

Where can pantry pests be found?

They can be found in your flour, baking mixes, sugar, dried legumes, dried pastas, pet food, bird seed and even just hanging out on your cupboard shelves.

How do pantry pests feed?

Some pantry pests are external feeders. They feed from the outside of the grain, while some are internal feeders that eat the grain from the inside out.

Some pantry pests are considered scavengers that feed on grain only after the seed coat has been broken by another insect or through milling and some are considered secondary feeders, feeding on damp products that may already be damaged through mould growth.

What are common pantry pests?

The common pantry pests that you may find in your home include the cigarette beetle, the confused flour beetle, the saw tooth grain beetle, and the Indian meal moth, and several different types of weevils.

Founpests in your pantry?

Finding pests in your cupboard can be upsetting especially if you’ve never seen them before.

At Pest Control Today, we want to offer you a few tips on what to do if you should find pantry pests in your cupboards this holiday season.

  1. Look through products in your cupboards for more pests. If you find any more bugs, dispose of the product containing the bugs into a plastic garbage bag and remove from your home.

2: If you don’t want to throw away infested products, you can do several things, including:

  • Heat the infested product in an oven at 130 degrees for 30 minutes. This should kill any bugs and their eggs.
  • Leave infested items in the freezer for 4 days
  • Microwave the product for 5 minutes
  1. Pull all food out of your cupboards and do a thorough cleaning of the cupboard space, including vacuuming shelves and washing them down

Further Reading

Pantry Pests Sydney

Pest Control Today has the expertise, skills and superior equipment and chemicals to eradicate any pantry pest infestation.

Our professionals will not only remove any pest intruding into your home but with regular, routine visits, we can help hinder any unwanted pest from moving in into your home or business.

 

Cricket Pest Control Sydney

Cricket Pest Control Sydney

Cricket Pest Control Sydney

 

A sign that summer has arrived is the sound of crickets singing in the evenings.

Need help?

 

 

What are crickets?

 

Belonging to the grasshopper family, this small insect can be recognised by

  • Their distinctive antennae (which in length are equal or sometimes longer than its body)
  • Large, hind legs that allow the cricket to jump

Why do crickets chirp?

 

The sounds crickets make is created when male crickets rub their wings in tandem.

Crickets inside the house?

 

Whilst crickets are largely outdoor creatures, they are known to enter our homes by accident through doors and windows.

They can also enter homes through the cracks formed adjacent to windows or gaps under the doors.

Do crickets carry disease?

 

Unlike mosquitoes and fleas that carry diseases or cause damage property and belongings, crickets pose no direct health threats to humans.

At the most, crickets can be considered as an avoidable nuisance that can be effectively controlled through preventive measures.

Since they are outdoors based, cricket control can be achieved by targeting the exterior areas of homes before focusing on the interiors. Depending on the severity of infestation and its intensity you’ll have to explore chemical control.

How to get rid of crickets?

 

Preventive measures for controlling crickets in the outdoors include

  • Removing weeds
  • firewood
  • tall grass
  • other debris lying in the premises.
  • repair cracks at the edges of ground-level windows and gaps under doors.
  • replace high-intensity lighting with low key lighting in the outdoor areas
  • Switch off lights when not required.
  • opt for yellow lights instead of neon or mercury vapour lights.
  • Proper sanitation

Crickets cannot survive for too long nor are they capable of laying eggs, outside their natural habitats.

If crickets have infested the indoor areas of your home, start with drying out damp spots or moist areas with the help of a portable fan or dehumidifier.

Similarly, clear up clutter and empty the boxes, remove papers, and other objects that could double up as refuges for crickets.

Sticky traps can be set up to catch crickets by effectively disposing of them.

Pest Control Sydney

 

 

CRICKET PEST CONTROL SYDNEY

Crickets can cause sleepless nights with their all-night chirping.

Contact us for safe, environment-friendly options to rid the cricket infestation from your home and get back the sound sleep and smiles in your lives!

 

Pantry Pests Sydney

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control Today

DRAIN FLIES, FRUIT FLIES, AND INDIAN MEAL MOTHS

 

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Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control Today

It doesn’t matter how clean you keep your kitchen; sooner or later you are bound to stumble into a pest infestation.

