It's a bug's life
It’s been one of the hottest and wettest summers on record, and true to form the creepy crawlies have been out in full force. And as the weird weather events continue, pest control companies across the country are warning homeowners to prepare for a mini invasion of the four, six and eight-legged kind.
“January, February and March are typically the busiest months of the year when pests are most active,” says Amalgamated Pest Control owner Royce Hodge. “Add to that the exceptional rain and humidity, and we are seeing a larger than normal season.”
It’s an unusual person who enjoys sharing their living space with bugs such as cockroaches and spiders, and for our own health and peace of mind, it’s best to show them the door. So what’s the solution to evicting these unwelcome house guests?
Firstly, know your enemy. Here’s a list of the common invaders:
Cockroaches
- American (large, brown/black)
- German (small, brown)
Spiders
- Webbing / ground dwelling
Flying insects
- Mosquitoes
- Bees
- Wasps
- Flies
- Winged ants
- Carpet beetles
- Moths
Note, flying insects can never be
eliminated, only controlled | Wingless insects
- Silverfish
- Fleas
- Bedbugs
- Ants
- Weevils
- Borers
Mite-like animals
Termites
- Winged / ground-dwelling
(also known as white ants) |
Secondly, make sure you do what you can to keep them out. Be vigilant when it comes to maintaining any gaps or cracks that appear around the house. Rats, flying and wingless insects, spiders and cockroaches are experts at climbing through small spaces.
Thirdly, keep your living spaces as clean as a whistle. Cockroaches and ants in particular are attracted to greasy and sugary work surfaces, food scraps left out overnight, pet food and any other foods that aren’t sealed.
And finally, make sure your house is damp-free and your garden is cleared of any rainwater collectors. Moisture creates a natural home and breeding ground for pests such as mosquitoes, termites and spiders.
Time for the experts
But if you still find cockroaches filing out of your toaster in the morning, or fleas jumping around in your rug at night, it might be time to call in the experts.
Seeking a professional pest controller to provide a safe and effective service however can be a daunting task, especially if you find yourself having to deal with termites, every home owner’s worst nightmare. There are hundreds of pest control companies out there – from sole traders to large franchises.
So how do you know who’s going to do a good job? The Australian Pest Controllers Association has some great advice to ensure you get the best service:
1) Obtain several quotes and check out each of the companies
Enquire as to how long the business has been established. Do they have a good reputation in the marketplace? Are they a member of a recognised Pest Control Association?
2) Ask questions about the different treatment options they use
Treatments vary from company to company so check the chemicals used, their toxicity and safety aspects. Compare notes on the methods of each company. Which company seems the more professional?
3) Enquire as to the qualifications and experience of the pest inspector
Does he/she have a current pest control license (not a trainee permit)? Ask for his/her State Government issued pest control license, noting name, number and expiry date.
4) Enquire as to whether the company uses employees or sub-contractors
Be wary of companies with sub-contractors as problems often occur where sub-contractors are obliged to pay for the supply of chemicals and other costs but do not assume responsibility if the service proves to be inadequate at a later date.
5) Make sure the company carries professional indemnity and public liability insurance
This is especially important for termite control services and inspection reports.
6) Be present during the inspection
Study the general presentation of the inspector: was he/she in company uniform; was a thorough inspection carried out; were you presented with informative documentation regarding the inspection findings and treatment proposals; and did he/she adequately explain the alternatives so you are confident he/she knew his/her subject matter?
7) Be wary of companies offering a 10 or 20 year warranty These warranties commit you for that period, so you have to obtain (pay for) regular inspections and other work whether or not you want it. Such long term warranties are often unrealistic and unreliable.
www.pestcontrol.org.au