Rat & Mice control in Sydney

Rat and Mice control in Sydney

 

Found a rat or mouse in your house?

 

 

Rat and Mice Pest Control Sydney  – Facts, Identification & Control

Scientific Name: Order Rodentia

What Is a Rodent?

A rodent is a term that is used to group nuisance pests such as rats and mice which can contaminate food, damage property and spread disease.

The rodents that most often come into conflict with people both in residential and commercial properties are:

Rats

By instinct are wary of things that are new to their environment, which can include rat control measures such as traps and bait.

They tend to live in roof cavities, under the house, inside wall voids, external burrows, under concrete and porches and in other hard-to-reach places.

Disease

Rats can harbour and transmit several serious diseases. They can also introduce disease-carrying parasites such as fleas and ticks into your home.

Mice

Invade your home seeking food, water and warmth and each mouse can contaminate much more food than it eats.

Further Reading

What Do Rodents Look Like?

Rodents are warm-blooded mammals that can be found throughout the world. They have oversized front teeth for gnawing which are adapted for chewing.

Rodents chew on a variety of items available to them and cause great damage in and around homes.

Where Do Rodents Live?

Rodents thrive across the world in almost any habitat with access to food and water. Because of their small size, they can be difficult to keep out of a home. Rats and mice only require a small hole to gain access to your home or business

What Damage Can Rodents do?

Rats

  • Cause damage to wiring
  • Can chew through floor joists and walls
  • Cause damage to insulation
  • Because rats burrow they can undermine hill sides & retaining walls

Mice

  • Unsanitary
  • Multiply quickly
  • Cause significant damage to your home
  • Contaminate food and other materials
  • Chewing mouth parts
  • Implicated in causing house fires

Are Rodents Cause for Concern?

 

Rodents & Disease

In addition to being tough to control, rodents can carry diseases which can transfer to food with waste, fur, and saliva, as previously mentioned mice can contaminate about 10 times the amount of food they eat.

Rats & mice are also hosts for fleas, which can spread diseases such as Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus.

This illness mostly affects those with weakened immune systems and may result in headaches, fever, and meningitis. It can also cause complications during pregnancy.

What diseases can be transmitted by rodents?

 

There are several diseases which can be transmitted via rodents such as:

  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
  • Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
  • Lassa Fever
  • Leptospirosis
  • Lymphocytic Chorio-meningitis (LCM)
  • Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever
  • Plague
  • Rat-Bite Fever
  • Salmonellosis
  • South American Arenaviruses
  • Tularemia

Fortunately, many of these diseases that are mentioned above do not occur here in Australia but since overseas travel is so easy & many of our citizens do travel overseas where these diseases can be a problem.

Diseases Spread by Droppings

 

When it comes to droppings it is important that you remove them as soon as possible using gloves and discard of any materials used to collect, seal the droppings in a zip lock bag and dispose of immediately as there is a risk that diseases can be spread when dust in your home is contaminated by a rodent’s urine or droppings.

We all know dust flies and there is a risk that urine or faecal contaminated dust can become air borne throughout your house.

The diseases that are of concern when it comes to rodent droppings are:

  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
  • Leptospirosis
  • Lymphocytic Chorio-meningitis
  • Rat-Bite Fever
  • Salmonellosis
  • Tularemia

We strongly advice that if you come across a pest rat or mouse that you do not physically hand it as they are equipped with large teeth and can transmit a variety of bacteria, viruses and diseases through their saliva, faeces and urine.

If you find a rodent within your home or business, it is best to contact a pest management professional for removal and identification. The presence of one rodent within a home or business could signal an infestation.

Life Cycle of Rats & Mice

 

Rodents tend to be rapid breeders. Some species breed year-round, and populations are maintained through constant reproduction.

A single mouse can deliver 8 litters a year and each litter can contain between 4-7 pups per litter, this accounts to an increase of 32-56 pups per year per female mouse!

A single rat can deliver 4-7 litters a year and each litter can contain between 8-12 pups per litter, this accounts to an increase of 32-84 pups per year per female rat!

Seeing these figures, you can clearly see that a mouse or rat infestation can become from bad to worse very quickly.

Do rats & mice hibernate?

 

Unlike most animal’s rats and mice do not hibernate during the winter months and will actively seek warmth and quickly begin reproducing.

Rats and mice usually more of an issue during the winter months, as the weather cools and the normal food source for the rats & mice become limited.