WHAT ARE PANTRY PESTS?

 

Pantry pests, also known as food pests, refer to a variety of small insects that get into homes, commercial buildings or stores to invade and feed on available food.

In homes, these pests are commonly found in food stores and cupboards where they surround the stored food, rendering it in-consumable by people. They mostly prefer feeding on grains, chocolate, dry cereals, spices as well as sugary foods and snacks.

Although these bugs are not harmful to your health and that of your family, they are a nuisance when they invade your food place in large numbers.

WHY ARE THEY IN YOUR KITCHEN?

 

No matter how clean your home is, your pantry is vulnerable to pantry bugs.  The pantry pests in your home may have come from outdoors or were hiding inside the food products that you recently brought home.

In most cases, the pests are brought in by infested food products.

In your business, the bugs are likely to come and establish themselves if you have food products that have been sitting in an area for a long time. It Is for this reason they are common in processing warehouses and grocery stores.

The three most common pantry pests found in your kitchen:

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control Today DRAIN FLIES

 

Drain flies are a big nuisance. Buzzing around your personal space and annoying you until the point of madness.

DRAIN FLY FACTS

 

  • Also known as sewer flies.
  • Drain flies are often confused with moths.
  • They can contribute to asthmatic issues and can cause problems for those spending time in your home.

Drain flies are more commonly found in the following places:

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control Today

  • Kitchen drains,
  • Bathroom sinks
  • Shower/bathtub drains
  • Unused pipes
  • Indoor Houseplants
  • Sewer lines under buildings also make for good nesting grounds.

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control Today

Drain flies will feed on almost anything from decomposed food to human waste & carry serious diseases!

-Pest Control Today

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control Today

HOW TO NATURALLY GET RID OF DRAIN FLIES

 

  1. Begin by cleaning the drain or drains.
  2. Using a drain cleaning tool remove the bulk build up from your drain.
  3. Combine 1-part bleach to 5-parts water, flush it down your drains, followed by approximately 4-5 cups of boiling water.
  4. Repeat treatment the following morning by pouring 1/2 cup of salt in the drain, layer it with 1/2 cup baking soda, and on the last layer pour 1 cup white vinegar. Allow the layers to set overnight.
  5. Flush the drains with approximately 2-3 cups of boiling water.
  6. To help prevent future drain fly outbreaks, be sure to maintain the pipes with the above directions periodically.

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control TodayFRUIT FLIES

 

Fruit flies are one of the most common and annoying of pantry bugs. once they have infested your home, fruit flies are some of the most difficult pantry bugs to get rid of.

Even though they are small, approx. 3 to 4 mm long & they are bothersome.

Some have red eyes while others have darker eyes with a tan thorax. The abdomen of a fruit fly is black and gray.  They may appear to be tan and sometimes brown, depending on the species.

Fruit flies can live and thrive in your home at any time  throughout the year.

THE LIFE OF FRUIT FLIES

 

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control TodayTo understand how fruit flies can get into your home and how they can quickly spread, you first need to understand the biology of these pantry bugs. They feed off fermenting foods, and they lay their eggs near the surface of these foods, such as tomatoes, grapes, melons, bananas, and potatoes.

Any ripe fruit or vegetable can attract fruit flies. As it gradually becomes overripe and begins the process of rotting and fermentation.

They can also be attracted to garbage cans, garbage disposals, empty bottles and cans, dirty mops and cleaning rags, and drains—anywhere where they can find a little fermenting material.

They take about eight days to develop from egg to adult, and they lay about 500 eggs when they reproduce.

HOW FRUIT FLIES GET INSIDE

 

Fruit flies can smell ripe fruits and vegetables from a considerable distance and attracted by that smell. They enter your home through the tiniest of openings to get at the food you’ve left out.

If you grow your own vegetables, you may bring fruit fly larvae inside with fruits and vegetables you pick. You also can bring fruit fly larvae in on well-ripened produce you buy from the grocery store.

“Any ripe fruit or vegetable can attract fruit flies as it gradually becomes overripe and begins the process of rotting and fermentation.”

