Top 11 Australian Household Pests

Discover Common Household Pests and How To Get Rid Of Them

Pests can be a real problem in Australia, especially for homeowners and businesses.

Rats, termites, mosquitoes, and snakes can all cause huge damage to property and belongings as well as spread disease.

Australia is world-renowned for its diverse flora and fauna.

It has one of the most exotic wildlife as well as home to some of the most venomous animals.

In the same spirit, the pest species of this continent are diverse with each species having thousands of sub-species.

This makes pest control a hard nut to crack.

As a precaution, every household should perform a pest inspection once every year by using pest control service because as you all know, prevention is better than cure.

However, with so many pest species residing in Australia, there are a few perennial ones that every household should keep an eye on.

These ones are hard to get rid of, cause the most damage both physically and health-wise..

Here’s a list of the top 12 Australian household pests. And remember, if you can’t remove them with DIY methods, don’t hesitate to call a pest control expert.

1. Cockroaches

It’s no surprise roaches are numero uno!

Cockroaches are insects that are commonly found in homes and buildings. They are known for their ability to quickly reproduce and can be a major pest problem. in Australioa we have three types of see commonly. They are the american cockroach, australian cockroach and the notoriously hard to get rid of german cockroach species.

Why Cockroach Infestations are a problem

Cockroaches can spread dangerous diseases through their feces and by carrying bacteria on their bodies. They can also trigger allergies and asthma attacks in some people.

Ways to prevent Cockroach Infestation

Use natural methods such as cedar oil or boric acid. Cedar oil has a strong, natural scent that repels cockroaches, while boric acid is a naturally occurring substance that can be toxic to cockroaches.

2. Ants

Ants are small, social insects that can be found in a variety of habitats, including homes. There are many different species of ants in Australia, some of which can be pests.

Why Ant Infestations are a problem

Ants can be a nuisance when they invade homes in search of food. They can also damage plants in gardens and farms.

Ways to prevent Ant Infestation

Use essential oils or herbs. Peppermint oil has a strong, natural scent that ants find repellent, while herbs such as basil, thyme, and cloves can also help to keep ants at bay.

3. Spiders

Spiders are predatory arthropods that are found in a variety of habitats. There are many different species of spiders in Australia, some of which can be pests.

Why Spider Infestations are a problem

While most spiders in Australia are harmless, some species can have venomous bites that can cause serious health problems. Spiders can also be a nuisance when they invade homes. If you see a spider it’s best to keep your distance to avoid getting a spider bite.

Ways to prevent Spider Infestation

To prevent spiders from entering your home, seal any cracks or gaps in walls, floors, and around pipes. Keep clutter to a minimum and regularly clean and vacuum to remove any webs.

4. Termites

Termites are small, social insects that live in colonies and feed on wood. They can cause significant damage to homes and buildings.

Why Temrite Infestations are a problem

Termites can cause serious damage to homes and buildings by eating away at the wood structures. They can also compromise the structural integrity of a building, making it unsafe.

Ways to prevent Termite Infestation

Use cedar oil or borax. Cedar oil has a strong, natural scent that termites find repellent, while borax is a naturally occurring substance that can be toxic to termites. Keep wood piles and other sources of cellulose away from the foundation of your home.

5. Mosquitoes

Brief Description: Mosquitoes are small, flying insects that are known for their ability to transmit diseases through their bites.

Why Mosquito Infestations are a problem

Mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as malaria, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. They can also cause allergic reactions in some people.

Ways to prevent Mosquito Infestation

To prevent mosquitoes from breeding around your home, get rid of any standing water sources, such as buckets, tires, and birdbaths. Use mosquito nets and repellents to protect yourself when outdoors. Citronella oil is a natural mosquito repellent, while herbs such as basil, lemon balm, and marigolds can also help to keep mosquitoes at bay.

6. Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, oval-shaped, parasitic insects that feed exclusively on human blood and can cause skin irritation and discomfort through their bites.They are often found in beds and other furniture.

Why Bedbug Infestations are a problem

Bed bugs can cause itchy, red bites on the skin and can be difficult to get rid of once they infest a home.

Ways to prevent Bed Bug Infestation

Regularly inspect your bedding and furniture for signs of infestation. Wash bedding and other fabrics in hot water and dry on high heat to kill any bed bugs. Avoid bringing secondhand furniture into your home and be cautious when staying in hotels or other shared accommodations.

Peppermint oil and tea tree oil are both natural bed bug repellents, while heat treatment can be used to kill bed bugs on furniture and other household items.