They enter your home, looking for warmth and food.

However, in saying this, we have noticed a change in the behaviour and breeding of rats and mice. Rats & mice seem to be more of an issue all year round.

This has mainly pinned to the increase in construction in and around Sydney.

What Can I Do to Prevent Rodent Infestations?

 

Prevention methods should be implemented to maintain a rodent-free home. Rodents reproduce rapidly, and small populations become full-blown infestations in very little time.

Food storage

  • Keep any possible food sources away from rodents.
  • Seal garbage  & goods such as grains and cereals in metal or glass containers to prevent contamination.
  • Store Fruits and vegetables properly
  • Waste in sinks or on counters can invite rodents

Cardboard

Cardboard objects prove attractive to rodents, as they tend to chew them up for use in their nests.

Seal entrance points

Due to the fat that rodents are able to squeeze their bodies into small holes. Close all holes to prevent entry and re-entry of rodents.

Contact a pest control professional for assistance.

Rodents are some of the most adaptable creatures on the planet and can be extremely difficult to exterminate.

Damage

 

Rat & mice infestations cause considerable damage to infested buildings and agriculture.

Disease

 

Rodents are carriers of many diseases and are a health hazard to humans.

Reproduction

 

Rodent populations grow quickly and steadily.

To protect your home, garden and health from existing rodent infestations, professional, customised solutions are often necessary.

Problems with Do it yourself

Homeowners may seek DIY treatment solutions to their rodent problems. Many of the suggestions online are not capable of addressing full-blown rodent infestations.

Further Reading:

List of Rodents in Australia

Rats

House Mouse

Mouse Plagues in Australia

 

Contact a Professional

Pest Control Today SydneyIt is recommended that anyone experiencing a rodent infestation contact a pest control professional to arrange for a consultation.

If you have an issue with rats or mice in Sydney click to call Pest Control Today or get in contact with us via the contact form available at our website.

 

Rat and Mice Pest Control Sydney

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Bird Control

Bird Control Sydney

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Pigeon pest control Sydney | Bird Proofing in Sydney | Commercial Bird Control Sydney | Bird Lice pest Control Sydney | Starling pest control in Sydney | Indian Myna Pest Control in Sydney | Seagull pest control in Sydney 

Need Pest Control For birds?

 

Bird Control SydneyWhy are some birds considered pests in Sydney?

Pest bird populations are on the rise Australia-wide due to urbanisation. The availability of an easy and continuous food source and our persistence in building structures that offer havens for pest bird species.

Birds that are known as pests include Pigeons, Seagulls, House Sparrows, Indian Mynas and Starlings.

The longer birds nest or roost in an unwanted area, the harder it is to remove them. Pigeons live in flocks of anywhere between 50 and 500, a small problem has the potential to turn quickly into a large infestation.

Birds have been known to:

 

Cause property damage:  dislodge roof tiles, block gutters, build nests which can cause a bird lice infestation and leave behind their droppings.

Safety Issues: Bids can often become aggressive and attack customers and employees during their breeding seasons.

Health Risk: As birds can carry fleas, ticks, mites, lice that can cause bites to customers and employees. These host pests can spread diseases and allergic reactions to their bites

Bird Control Sydney

Why is bird management critical to commercial clients?

 

Image

Retail stores do not portray a good image with a building or signage covered in birds, nests and their droppings. The public no longer tolerates bird droppings on building as they believe the external look of the building reflects the internal look and cleanliness of the store.  Building & company owners and managers are beginning to realise this.

Cost

The ongoing cost of cleaning buildings, shop fronts and facilities can be quite significant.

Work Stoppages

Staff and contractors may not be tolerant of working in a bird infested facility where work stations are covered in bird droppings.

Hazard Risk

An increase the chance Slip and fall hazards on work sites due to dropped feathers, nesting and/or droppings

Damage

Bird droppings can damage materials such as painted surfaces, glass and steel as it contains uric acid.

Clogged Drains

Some pest bird species are prolific nest builders bringing in such as twigs, straw, insulation, wool, string can fall and drop into drains.

Stock loss

from the birds pecking and defecating on stock

Noise & Biting Insects

Large flocks of birds can be very noisy. Any bird issue no matter the size can cause an issue with fleas, lice/mites

Health Risk

Pest birds can have serious health implications. It is a well-known fact that birds can pass diseases onto humans and animals as seen recently with the bird flu.

