Potential Risks for Pest Infestation
The amazing things that make Logan Reserve a good place to live (parks, plenty of restaurants, almost perfect weather all-year round, etc.) also make it an ideal environment for various pests to thrive, including termites, ants, spiders, rodents and cockroaches. This is why effective pest control is needed to keep these pets at bay.
Cockroach Species
There are 450 species of cockroaches in Australia. Several of these species are considered as pests. The three main cockroaches found in Australia are German Cockroach, Australian Cockroach and American Cockroaches. These are found in homes, and business and industrial buildings.
The brown Australia Cockroach loves warm climates; thus, it is usually found in subtropical and tropical climates. The German Cockroach is coloured tan or almost black. It is often found in commercial buildings, food processing plants, and homes. This species also prefers moderate climates.
The Oriental Cockroach, also known as water bugs or black kettle, is dark brown or black with a glossy body. It prefers moist, damp environments. The American Cockroach, reddish brown in colour, prefers subtropical and tropical climates and usually found in cosmopolitan and urban areas.
Correctly identifying the type of cockroach that is responsible for the infestation can greatly help in creating an effective treatment and solution.
Silverfish
Like cockroaches, silverfish are resilient. They can survive in almost any type of environment or climate. Silverfish prefer dark and moist areas like attics, basements, wardrobes, closets and bathrooms. They love clothing and damp paper.
Due to their destructive feeding habits, silverfish can destroy property and belongings. They feed on carbohydrates, sugars and starches found in shampoos, book glue, wallpapers and clothing.
Though they don’t spread diseases, silverfish can trigger allergies in humans as well as animals. It’s not a good idea to have silverfish in your home because they can attract other pests such as carpet beetles.
A silverfish infestation can cause significant damage to stored books and files, clothing, food, containers, wallpapers and other important personal belongings.
Ant Species and Infestation
One of the most common pests in Australia are ants. The common ant species found in Southeast Queensland are Argentine Ant, Bulldog Ant, Black House Ant, Coastal Brown Ant, Black Garden Ant, and Odorous House Ant or Sugar Ant.
Ants don’t generally sting, but a few species do such as the Fire Ants and the Green Ants, but they will attack only if disturbed or provoked. You will generally find ant nests around and underneath wood, gardens, soil and built-up rubbish.
Most of their days are spent foraging for food, maintaining their larvae and protecting their nests. Insect sprays will only work on getting rid of ants temporarily. The most effective way to keep your home ant-free is to eliminate the things that attract ants to your home, particularly food that are not properly kept and stored.
If you have a major ant infestation, the best way to address it is to seek help with professional pest exterminators.
Spiders
Queensland is home to different species of spiders. Most species are harmless, such as the Huntsman Spider, House Spider, and Daddy Long Legs Spider. However, a few have a lethal bite. These extremely dangerous spiders include the Redback Spider, Funnel Web Spider, Mouse Spider, Trap Door Spider, and White-tailed spiders.
Although the non-venomous spiders are generally harmless, their webs are unsightly and give an impression of untidiness. The dangerous spiders are a serious concern for people because they can cause unbearable pain, convulsions, loss of consciousness and sometimes death, if not medically attended to immediately.
Professional pest removal companies offer effective treatments to get rid of spiders and keep them from re-infesting your home.
Rodents and Rats
Rats, mice and other rodents are common in Australia, not only in residences, but also in offices, industrial areas and rural areas such as farms and food storage spaces. The Southeast Queensland area is home to seven native species of rodents and three species that are introduced.
The House Mouse, Sewer Rat and the Ship Rat are the only species that are not protected. All other species are protected by law.
Disease is the main reason of concern when there is a rodent infestation. Rodents also attract other pests like fleas, which can cause another set of infestation problems. If you experience a rodent infestation, call professionals to remove them safely and properly.
Wasps
The types of wasps in Queensland are Sawflies, Parasitic Wasps, and Vespoid Wasps. Wasps belong to a group of insects that become aggressive when threatened or their nest is disturbed. Wasps eat other wasps and other materials.
Their nests can be found in various habitats such as hollow trees, cracks and crevices in trees and buildings. They spend their days searching for food and nesting materials. Wasps are not pests per se. They are more of a nuisance. Their sting can be excruciatingly painful, and multiple stings can be fatal as allergic reactions can set in.
Termite Infestation and Control
Logan Reserve is one of the suburbs that is highly vulnerable to termite attacks. Everything that termites love can be found in the area. It scores high in terms of Forestry Index, Paperbark Index, Water Index and Gumtree Index.
In addition, like most Logan and Brisbane City suburbs, Logan Reserve is an older suburb, having been established in the 1860s.
Termite feed on cellulose that is present in wood, timber, paper, and other similar materials. They attack a property primarily in hidden areas. This is the reason it is highly likely that significant damage has been done before homeowners discover a termite infestation.
Because termites are highly destructive, properties need to be inspected at least once a year, especially if they are in high-risk zones for termite attacks.