Services

Ants

Ant colonies are fairly common in Canberra and Queanbeyan. Common species include meat ants, bull ants, black house ants, Argentine ants, sugar / carpenter ants, and white-footed house ants. Treating ants requires an understanding of different species – to ensure that the correct insecticide is used (no one insecticide kills all species).

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are nasty creatures that invade beds and bite humans during the night. Bed bugs enter your home via other people, luggage, and 2nd hand items. Bed bugs usually hide on mattresses, bed frames, and bed sheets. In addition to biting humans, beg bugs leave faecal matter and blood on bed sheets – sometimes accompanied by a rotting fruit smell.

Carpet Beetles

Carpet beetle larvae can do considerable damage to carpets and rugs. The larvae feed on organic materials, such as wool, silk, hair (human and pet), and flowers. Carpet beetle larvae are found in dark and undisturbed places, such as under sofas, in wardrobes, and behind heavy furniture. If you see an adult carpet beetle in your home or business, larvae are likely to exist too.

Cockroaches

The infamous cockroach is a dirty scavenger that can carry bacteria and viruses. Cockroaches are nocturnal creatures that love kitchens and bathrooms. In Canberra, the following cockroach species are prevalent: German, Australian, Oriental, and American. The unfortunate thing about cockroaches is they breed all year round, especially in warmer weather.

Earwigs

Earwigs (Dermaptera) are an ancient species – some 200 million years old. Earwigs chew on rotten wood, damp cardboard, and indoor plants. Earwigs are nocturnal and prefer dark, moist environments. Although earwigs aren’t harmful to humans, they damage indoor plants and attract spiders. Earwigs excrete a foul-smelling substance from their scent glands.

Fleas

Many domestic pets, such as cats and dogs, bring fleas into the family home. A flea is a bloodsucking insect that bites and feeds off mammals, especially cats and dogs. Fleas bite humans – typically on the lower leg – but are more attracted to fur, feathers, and carpets, which enable them to hide and lay their eggs.

Millipedes

Millipedes are not considered harmful to humans; however, they secrete a yellow liquid that stains clothes, carpets, and furniture. Some people are allergic to this secretion. Millipedes breed extensively in the autumn (March and April). The black Portuguese millipede – an invasive millipede attracted to light – is common in Canberra and Queanbeyan.

Moths

Moths cause extensive damage to clothes, carpets, and foodstuffs. Canberra is home to four troublesome moth species: the case-bearing clothes moth; the webbing clothes moth; the carpet moth, and the pantry (Indian meal) moth. The larvae of the clothes and carpet moths damage clothes and carpets, whereas the mature pantry moth eats the foodstuffs in a pantry.

Rodents

Rats and mice enter properties for food, water, and warmth (in winter). Canberra and Queanbeyan residents are likely (at some stage) to come across the brown rat, black rat, house mouse, or field mouse. Rodents make homes in roofs, wall cavities, basements, sheds, and garages. A rodent infestation requires the services of a pest controller using a suitable rodenticide.

Silverfish

Silverfish are usually more active in Canberra’s warmer months. As fabric / textile pests, silverfish can destroy valuable household property, including books, magazines, wallpaper, and clothes. Silverfish also like to chew on sugary foods, vegetables, and grains. As nocturnal insects, silverfish can be hard to sight during the day or catch in the act.

Spiders

Canberra is home to several dangerous spiders: the Redback, the Eastern Mouse Spider, and the Funnel-web. Other problematic spiders include the White-tailed Spider, the Huntsman, the Wolf Spider, and the Black House Spider. Although spiders eat other insects, they pose a danger to unsuspecting children and gardeners.

Wasps

Wasps have a reputation for being aggressive and territorial. Unlike bees, wasps can sting repeatedly. In Canberra and Queanbeyan, residents need to watch out for European wasps, common paper wasps, yellow jackets, and Asian paper wasps. A wasp sting can cause severe swelling and anaphylaxis (an allergic reaction). Always leave a European wasp nest to the professionals.