Bird Control Sydney

What are the signs of a bird problem?

 

  • Birds settling on ledges of roof
  • Bird noises
  • Bird nests
  • Damaged stock
  • Droppings
  • Debris from nests and feathers

What areas should be inspected to identify a bird problem?

 

  • Balconies
  • Ledges
  • Chimney stacks
  • Guttering
  • On top of flat roofs
  • Damaged tiles
  • Gaps larger than 25 mm that could allow access to your building

What Bird Management options are available?

Bird Control Sydney

Pest Control Today knows that bird proofing requires the use of reliable and tested deterrents to ensure an effective, long term solution to any bird problem

Preventing birds entering your property is of the utmost importance. We will locate and secure all viable entry points to your premises. If nests are found, the area will be cleaned and sprayed for bird lice.

Management sometimes can be complicated due to the severity of the problem and the location.

We will determine the best method of control based on your needs by taking into consideration:

  • Area of application
  • The bird species
  • Your location
  • Access to the areas of concern

Some forms of control that may be used are as follows:

  • Shooting
  • Trapping
  • Baiting
  • Excluding

Non-chemical methods

 

There are many products available on the market today to help solve bird management problems. The most commonly used of these are:

  • Bird spikes – bird spikes deter birds from roosting on guttering, ledges, window sills and other flat surfaces by preventing them from being able to land.
  • Netting – high quality bird netting is used for all installations to ensure maximum protection.
  • Coil – Used to deter birds from landing on buildings and ledges. An effective method of when used in the right situation.
  • Shock – tape that is placed on any ledge to prevent roosting. When a bird lands on the tape it gives them a small electric shock as the deterrent.

Bird shooting

 

This method of control is mainly used for a single rogue bird or two. Pest Control Today can provide further information on this at your request

Bird Capture

 

This method involves encouraging live birds into a trap that is placed in their roosting or feeding areas that is either baited with a live bird or with grain.

Once a certain number of birds have been trapped, they are removed and killed. The traps will then be re-set.

Chemical controls

 

Chemical control for birds is a touchy subject, even if the bird in question is a pest species. The public take concern when they see birds in distress or dying.

Birds are fed untreated grain in a secluded area for about a week and on the 8th day the untreated grain is substituted with treated grain. The grain is treated with a narcotic substance, the purpose being to induce stupor in the bird so that it is easily caught and killed.

This method strictly complies and is in accordance with the National Parks & Wildlife Service.

 

Bird Control SydneyPest Control Today SydneyEach 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

Pre Construction

Pre Construction Termite Control Sydney

Need termite Control For your new building?

 

Whether you need to comply with council regulations to get your ‘Certificate of Occupancy’ or just want to secure your home or building against future termite attack, Pest Control Today can take care of all your pre-construction termite needs to protect your project, whether it’s an extension, renovation or new home, on a concrete slab, bearers or joist.

Your local council must pass the property for a Certificate of Occupancy upon completion of its construction therefore, it is important you ensure the structure is protected during the construction phase with a sufficient termite barrier.

The use of a pre-construction termite protection system is a huge selling point for new homes and is driving the growth of the industry across Australia.

Homes built on a concrete slab that followed Australian Standards can sometimes crack, allowing termites to enter your home from beneath, undetected. Houses built with steel frames does not guarantee your property is protected against termites!

Under the Building Regulations, all new homes must be fitted with a termite management system or be built with termite resistant structural materials such as a physical barrier.

Why are Termite Barriers Are Important?

 

  • Termites are active in all mainland areas of Australia
  • 34,000 homes are attacked by termites annually
  • Termite damage is not usually covered by home or contents insurance

What is a physical Termite Barrier?

 

A Physical Termite Barrier is installed as a termite and moisture barrier under or around the perimeter of the slab and around pipe penetrations. The barrier prevents subterranean termites from entering your property.

A physical termite barrier offers long-lasting protection for your property without the need to continually top it up with additional chemicals as you would need to with a reticulation system

Pest Control Today has 2 options for physical termite barriers, HomeGuard and term-Seal.

Information about these products can be found below:

Pre Construction Termite Control Sydney - HomeGuard Termite Protection
HomeGuard Termite Protection

Our termite protection methods are in accordance to Australian Standard AS 3660.1 – 2000 Termite Management New Building Work & AS 3660.2 – 2000 Termite Management in and Around Existing Buildings.

