COMMON PESTS THAT AFFECT TASMANIAN HOMES & BUSINESSES
Rodents
Rats and mice are very adaptable public health pests. They can nest in houses, sheds, garages, yards and even cars.
Problem
They can cause electrical fires due to their gnawing, carry disease and can contaminate food resulting in food poisoning and wastage.
Solution
There are several strategies from baiting, snap traps, cages, and external bait stations. As each rodent type has different habits and harbourage areas, we at Northern Tas Pest Control can locate and create a rodent-free environment.
Spiders & Scorpions
These pests belong to the arachnid family and have been around in some form or another for over a million years.
Problem
Spiders are mostly just hairy, scary, and create unsightly cobwebs all over your home. However, some species are poisonous and can inflict pain, cause vomiting, nausea, or ulcerated skin and, in some cases, be potentially deadly.
Solution
We apply an internal spray to skirtings, cornices, window reveals and door frames as well as an external barrier spray under eaves, around windows, doors, and all exterior cladding. We can also spray places such as letterboxes, clotheslines, rubbish bins and outdoor furniture. Weep holes and roof cavities are also powdered as part of the service. Spiders absorb the chemicals through their abdomen as they cross these surfaces. Our extensive service ensures all bases are covered.
Bees
Every third mouthful of food we eat is in some way produced by bees. Where possible, we believe it is important to protect these little workers. In many instances, we can safely remove the bees and we have several local beekeepers on hand to house these essential insects.
Problem
Bees have painful stings and are potentially deadly to people with allergies. They do not always nest in areas that are easily accessible but in areas such as under eaves, in brickwork or in chimneys.
Solution
Our first preference is always to relocate a hive to a beekeeper. However, we may need to use a gas or powder to eradicate the nest.
European Wasps
The European wasp was first found in Australia in 1959 after being introduced from overseas. They are known to be territorial and often build nests in difficult-to-spot places.
Problem
Wasps can, and will, sting several times. It is super important to leave nests alone and call in the professionals to deal with them. They also cause disruption and damage to native ecosystems and local agricultural industry.
Solution
The best method of wasp control is to locate the nest, or nests, in the surrounding area and eradicate them using an insecticide registered for the purpose. It is recommended that treatment of the nest occurs early in the morning or at night when wasps are less active.
Flies and Mosquitoes
There are more than 7000 fly species in Australia.
Problem
Flies and mosquitoes carry disease to humans. They are very mobile and fly between such things as excrement or household garbage and human foods, food preparation areas or utensils.
Solution
We offer a thorough spray of your house, sheds or stables which includes spraying window reveals and around light fixtures. It is not possible to prevent flies from entering your home or business, but our service ensures they die more rapidly minimising the chance of spreading germs and disease. We are also able to supply and service fly units and fly traps.
Ants
Ants live in colonies ranging in number from a few dozen to many thousand. Their nests can be found almost anywhere – in wall and ceiling cavities, soil, amongst rocks, rotting logs, shrubs, and along concrete edging. As well as having various nest locations different ant species also have different food preferences.
Problem
Ants can carry bacteria such as salmonella and other diseases and can sometimes bite or sting. Ants can easily get out of hand and are a real nuisance in areas such as the kitchen or pantry.
Solution
Northern Tas Pest Control use techniques depending on the location of the nest, food preferences and type of ants. Our techniques include the use of gels, powders, sprays and even gas. Correct identification is imperative prior to developing a treatment plan.
Bed Bugs
“Sleep tight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite!” Some people don’t realise that this traditional bedtime rhyme is referring to a real pest. Bed bugs are usually associated with the accommodation industry and/or bad hygiene.
Problem
They bite and will often ‘test bite’ a few times thus leaving a line of bites. A bed bugs’ saliva has anticoagulant properties, and its bite will cause the victim’s blood to run freely. Sometimes allergic reactions and swelling will occur. Although very irritating, bed bugs do not seem to be associated with any serious disease.
Solution
We will conduct a thorough inspection and spray of the room. We also have mattress protectors and monitoring devices available. The monitoring devices are great for fast detection of infestations.
Fleas
Fleas are wingless, agile insects with mouth parts adapted to feeding on blood. Ten fleas can potentially reproduce 250,000 in only 30 days so it is important to eliminate them as soon as possible.
Problem
Fleas not only bite your pets but will also bite humans. They can leave red welts which become very itchy. Some people have allergic reactions to them. Fleas will multiply rapidly.
Solution
If the infestation is inside, your carpets will need to be treated with a spray. We will run through the necessary steps for you to take before and after the treatment to ensure the infestation is eradicated (e.g., vacuum before we arrive and treat your pet at the same time). If the infestation is outside, we will apply an external spray around gardens, kennels, and any place your pet uses.
Cockroaches, silverfish, millipedes, carpet beetles, slaters
These are all pests that have adapted to domestic and commercial conditions are pose both health and property damage hazards.
Problem
Cockroaches typically come out at night and crawl over benches, utensils, and floor surfaces. They can carry diseases such as dysentery and salmonella. Silverfish cause damage to clothing, fabrics, and books. Carpet beetles will damage woollen carpets and natural fibres.
Solution
We have sprays, powders, and gels available to counterattack these pests.
Possums and Feral Cats
As our residential and commercial areas have often encroached on native land, possums naturally seek to continue to build their homes in areas they usually inhabit. Feral cats are a human-introduced problem.
Problem
Possums often decide to take up residence in our ceilings and sheds. This can cause a ruckus and train them to rely on human-provided food sources rather than surviving in their natural habitat. Feral cats have a serious impact on our native wild-life and can threaten our domesticated pets with infectious diseases.
Solution
We use traps to catch both possums and cats. Cats need to be checked for microchips so a trip to the veterinarian is needed. Possums are native animals and can only be removed by licenced operators. Northern Tas Pest Control is licensed by the DPIWE.
Birds
Birds build nests where they feel they’re able to access adequate food resources and provide the best chances of survival for their offspring.
Problem
Birds are carriers of many diseases which can be transmitted to humans. They build unsightly nests and leave acidic droppings which are unhygienic and can lead to costly clean-ups. Birds in gutters are a noisy nuisance as well as causing gutter blockages.
Solution
We have several chemicals available as well as bird spikes, netting, and other non- chemical methods of eradication. Northern Tas Pest Control can also supply and fit gutter guard.