7. Silverfish

Silverfish are small, wingless insects that are known for their shiny, silver bodies. They are commonly found in damp, dark areas such as basements and attics.

Why Silverfish Infestations are a problem

Silverfish can damage paper, clothing, and other household items by feeding on them. They can also contaminate food with their feces.

Ways to prevent Silverfish Infestation

To prevent silverfish from infesting your home, fix any leaks and reduce moisture levels in your home. Keep food stored in airtight containers and regularly clean and vacuum to remove any crumbs or food debris.

Cedar oil and eucalyptus oil are both natural silverfish repellents, while herbs such as lavender and rosemary can also be effective in keeping silverfish away.

8. Wasps

Wasps are flying insects that are known for their ability to sting. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including homes. Species to look ourt for include european wasp and the paper wasp. If they sting, ouch!

Why Wasp Infestations are a problem

Wasps can sting multiple times and their stings can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Wasps can also be aggressive and may sting if they feel threatened.

Ways to prevent Wasp and Bee Infestation

To prevent them from building wasp nests around your home, seal any cracks or gaps in walls, floors, and around pipes. Keep food and trash stored in airtight containers to prevent wasps from being attracted to your home.

Peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil are both natural wasp repellents, while herbs such as basil and thyme can also help to keep wasps at bay.

9. Ticks

Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that are commonly found in wooded areas and grassy fields. They attach themselves to the skin of animals and humans to feed.

Why Tick Infestations are a problem

Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever through their bites. They can also cause allergic reactions in some people.

Ways to prevent Tick Infestation

To prevent ticks from attaching to your skin, wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors and use insect repellents. Check your body for ticks after spending time in grassy or wooded areas.

Lemon eucalyptus oil is a natural tick repellent, while herbs such as lavender and geranium can also be effective in keeping ticks away.

10. Fleas

Fleas are small, wingless insects that are known for their ability to jump. They are commonly found on pets, but can also infest homes.

Why Flea Infestations are a problem

Fleas can cause itchy bites on humans and can also transmit diseases such as bubonic plague and murine typhus. They can also infest homes and be difficult to get rid of once established.

Ways to prevent Flea Infestation

To prevent fleas from infesting your home, regularly groom and treat your pets for fleas. Vacuum frequently to remove any eggs or larvae and wash bedding and other fabrics in hot water.

11. Rats and Mice

Last but not least on our list is of course: rodents.

Rats and mice are small, rodent pests that are commonly found inside and outside properties looking for a food source.. They are known for their ability to reproduce quickly and can be a major pest problem.

Why Rodent Infestations are a problem

Rats and mice can spread diseases through their feces and by carrying bacteria on their bodies. They can also cause damage to homes by chewing on electrical wiring and other materials.

Ways to prevent Rodent Infestation

Firstly, seal off entry points. Use caulk on cracks or gaps in walls, floors, and around pipes. There are several types of traps that can be used to catch rats and mice, including snap traps, glue traps, and live traps. Snap traps work by killing the pest when triggered, while glue traps and live traps allow you to release the pest elsewhere.

Bait can be used to lure rats and mice into traps. Some common bait options include cheese, peanut butter, and seeds. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label when using bait, as it can be harmful to humans and pets if ingested. We see the Norway Rat, Black rat (Roof rat) and house mouse in homes down under.

Facts About Australian Pests

We found these pretty amazing facts too, did you know these?

• Rats and mice are widespread throughout Australia and can spread diseases, contaminate food, damage property and cause significant losses of crops. This is according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
• Australia is home to some of the world’s most deadly spiders, including funnel-web spiders, redback spiders, and white-tailed spiders. (Source: Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment)
• Termites cause an estimated $7.5 billion in damages each year in Australia, making them one of the most destructive insect pests in the country. (Source: University of Sydney)
• Fire ants are a problem because they can cause damage to property, crops, and livestock due to their aggressiveness. They can also be a nuisance because they build mounds that can be up to 30 cm high. Fire ants sting and inject venom when disturbed, leading some people to be allergic to their bites. (Source: Agriculture Victoria)

Conclusion

The best way to stay safe from pests and avoid the costly damages they can cause is to be proactive and

Arm yourself with knowledge on common house insects.

Educate yourself on the most common pests in your area, as well as the necessary steps you can take to prevent them from becoming a problem. By taking this initiative now, you’ll not only save yourself time and money, but also the headaches that come with dealing with pest-related issues later.