“The HomeGuard Precision Termite Management System is a range of building products that are homogenously impregnated with Bifenthrin, a leading termiticide. The sheeting products are a patented single layer, extruded polymer that provides termite protection for the design life of the building when installed according to the label.

The HomeGuard Precision Termite Management System combines the benefits of both physical and chemical protection to deter termites from gaining concealed access to a building.”

What are the benefits of using HomeGuard?

 

  • Effective – Scientifically proven to block, repel and kill subterranean termites
  • Proven – Registered with the APVMA, BCA and the SGBC.
  • Convenient – Easy to install during construction, keeping the building on time and on budget.
  • Flexible – A ‘one stop’ range of products that can be adapted to suit all structural situations.
  • Enduring – Designed to last for the design life of the building or 50 years, whichever is first.
  • Eco-Friendly Non-scheduled, non-hazardous, non-toxic and non-invasive so it’s safe for on-site workers and occupants alike

Pest Control Today

Pre Construction Termite Control Sydney TERM-seal Termite Management
TERM-seal Termite Management

“TERM-seal Termite Management Systems provide superior protection against Termites, and moisture protection.

Bifenthrin is an active control agent which repels and kills Termites but is safe for humans, animals and the environment when installed. Our unique patented technology incorporates this control agent in the manufacturing process of our products, which results in products with all the benefits of chemical protection without any residual, environmental or dermatological impact.

Our products have been rigorously tested by independent Australian bodies, are CodeMark certified, comply with all Australian state and territory standards, are APVMA registered and have been awarded the future friendly stamp under Cert-Mark certification.”

What are the benefits of using Term-seal?

 

  • Integration and flexibility for all construction methods
  • Combined Termite / moisture protection
  • One installation, no COSTLY retreatments
  • Complies with standard AS3660.1.2000
  • Fully compliant with standard A.S./N.Z.S.4347.6 Damp-Coursing
  • CodeMark Certified & APVMA registered
  • No chemical residue: safe for your employees, your client and the environment
  • Australian owned, designed and manufactured
  • Installed nationally by trained accredited installers

Pest Control Today

Who should use a termite barrier?

 

Termite barriers should be installed if:

  • You are building a new home
  • If you are adding an extension to your home

 

Pest Control Today SydneyEach 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

Termite Inspection Sydney

Termite Inspection Sydney

Termite Pest Control SydneyNeed a termite inspection?

 

Termites cause more damage to Australian homes than fires, storms and earthquakes, as termites eat wood from the inside out, by the time it is detected termite damage can be substantial.

Annual termite inspections on your residential or commercial property by a qualified timber pest technician is highly recommended.

Even though annual inspections are not going to prevent your home from getting termites it reduces the risk of major termite damage being done to your home.   Like most things early detection is the key as a developed infestation could be more expensive to treat!

By Australian standards it is recommended that termite inspections are conducted annually

Why do I need a termite inspection?

Termite inspections are the first step required to assess if a property has evidence of termites or other timber pests such as borers and if activity is found what steps need to be taken to manage the problem

Termite inspections are a vital part of all termite management programs.

As previously mentioned termite inspections should comply with the Australian Standard AS3660 recommendation that a termite inspection is completed annually.

Things do change around your property from year to year that might have encouraged a termite attack.

Termite Inspections are required on building structures however sometimes trees, retaining walls or other items can have timber pest activity. If this is the case we would also not just recommend having the infested items inspected but also the building structures inspected

Please Note: termite inspections will not eradicate existing termite activity  or provide any future protection from further attack.

What areas are checked with termite inspections?         

  • Accessible internal and external areas of your property
  • Roof cavity
  • Sub floor area if accessible
  • External areas extending up to 30 metres or the boundary line of your property.
  • Inspection of termite-friendly areas

What equipment is used?           

Termite inspections are performed using industry-best equipment including:

  • Sounding equipment
  • Moisture meters
  • Listening devices
  • Termatrac (a movement detection device based on microwave technology)
  • Access to additional advanced technology like thermal imaging cameras & termite sniffer dog is also available.

Pest Control Today technicians are Termatrac certified             Termite Inspection Sydney

The Termatrac device gives us the ability to perform non-invasive inspections including identifying high risk termite areas.

The Termatrac allows the inspector to accurately detect, confirm and track the presence of termites locate nests, mud-leads and entry points.

This enables us to provide you with a more detailed report and allows us to treat your home more cost effectively.

