8 Most Common Pests in Queensland and How to Deal with Them

Spiders

Spiders are feared because some people actually have a real fear of them. Unfortunately, Southeast Queensland has its fair share of spiders – both venomous and harmless species. The region’s warm, humid conditions are ideal for these eight-legged creatures, and they are more of them are weather turns warmer.

Southeast Queensland is home to many different species of spiders. The Redback Spiders have messy webs that are located under ledges and garden shrubs. They are small, but the females deliver venom that can cause severe illness or death.

Daddy Long Legs’ thin, tangled webs are located in upper corners of rooms. These spiders were once believed to have the deadliest venom of all spiders, but this has been proven to be false. Gold Orb have big, yellow strong and sticky webs that are located between trees or poles. They are not a threat to humans.

Other common spiders in Southeast Queensland are Huntsman, Funnel-web, Trapdoor and Tarantula.

Spiders produce offspring fast that that you need to have your home inspected by a qualified pest control technician. Store-bought sprays may kill spiders, but they will not completely eradicate the infestation. Only pest control experts will know how to combine treatments to ensure a successful eradication plan.

Termites

Termites are hidden enemies that can cause more property damage than fires, floods and storms. These pests live underground or inside the wooden parts of your home, slowly and methodically eating away at the foundation of your home.

The termites in Brisbane build their nests in trees. As they search for food, termites will travel from their nest to your home, attacking the timber structures that they can reach. One of the obvious signs that there is an established termite nest in your vicinity is when you see flying termites. These are reproductive termites that have left their home to look for mates and establish their own nest.

Because Queensland is highly vulnerable to termite attacks, homeowners are required by law to have certain parts of their house treated for termite infestations. These parts are the framing for roofs, floors and other structural elements; window reveals and frames; door jambs; and skirting and architraves.

It takes experienced pest control technicians to determine if your home has a termite infestation. With the damage that termites can do to a property, it is highly recommended to have a regular home inspection by experts.

Wasps

Like other pests, wasps are essential in nature, until they are not. They are known to be aggressive and can cause havoc in humans and animals alike. Wasps can sting multiple times and the stings can cause fatal reactions in people that are allergic.

The saying “Prevention is better than cure” is apt when it comes to wasps. The best way to keep wasps away is to get rid or properly store of surplus food, including pet and bird food, cover trash bins, and eliminate water sources.

It is also helpful to properly maintain your home, making sure that any broken panels and crevices, which are potential locations for wasp nest, are fix immediately. If you have a severe wasp problem, call a pest control expert to make sure the task is done properly and pain-free.

Mosquitoes

The common types of mosquitoes in Southeast Queensland are Saltmarsh Mosquitoes, Freshwater-breeding Mosquitoes and Container-breeding mosquitoes. The Saltmarsh mosquitoes breed in mangrove habitats; the freshwater mosquitoes breed in shallow freshwater pools; and container-breeding mosquitoes are found in backyards.

Mosquitoes are dangerous because they transmit serious diseases that could be fatal, including Ross River Fever Virus, Bermah Forest Virus, Dengue, Japanese Encephalitis and Zika Virus.

One of the most effective way to prevent mosquito infestation is to eliminate stagnant water by taking out the water from flower pots, gutters, bird baths, old tyres, etc. where mosquitoes breed, lay their eggs, and where their larvae hatch and develop.

To avoid mosquitoes, use a repellent if you are going outdoors, or stay indoors around dawn or dusk, the time of day when mosquitoes are more active.