-Pest Control Today

 

HOW TO IDENTIFY FRUIT FLIES INFESTATION IN YOUR KITCHEN

 

You can usually determine this if you notice them flying around your kitchen trash cans, where there might be decaying fruit and vegetables.

The fruit fly is also drawn to alcohol ; therefore, if you have empty alcohol bottles in your trash, this will attract fruit flies.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR KITCHEN FREE OF FRUIT FLIES

 

Two preferred fruit fly spawning locales in your home are in your garbage and in your drain. The best way to keep your home free of fruit flies is to keep these two areas as clean as possible. Take out your garbage regularly and clean your drains often to keep them free of grease, food, and other substances fruit flies love.

To keep your home free of fruit flies, follow these common-sense guidelines:

  • Seal off all openings into your home.
  • Don’t leave overripe fruit sitting around
  • Don’t leave ferment-able food in indoor trash cans
  • Remove any food in your pantry that has begun to rot.
  • Check for spills of juice, wine, or other ferment-able liquid

HOW TO NATURALLY GET RID OF FRUIT FLIES INFESTATION

 

  • Fill a small, shallow bowl with equal parts vinegar and dish soap
  • Set the bowl near the worst areas of infestation
  • Rinse and re-fill as needed

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control TodayINDIAN MEAL MOTH

 

Moths are attracted to light, although there are several theories, no one really understands why.

One theory is that moths use the moon to guide their flights, and since there is normally no other light at night, moths mistake outdoor lights for the moon and fly toward them.

Moths use electromagnetic fields as a sort of compass. Our external lights disrupt these electromagnetic fields in such a way that the moths are attracted to the lights instead of wherever they would normally fly.

 

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control TodayHOW INDIAN MEAL MOTHS GET INSIDE

Indian meal moths are found in stored grains since grains are one of their young ones’ most favourite foods. Besides grains and grain products, Indian meal moths also feed on cereals, food for pets, dry fruits, powdered milk, candies, chocolate, as well as other processed food products.

An Indian meal moth is easily distinguishable from the rest of pantry pests due to its reddish-brown exteriors and whitish gray interiors.

 

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control Today

“The eggs of Indian Meal Moths can come into your house through food packages like bird seed, cereals and grains, flours, pet food, dried herbs, and powdered milk.”

-Pest Control Today

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control Today

HOW TO IDENTIFY INDIAN MEAL MOTHS

Larvae in food: When you see something moving when you pour out your cereal or powdered milk, then it’s almost certain that you have pantry moths.

A larva is a phase that causes damage to your food. When the eggs hatch, the larvae will spin silken threads in the food.

You may see tiny whitish worms and their discarded skins once they have moved away.

Although they are tiny at the beginning of their life, they can grow to 3 inches long with black or brown heads.

The larval phase generally lasts up to 3 months depending on circumstances.

Larvae on the wall: You can examine your house by looking for larvae on the walls or ceiling.

They like to hang in dark cracks and crevices to become a pupa and turn into moths.

Cocoons: Moths in the pupal stage are in cocoons.

They usually hide in cracks and crevices, on top of cabinets, or sometimes they are underneath the food.

You can identify them when you see some matted webs and clumps in the food.

Moths usually take up to 20 days to evolve from pupae stage into adults.

Adult Flying Moths: Adult moths are brownish, have wings, and are attracted to light.

They don’t have mouth parts and, thus, can’t eat.

At this stage, their only aim is to reproduce.

An adult female moth can lay around 400 eggs at a time, and hatch within a week.

TIPS FOR PREVENTING MOTH INFESTATION

  • Clean your jars and cans.
  • Throw packaged food products that are already expired.
  • Turn on other lights.
  • If your external lights are the only light source around, the moths will inevitably flock there.
  • Don’t use white lights. Moths have a stronger attraction to white lights than yellow ones.

Citronella.

For whatever reason, moths hate it.

Burn some citronella candles on your balcony or spray some citronella directly on your light bulbs during the day—it will dry by night-time, and the bulb will radiate the citronella outwards, repelling the moths.

 

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control Today

Pest Control Today has the expertise, skills and superior equipment and chemicals to eradicate any pantry pest infestation.