With the aid of the termatrac we can access areas of your home that without this technology would not be possible. These areas include inside wall cavities and sub-floors without the need to cut traps and entry points.

The 3-in-1 functionality makes the Termatrac T3i the best available tool for Pest Control Professionals.

Termite Inspection Sydney

How long does a termite inspection take?          

Pest Control Todays’ termite inspection process typically takes 1-2 hours.

 Termite Inspection Reports

At the completion of the inspection you will be issued with a written termite inspection report. This report is designed to give you an idea of your properties termite exposure and/or damage status.

The report will document if there was any visual evidence of a timber pest, a summary of the pests identified, if your property is at risk of a timber pest invasion.

It will also provide you with recommendations for improving the environment around your home. If activity was found where it was found, recommended treatment guide & advice on how to protect your home.

Pest Control Today SydneyEach 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

Termites

Termite Pest Control Sydney

 

Need termite control?

 

Termite Pest Control Sydney

Termites also known as white ants are small and a similar in size to ants. Due to their size and similarities to ants this can often lead to confusion. Knowing the differences between these two pests is a good starting point for identification.

Termites are secretive in nature which makes their detection difficult to an untrained eye. Most people would be more likely to spot the signs of termite damage rather than the actual termites.

Correct identification ensures the most effective treatment methods are used and allows you the home or business owner to choose appropriate prevention steps to try and avoid termite infestations in the future.

What Do Termites Look Like?

Do termites really look like ants?

 

Termite Pest Control Sydney

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

Termite Pest Control Sydney
Termite Pest Control Sydney

Here’s how to establish the general differences in appearance and behaviour between ants and termites:

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

NOTE: Flying ants do not shed their wings. If you have seen flying ants in your property and have found discarded wings,chances are you have identified termites in your property.

Termite Pest Control Sydney
Discarded Termite Wings

Termite Pest Control Sydney – How can termite damage be identified?

 

Rather than just looking at the areas where visible damage has been identified, Pest Control Today confirms termite infestations with a visual inspection and the use of a termatrac system.

When checking your property whether it be your residential home or business there are some points that could assist you in identifying possible termite activity.

Subterranean termites begin their feeding process from the ground up and enter a building through the sub-structure. Houses that are built on concrete slabs can still be affected if the slab has cracked and allowed an opening from the soil through the slab to the house.

Houses that have an open access sun floor or crawl space are at a great risk of termite infestations. This area should be checked for evidence of wood damage and/or mud tubes.

This species of termite damages the wood by developing hollow tunnels known as galleries which run along the wood grain.

Drywood termites usually enter the building near the roof line or in areas where wood has been exposed. Attics and roof cavities should be checked for wood that has been damaged. You may see tiny holes in the wood with collected frass nearby. Probing the wood can also expose galleries

I have found termites, what do I do?

 

Finding termites in your home can be distressing, however Pest Control Today recommends firstly that you stay calm and call a professional. Do not disturb any termite workings, mud trails, leads of galleries and we ask that you do not spray the area with any insecticides as it can be make treatment harder.

How are termites treated?

 

Not all building structures are the same Pest Control Today will offer you a program designed to suit your properties needs.

There are 2 ways to treat termites, baiting/dusting or direct chemical treatment. Sometimes a combination of both treatments will be required or recommend.

Baiting or Dusting

 

Termite baiting

is conducted by placing bait stations in specific areas around your home which are baited using a non-chemical bait that contains an active ingredient which the termites eat and carry back to the colony where they share it amongst other termites in the nest.

Termite Dusting

is completed using Termidor Dust which is a non-repellent which is very similar to the material used in the bait systems. Small holes are made into the infested timber or directly on termite trails. The fine dust is applied directly to the termites and the holes are then covered which prevents any dust escaping and to also reduce the risk of the termites being disturbed.

NOTE: Termite dusting & baiting does not provide protection to the building from future termite infestations.

Chemical Application

 

Termite Soil Treatment

Preferred option by many pest controllers however its use does depend on the construction type of your property. The treatment is applied to soil areas where the building is in contact with:

  • Subfloor
  • Concrete slab perimeters
  • External wall perimeters.

If there is a distance greater than 400mm between the soil and the timbers in the floor, the subfloor would also be trenched and treated, however it is preferred that the entire sub floor area is treated which increases the coverage area in the subfloor which in then increases the chance of the termites encountering the chemical.