Our professionals will not only remove any pest intruding into your home but with regular, routine visits, we can help hinder any unwanted pest from moving in into your home or business.

Bed Bug Treatments Sydney

Bed Bug Treatments Sydney

Bed Bug Treatments Sydney

 

Do you have bed bugs?

 

Bed bug treatments Sydney

What is a bedbug?

Bed Bug treatments Sydney

How do you get bedbugs?

How to tell if you have bedbugs?

What do bedbugs look like?

Bed Bug treatments Sydney

WHAT ARE BED BUGS?

 

Bed bugs are small, flat nocturnal insects that feed on blood.  Recently, bed bugs have experienced an alarming resurgence.

They are becoming a serious pest problem for homeowners in New South Wales, especially areas surrounding Sydney.

Bed bugs can be found in just about any type of dwelling where a food source (blood) is available.

For more on bed bugs visit our bed bug pest information page.

HOW DO YOU GET BED BUGS?

 

Bed bugs are often picked up in buildings frequented by large numbers of people, like hotels, and unknowingly brought back home in

  • Infested luggage
  • Backpacks
  • Handbags
  • Furniture
  • Bedding
  • Shoes
  • Clothing

In multi-living dwellings like apartment blocks, bed bugs easily make their way between units infesting the entire building.

Bed bugs are often found:

 

  • In Bedding
  • Behind electrical outlets and light switches
  • In crevices of furniture
  • Inside mattresses and box springs
  • Between flooring
  • Under carpeting
  • Under chairs
  • In the drawers of bedside tables, dressers and tall boys.

HOW TO TELL IF YOU HAVE BEDBUGS?

 

The real answer to this and to know 100% for sure if you have bedbugs is to see the bug itself.

Not all bites are caused from bedbugs and by presuming you have bedbugs, you could be giving yourself unnecessary stress!

It is important to realise that it is not possible to provide a diagnosis simply by examining the bite, the reason being is that simply that everyone reacts differently to bites!

If you are being bitten you should consider all possible causes of the bites also taking the following questions into consideration:

  • Have you travelled recently?
  • Did the bites start after you have come home from travelling?
  • Has anyone stayed over that has been travelling?
  • Do you have pets?
  • Have you seen or heard any birds nesting in or around the window seals/roof cavity/balcony etc?

Although bedbugs are small parasitic insects, they can be seen by the naked eye and can be identified by the appearance of small brownish or reddish dots on bedding, mattresses, and furniture. These are bed bug droppings and blood spots from their feeding.

WHAT DO BEDBUGS LOOK LIKE?

 

Bed bugs are flat, reddish-brown, and somewhat oval and flat and about 5-6 mm long or the size of an apple seed. As the bed bug feeds their bodies swell and appear to be red in colour due to the blood they have injected. An unfed bed bug would usually be a cream colour.

The Young:

 

  • Small and colourless
  • General body appearance of adults
  • Turn red or purple when engorged with blood

Adult:

 

  • 4-5 mm long
  • Reddish-brown in colour
  • Wingless (oval structure in their place)
  • Flat, oval shaped body
  • Body appears to be shiny
  • Piercing/Sucking mouth part

It is important to mention, that although bedbugs are small parasitic insects, they can be seen by the naked eye and are identified by the appearance of small brownish or reddish dots on bedding, mattresses, and furniture.

These are bed bug droppings and blood spots from their feeding.

HOW TO GET RID OF BED BUGS

 

Because of their elusive nature, bed bugs are easily overlooked by property owners and managers. Our treatment methods consist of the following:

Chemical Application:

 

The most cost-effective choice for immediate treatment of select areas within a structure or home is a chemical application is applied to all affected areas.

Consequently, If more than one room is affected, our recommendation would be that the entire house is treated.

Treatment Areas:

 

  • Bed frame and slats
  • Mattress
  • Drawers
  • Power points
  • Behind pictures
  • Carpet and edges
  • Floorboards
  • Behind electrical equipment
  • Anywhere deemed necessary

Preparation: Explained & Emailed to client

Chemical applications:  We make precise applications using only high-quality products

Bedbug Pest Control Sydney suburbs

If you have found an active bed bug infestation in your property you should hire an experienced  pest control operator who can  determine the extent of the infestation, and also guide you through the preparation steps required prior to a bed bug treatment.