Drilling & Injection of chemical to the concrete perimeters occur approximately at 20-30cm intervals. The drilled holes are then re concreted on completion

The areas that may need to be drilled and injected can include:

  • Patios
  • Paths
  • Garage
  • Fireplaces
  • Bathrooms
  • Laundries
  • External Perimeter Walls

What types of soil treatments are there for termites?

 

There are 2 main types of soil treatment available, the repellent and the non-repellent.

Repellent

This type of termiticide works by creating a barrier around the house which create a no-go zone for termites. For this treatment to be effective it needs to be applied in an unbroken method around the foundations. This method is often difficult to achieve simply because of the construction and design of your property or if there Is concrete against the house.

Non-repellent

This type of termiticide works as termites are unable to detect the area that has been treated and will not avoid the treated area. When termites pass through the chemical in the treated area they become in contact with it, return to the nest and pass it amongst the other termites in the colony.

Pest Control Today Recommendations

 

Termite Pest Control Sydney
DO NOT
  • Disturb any termite workings, leads, galleries.
  • Spray termite infested area with any chemical.
  • Plant trees or plants close to the house.
  • Add mulch or any type of bark to the gardens too close to the property.
  • Cover weep holes in brickwork.
  • Allow soil to build up over the edge of the slabs.
  • Place plastic or newspaper on gardens.
  • Allow moisture or dampness to build up in the sub floor as poor sub-floor drainage will attract termites.

If you notice or worried about possible termite activity do not hesitate to seek professional assistance.

You should check the following areas on a regular basis
  • Timber frames inside the home
  • Fences
  • Blistered paint on the walls
  • Bulging or rippled walls
  • Timber joints or gyp-rock walls for mud packing
  • Foundation walls, piers and edges of concrete slabs for termite mud galleries
  • Form-work timbers beneath suspended concrete patios

Remove any:

  • Stored timber or cardboard that is contact with the ground in the sub-floor
  • Timber stored alongside the house & kept as far away from the house as possible

Common misconceptions about termites

 

Myth: Termite damage can be easily seen

Fact: As termites eat wood from the inside out a new termite infestation would not have any visual signs that can be easily seen. By the time damage is noticed on the outside of the wood, extensive damage could have already occurred.

Myth: Termites are more active during spring and summer

Fact: Termites are active all year round.

Myth:  Preventing termites is hard

Fact: Termite prevention is a matter of common sense and regular home maintenance such as

  • Keeping gutters clean of debris
  • Removing dead trees and their stumps
  • Removing fallen branches
  • Keeping timber and firewood off the ground and away from your home.
  • Fixing water leaks in and around your home
  • Having your home inspected annually by a timber pest expert. Click here to read more about termite inspections.

Pest Control Today highly recommends annual Termite Inspections.

 

Pest Control Today SydneyEach 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

Spiders

Spider Pest Control Sydney

Redback Spider Pest Control Sydney | Hunstman Spider Pest Control Sydney| Funnel Web Spider Pest Control Sydney | White Tail Spider Pest Control Sydney | Mouse Spider Pest Control Sydney | Brown House Spider Pest Control Sydney | Trap Door Spider Pest Control Sydney | St Andrews Cross Pest Control Sydney

Need Pest Control for spiders?

 

Spiders are one of the most feared and disliked creatures worldwide. Australia is home to some of the world’s deadliest spiders such as the funnel-web and red back spider.

It must be stated that not all spiders are dangerous, and some are beneficial to the environment.

Spiders can be divided into two main groups:

  • Ground/crawling or Hunting spiders
  • Webbing Spiders

Common Spiders Found in Sydney

The most common spiders that can be found in sydney are

To view the Australia Spider Identification chart – Please click here 

Spider Pest Control Sydney


The Red Back Spider

The red back spider can be found across all parts of Australia and will live anywhere there is adequate food, a sheltered area for its web and is warm enough for breeding. The Red Back Spider is easily recognised by its black body with a prominent red hourglass shape on its abdomen.