Further Reading

Bedbug Infestations

Bedbugs

Bedbugs in the work place

Bedbug Information

Bedbug Infestation

 

Pest Control Today SydneyWe would love to find out more on how we may be able to help you. Call or contact with us via the contact form available at our website.

 

Bed Bug Treatment Sydney

Cockroaches in Clean Houses

Cockroaches in Clean HousesNobody wants roaches scattering around in their house roaming freely and contaminating their food and utensils; and the moment that cockroaches are spotted in kitchens or any other room often leads to impulsive cleaning and mopping.

Cleaning alone barely succeeds in complete eradication of these pesky pests from houses.

Need Cockroach Control ?

 

What is in houses that is inviting to cockroaches to invade homes? Why are cockroaches not deterred by cleaning?

The following could be the reasons roaches are invading your clean house!

MISSED CORNERS & HARD TO REACH AREAS

Cockroaches in Clean Houses

Cockroaches love to hide in corners, small crevices and areas that are hard to reach.  When mopping floors there could be areas the mop just wont reach or get into, leaving these areas open to invite cockroaches into your home.

Areas of consideration such as behind the stove, or under the fridge should be cleaned on a regular basis as splatters of grease/oil or food spillage behind/beside the stove or under the fridge could be the reason cockroaches are entering your home.

OPEN FOOD PACKAGES IN THE PANTRY

Cockroaches in Clean Houses
Always store food items in air tight containers

 

When cleaning the kitchen remember the pantry. Open food items are a real attraction to cockroaches. Food should always be stored in air tight containers.

 

 

DARK AND WET AREAS

Cockroaches in Clean Houses Cockroaches need water to survive and in their search for water end up in your home. Leaking water pipes, dripping taps or even standing water is a haven for cockroaches and they won’t be shy about taking up the opportunity. Other water resources that may be attracting cockroaches could be your pets water bowl, air conditioner and fridge condensation.

All species of cockroaches prefer to live in dark places, and if these places are damp the cockroach has found its resort!  Areas in your home such as the basement, bathroom cabinet or the cupboard under the kitchen sink are wonderlands of everything nice for cockroaches.

COCKROACH DELICACIES

Cockroaches in Clean Houses It is not just food items that cockroaches thrive on, they will munch on anything items laying around such as food debris,  rubbish and anything else they can find laying around such as cardboard, books, leather, wallpaper paste, soap, grease, toothpaste, faeces and even human hair!

In saying this there could be an abundance of items which are luring cockroaches into your home.

An important thing to remember is that cockroaches can survive without food for up to 6 weeks!

UNKEPT GARDEN

Cockroaches in Clean Houses When it comes to cockroaches the inside of your home may be spotless but if the garden outside is messy with overgrown grass and bushes then you should not be surprised when cockroaches venture indoors.

Cockroaches need 3 things to thrive, food, water and shelter. Overgrown grass and bushes provide dark shelter, water in flower ports, bird baths, pet bowls or gutters provide an easy water source and as we have previously mention cockroaches are not fussy eaters, so they will much on anything laying around such as mulch or leaves.

CRACKS AND CREVICES

Cockroaches in Clean Houses

Cracks or crevices in the wall are ideal hiding places for cockroaches as they also love a solid structure. Considering this, cockroaches will also take gaps between electrical installations as home as it provides them with shelter that is dark and damp.

All cracks and crevices should be filled!

Cockroaches are one of the most common pests found in homes & commercial properties, especially food handling premises. They are probably the most despised and widespread pests known.

Cockroaches are a high-risk pest to have in your home & business as they can cause diseases such as salmonella and gastroenteritis and their droppings have been linked to childhood asthma.

Apart from the health risks, cockroaches to many homeowners are disturbing their sight and the obnoxious odour they produce can contaminate nearby food and belongings.

Cockroaches breed rapidly and are resilient. A quick response is essential to prevent cockroaches in your home or spreading to your neighbours.