 Appearance

  • The female is about 1cm in length & the male can range from 3-4mm in length
  • The female is black (sometimes brown) with a distinctive red or orange marking on its back
  • Markings may be broken into spots in front
  • White lines may be visible
  • The female can grow up to 15mm long.
  • Males are very small and usually only grow up to 5mm long
  • The male has more complex markings than those of the female
  • White and yellow markings may also be seen on the male

Habitat

  • Can be found in logs or under rocks
  • They tend to reside in dark, dry areas.
  • They can also be seen in roof eaves floorboards, toilets, shelves, flower pots, garages or sheds
  • Their web is a triangle shape of dry silk
  • Trap lines are sticky which assist in catching prey
  • Red back spiders are carnivorous eating almost any small insects that are caught in their webs.
  • They are known to also eat skinks and even juvenile mice, snakes and frogs
  • The red back spider rarely leaves its web

Spider Pest Control SydneySpider Pest Control Sydney


The Huntsman Spider

Huntsman spiders are known as being the “hairy tarantulas”. They are often seen inside your home on the walls or from coming out from behind curtains.

 

Appearance

  • Mostly brown, black and grey in colour
  • The body length of the male is 1.6cm and the female has a body length of 2cm
  • Their legs can span up to 15cm
  • The back legs are shorter than the front legs
  • Their legs span out sideways allowing them to walk both forward and sideways

Habitat

  • Can be found on tree trunks, under stones, under bark, on the windows and walls inside your home.
  • Can also enter cars & run across the dashboards
  • Can live between hairline cracks, sandstone and granite outcrops
  • Feeds on a variety of insects, small lizards and frogs
  • Stalks and run down its prey
  • Poisonous to humans but not fatal

Spider Pest Control Sydney

Spider Pest Control Sydney


The Funnel Web Spider

The Sydney Funnel-web Spider is one of the deadliest spiders in the world. When the funnel web is threatened it raises its front legs high off the ground and point its fangs forward ready to strike. When it strikes it drives its fangs down with force and speed.

Appearance

  • The cephalothorax is hairless and appears smooth and glossy black
  • Black, brown or purplish abdomen
  • Body and legs are covered with fine hairs
  • The male has more slender legs
  • The male has a spur on the 3rd part of the 2nd leg
  • The male is 20mm in length & Female is 30mm in length

Habitat

  • Prefer forested areas
  • Private gardens
  • They build silk-lined burrow under a rock or log
  • The burrow can be up to 60cm long
  • The burrow has 2 entrances
  • The burrow entrance has thicker lines of silk radiating from the entrance to form trip-lines
  • They are attracted to water
  • Can be found in your swimming pool

Spider Pest Control Sydney

Spider Pest Control Sydney


The White Tail Spider

White-tailed Spiders can be found all over Australia and its bites cause severe skin ulceration in humans. White-tailed spiders hunt their prey instead of waiting to catch it in a web. Their preferred diet is other spiders

Appearance

  • Medium sized spider
  • Male body length is 12mm & Female body length is 20mm
  • Long cigar-shaped dark grey abdomen
  • The abdomen is grey and has two pairs of faint white spots
  • A distinct white or cream spot can be seen at the tip of the abdomen just above the spinnerets.
  • The legs are brown or reddish brown in colour.
  • They are slow moving spiders
  • They travel great distances looking for prey
  • Mostly active at night.

Habitat

  • Cool dark areas
  • They often come into houses
  • They are sometimes found in the folds of clothes, towels and shoes.
  • They live beneath bark and rocks
  • In leaf litter
  • Logs
  • Detritus in bush
  • Gardens
  • Houses

Spider Pest Control Sydney

Spider Pest Control Sydney


The Mouse Spider

There are 11 known species of mouse spider in Australia and they are related to the trapdoor and the Sydney funnel web spider. Mouse spiders should be considered dangerous and treated with caution as they can be aggressive and will bite if provoked.

Appearance

  • Dark brown or black in colour
  • medium to large spiders located at the rear of the abdomen
  • Their size varies between 10-35mm with the male being smaller than the female
  • High, bulbous heads and jaws
  • The carapace is smooth and shiny
  • The eyes are spread across the front of the carapace
  • The spinnerets are short, the last segment domed and button-like
  • Male spiders have long slender pedipalps
  • Male spiders have no mating spurs on the legs
  • Males of some species have distinctive colour markings, but others are black overall

Habitat

  • Can be found in both coastal and drier habitats throughout Australia
  • Live in burrows in soil covered with a hinged top
  • Large, silk-lined burrows can vary from 20 cm to 55 cm deep
  • They create two surface trapdoors, at right angles to each other
  • Difficult to see as the silk and soil trapdoors merge well with the soil
  • Heavy rain often forces them out of their burrows

Spider Pest Control Sydney

Spider Pest Control Sydney


The Brown House Spider

The brown house spider is sometimes mistaken for the red back spider as it has a similar body shape and webbing. It can often be found in dark places inside your home. External sheds, under empty plant pots or among general rubbish.