Further Reading

Cockroaches

Pest Control Today SydneyWe would love to find out more on how we may be able to help you.

 click to call or get in contact with us via the contact form available at our website.

 

Pest Control Today

 

Mosquito Prevention Sydney

Mosquito Prevention Sydney

Mosquito Prevention Sydney

Need Help?

 

Mosquito Prevention in Sydney is important as mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance, they can transmit serious diseases.

To protect against mosquitoes and reduce the risk of diseases they transmit:

Take additional precautions when travelling overseas in areas with a high risk of serious mosquito-borne diseases.

Mosquitoes can transmit several serious diseases to humans.

In New South Wales, some types of mosquitoes can transmit viruses such as

When travelling overseas to countries that have a high risk of mosquito -borne diseases additional care should be taken by using repellents and other general protective measures to avoid mosquito bites.

Risk factors from mosquito bites in overseas countries can include

What you can do to protect your family this season from Mosquito bites in Sydney

 

Choose the right repellent for Mosquito Prevention sydney, new south wales

A topical insect repellent that contains diethyltoluamide (DEET), picaridin or one that contains oil of lemon eucalyptus, will provide the longest lasting protection.

Repellents that contain plant extracts such as citronella or tea tree oil,  need to be applied more frequently to protect against bites.

When it comes to repellents, just dabbing it on here and there is not enough to stop the bites.

For the most effective protection insect repellent should be applied as a thin covering on all exposed areas of skin.

Brighten up your summer

 

Mosquitoes appear to like dark colours, especially dark blue. If you are planning on going outside choose pale colours to wear. They won’t stop mosquitoes from biting you, but it may reduce the mosquito’s attraction to you.

Peak Time – dusk and dawn

Mosquitoes tend to look for blood throughout the night but during the hours between dusk and dawn is when you really need to be vigilant in protecting your family.

Fill pot plant saucers with sand

Fill the saucers of your pot plants with sand. This method traps moisture but prevents water from sloshing around that mosquitoes could otherwise breed in.

Turn on a fan

Circulating air inside the house may assist in hiding you from mosquitoes. The moving air disrupts their flight and disperses the Co2 that we exhale.

Fun Fact: Mosquitoes rely on Carbon Dioxide that we exhale to find someone to bite!

Blue lights Traps – Do not work for mosquitoes

Light traps that electrocute bugs when they fly into them, do not work on mosquitoes. The reason for this is that mosquitoes are not attracted to light, so they will choose to stay away,

Smartphone apps, Really?

You have probably seen apps in the app store or google play store that claim to repel mosquitoes with high frequency sounds. There is ZERO scientific evidence that sounds will protect you from mosquito bites!

Smelly feet & cheese

In recent times scientists have discovered that some mosquito species are attracted to smelly cheese such as limburger cheese. The cheeses smell is produced by bacteria, like that which can be found between your toes, hence the weird link between feet & cheese. Choosing to wear closed in shoes rather than thongs may result in less bacterial odours being emitted, reducing

Mosquito Attractants

Some people have an increased likeliness to be bitten by mosquitoes than others. Some of these reasons are:

Drinking Beer could lead to bites

Studies have shown that drinking beer could increase your attraction to mosquitoes.

High Cholesterol levels attract mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are attracted to cholesterol hence not only lowering your cholesterol levels for health reasons, it can reduce also reduce the mosquito’s attraction to you

Taking steroids attract mosquitoes

Steroids usage whether they are being used to build muscle or for medical reasons there is a downside in the fact that steroids also attract mosquitoes. However, for people who need to take medically prescribed steroids for their health, one other down side the side effects that can come from this type of medication is an attraction to mosquitoes.

Carbon Dioxide attracts mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can detect carbon dioxide from a 50 meters away. Adults exhale more carbon monoxide than children which is a reason that adults are usually more of a target for mosquitoes. Pregnant women are also at a higher risk of being bitten by mosquitoes as their co2 levels increase due to the pregnancy.

Further Reading:

Mosquitoes in Australia 

Where do Mosquitoes Breed

Pest Control Today SydneyPest Control Today can assist you with your mosquito pest control needs. For free advice on mosquito management click to call or contact us via our website.

 

Pest Control Today

Where do Mosquitoes breed?

Where do Mosquitoes breed?
Mosquito Pest Control Sydney

Where do Mosquitoes Breed?

Need Help?

 

 

Is your backyard prone to mosquitoes during the warmer weather?

Are you constantly looking for solutions to protect yourself, your children and pets from mosquito bites?

Have you ever said, I don’t know where these Mosquito bites are coming from?

If you have answered yes to any of the above questions, then you should keep reading!

No one would knowingly plan to create a mosquito haven in their backyards however if you have ANY still/standing water in your hard then it is almost certain that mosquitoes are breeding there.

To allow mosquitoes to continue to breed around your home is a bad idea. Firstly, they can really make your outdoor time miserable but most importantly they are known for spreading serious life-threatening diseases.

What Diseases are spread by Mosquitoes?

 

Mosquitoes are responsible for the spread and transmission of:

  • Zika Virus
  • West Nile Virus
  • Ross River Virus
  • Malaria
  • Yellow Fever
  • Dengue Fever
  • Encephalitis

What do Mosquitoes look like?

 

Mosquitoes have a pair of scaled wings with a pair of halteres. They have slender bodies with long legs. Their size can often vary depending on the species, however mosquitoes are usually no bigger than 15 mm in length and weigh less than 2.5 mg.

These thin-bodied flies are also capable of delivering painful and itchy bites that can have you running indoors.

How do you limit mosquito breeding grounds around your home?

 

Pay attention to the following areas when eliminating potential breeding grounds

  • Garbage cans
  • House gutters
  • Buckets
  • Pool covers
  • Toys
  • Coolers
  • Flower pots
  • Other containers where rain water has collected.

These containers should be Emptied so mosquitoes don’t have the opportunity to breed in the standing water.

 

Remove the following items from around your yard that may collect water:

  • Old tyres
  • Drums
  • Bottles
  • Cans
  • Pots and pans
  • Broken appliances
  • Anything else that could collect water

Other Considerations

  • Pet bowls should be emptied & changed a few times a week
  • Replace the water in any bird baths weekly
  • Cover vehicles and boats with tarps to prevent water accumulation
  • Swimming pools should be kept in good condition
  • Empty kids blow up swimming pools when not in use

It is important to remember that by paying close attention to possible breeding areas around your home can decrease the number of mosquitoes you may encounter.

Remember that even if you do limit the breeding zones in your yards this does not guarantee you will be safe from mosquito bites. It is essential that you take additional care when heading outdoors. – More on this subject will follow in the next post.

Preventing the spread of mosquitoes is much more effective than trying to manage them.

Further Reading:

Mosquitoes in Australia 

Pest Control Today SydneyPest Control Today can assist you with your mosquito pest control needs. For free advice on mosquito management click to call or contact us via our website

 

Pest Control Today

Spring Termite Swarmers Sydney

Spring Termite Swarmers Sydney
Spring Termite Swarmers Sydney

Found Flying Ants or Termites?

 

With Spring just a few days away generally speaking most people would be envisioning warmer days & the flowers that are due to bloom.

In the pest control industry spring means the start of our peak season when insects are coming out of hibernation and their winter hiding spots.

Additionally, the biggest pest threat to Australian homes during Spring is termites!

Termites are an insect that have survived millions of years, they are social in their behaviour and they live in colonies that are usually located in the ground or in wood.

Furthermore, termites cause billions of dollars in property damage each year and not to mention often home owners insurance does not cover termite attacks.

As a matter of fact, termites typically remain out of site damage can go unnoticed for years which is why it is essential for homeowners to understand the social structure of a termite colony.

With this in mind home owners should realise that in spring when the temperature rises the young male and female swarmers leave their nests in large groups in search of a site to set up home.

The female releases an odour known as a mating pheromone to entice male termites. When a male finds a female they break off their wings that symbolises that they are a couple.  The most compelling evidence of this is when customers call informing us they have located discarded wings in areas around their house.

The newly joined couple need to seek out a location to start their nest, where they will become the king and queen of the new colony.