Appearance

  • The female can grow up to 1.2cm and the male being slightly smaller
  • Mottled cream to brown in colour
  • The legs are reddish brown and are shiny and thin
  • Legs can span up to 25mm
  • Spider but does not inflict a dangerous bite.
  • Web may include a curled leaf as a retreat for the spider.

Habitat

  • Builds untidy, tangled webs
  • Webs can be found on walls, under eaves, around garage doors and among leaves on trees and shrubs.
  • Undisturbed dark areas are ideal for this spider
  • In a cupboard signs of a brown house spider could be white specs of spider droppings

Spider Pest Control Sydney

Spider Pest Control Sydney


The Trap Door Spider

Most trapdoor spiders are misleadingly named, as not all species make a door for their burrows. Their camouflaged entrances are almost undetectable, unless the door is open. Brown Trapdoor Spiders are often mistaken for Funnel-web spiders, but their bites are not dangerous. Local pain and swelling may occur.

Appearance

  • Medium to large spider
  • female larger than the male
  • Female size 35mm and the male is 20mm in length
  • The female has a stocky build
  • Short, blunt spinnerets
  • There are often pale bars across the abdomen
  • Dull brown to black in colour
  • Males have boxing glove shaped palps at the front of the head
  • Hairs cover the body and legs

Habitat

  • Spends most of the time in their burrows
  • They wait for food by the front of their burrows
  • Burrows are lined with silk
  • The burrow can be as long as 25cm and approx. 25mm in width
  • Silk trip lines radiate from the burrow entrance
  • Burrows are used for protection and raising young
  • The burrow is made wider and longer as the spider grows

Spider Pest Control Sydney

Spider Pest Control Sydney


St Andrews Cross Spider

The St Andrews cross spider can be found across Australia and is named because of the silky bluish white cross pattern it creates on its web, like that of the St Andrews Cross on the flag of Scotland.

Appearance

  • The Female is 10 – 16 mm in body length
  • The male is 3-4mm in body length
  • Females abdomen is banded silver, yellow, red and black with 2 yellow stripes below
  • Sits with its legs in pairs
  • The males are brown and cream coloured
  • The web is a medium-sized orb
  • The spiderlings are cream-coloured

Habitat

  • Can be found on Low shrubby vegetation both during the day and night
  • Suburban gardens
  • Rainforest margins
  • Males build smaller webs close to the female

Spider Pest Control Sydney

Pest Control Today SydneyEach 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.

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Silverfish

Silverfish Pest Control Sydney

Need pest Control For silverfish?

 

Silverfish are known for their destructive feeding habits and prefer to live in warm and moist spaces, like basements, crawl spaces and can often be found in the bathroom or laundry. They can survive in almost any environment and are nocturnal pests that move quickly.

Silverfish have been known to stain the items they hide in such as books, cupboards, stored clothing and wall paper.

What do silverfish look like?

Silverfish Pest Control Sydney

 

Silverfish are white to brown-grey or a blue – silvery colour, their bodies are shaped like a teardrop and range from 12-19 mm in length. They have 3 long bristles on their rear end.

 

 

Where do silverfish live?

 

Silverfish are capable of surviving in all climates, however they do prefer to live in dark & damp areas such as basements, kitchens, bathrooms & attic spaces. They are attracted to paper goods and damp clothing. Silverfish can be found in stored boxes that are kept in sheds or garages.

What do silverfish eat?

 

As silverfish like to dine on anything and everything they have been known to feed on paper, clothing and even wall paper. They feed on carbohydrates, sugars and starch. It is suspected that silverfish will also feed on shampoo, glue in books, linen & dead insects. Silverfish have also been found in unopened food packages.

How did I get Silverfish?

 

Silverfish are usually introduced to the home by carrying them in either by cardboard boxes or plastic containers which had been stored in infested areas.

They usually enter homes through cracks in the foundation, torn fly or door screens, gaps around doors. Leaving dirty dishes out in the open will also attract silverfish indoors.

What issues can silverfish cause?

 

Silverfish have been linked to:

  • Allergies
  • Attract other pests
  • Damage to personal items

Silverfish Pest Control Sydney

Pest Control Today SydneyEach 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