What do Termite Swarmers Look Like?

 

Termite alates or swarmers can look like flying ants. There is a simple way to determine if the flying ants you are seeing are termites or flying ants, and this is simply by how many body sections there are.

As can be seen in the image below – Termite alates have 2 body sections while standard flying ants have 3.

Termite Swarmer

Differences in appearance and behaviour between ants and termites:

 

  • Termites have a straight waist, ants have a pinched waist.
  • Ants have bent antennae, termites have straight antennae,
  • Termites wings are the same length, ants have wings of different length.

NOTE: 

  • Flying ants do not shed their wings.
  • In the event that you have seen flying ants or have found discarded wings, you may have identified termites in your property.

Pest Control Today highly recommends that you should be conducting annual termite inspections.

In the hope that you can prevent a termite invasion ask yourself Is it time for a termite inspection?

Further Reading

Termites

Termite Barriers

Pre Construction Termite Treatments

Termite Treatments

Termite Inspections

Pre Construction Termite Protection Sydney

 

Pest Control Today Sydney

Each property, building and location is different, a customised management solution should be designed to suit your specific needs.

We would love to find out more on how we may be able to help you.

Click to call or contact with us via the contact form available at our website.

 

Pest Control Today

Bedbug Pest Control in Sydney

Bedbug Pest Control in Sydney
Bedbug Pest Control in Sydney

 Bedbugs, Sleep Easy!

 

Bedbug Pest Control in Sydney – Bedbugs are small, wingless insects found all over the world. They are nocturnal meaning they rest during the day and are active at night. Recent research has found bedbugs to be opportunistic and will bite in the day.

Bed bugs feed on human blood and prefer to hide in bedding and on mattresses where they have easy access to a food source.

They have developed mouth parts this how they can pierce the skin. It is important to remember that not everyone has a reaction to the bites but for others they can react with itchiness and swelling.

Bedugs can harbour diseases within their body however transmission to humans is unlikely.

What do bed bugs look like?

  • Wingless
  • Half a centimetre long
  • Flat, oval-shaped body
  • Six legs
  • Light brown in colour, changing to rust-red after a meal of blood
  • Large antennae
  • Large mouth parts (mandibles)
  • Can survive without feeding for months at a time

Do Bedbugs Prefer Human Blood?

Bedbugs basically live on blood. Human blood is preferred, but they will feed on other mammals if necessary.

Bed bugs are highly attracted to body heat and the carbon dioxide that is expired in air, hence, which is how they find their host.

How do Bedbugs feed?

The bedbug’s feeding organ comes in forward and downward motion to pierce the skin . Their saliva, which contains an anticoagulant,  is injected into the skin which is the cause of the  allergic reaction in some people.

Bedbugs take around five to 10 minutes to feed. As the bedbug digests blood, their colour changes from light brown to rust-red.

Where do bedbugs live?

Bedbugs in infested properties can be found:

  • Mattresses, particularly along and under the seams
  • Bedding
  • Under loosened edges of wallpaper
  • Between the cracks of wooden floors
  • Wall cracks or crevices
  • Carpet
  • Furniture

Recognising a bedbug infestation 

 

Usually the initial signs that someone may have bedbugs in their home is the presence of bites. Pest Control Today recommends that you conduct a thorough inspection of your premises, concentrating on the common hiding spots.

You may find:

  • Live bedbugs – (they are often hard to see due to their size)
  • Blood staining on sheets or mattresses
  • Rusty or dark looking spots on mattresses, bedding or walls
  • An offensive, sweet, musty odour
Pest Control Today
Pest Control Today

Bedbug Pest Control in Sydney

If you have found an active bed bug infestation in your property you should hire an experienced  pest control operator who can  determine the extent of the infestation, and also guide you through the preparation steps required prior to a bed bug treatment.

Pest Control Today has found that customers who complete the preparation steps end up with better results.

A follow up treatment may be required to ensure complete eradication.

Further Reading

Bedbug Infestations

Bedbugs

Bedbugs in the work place

Pest Control Today SydneyWe would love to find out more on how we may be able to help you.

Click to call or  contact with us via the contact form available at our website.

Pest Control Today