If you’ve ever had the unwelcome surprise of spotting a spider, cockroach, wasp, mice and rats in your home, you know how unsettling it can be. At PestOz, we believe that knowledge is your best defense against household pests and effective pest control. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to identify some of the most common pests—like cockroaches, bed bugs, and termites—so you can take action before they become a bigger problem.
Identifying Cockroaches
What to Look For with cockroaches:
Cockroaches are known to be the ultimate survivors, and they can thrive in various environments if left untreated. These common pests are usually brown or black, with a flat, oval shape and long antennae.
Signs of cockroaches:
- Droppings: Small, dark specks similar to coffee grounds or black pepper.
- Egg Cases: Look for small, brown capsules (ootheca) tucked away in corners or under appliances.
- Odor: A musty smell can sometimes indicate a problem.
What to Do with cockroaches:
If you suspect a cockroach nuisance, keep your kitchen and pantry and food storage areas clean. It’s also a good idea to seal cracks and crevices, and don’t hesitate to call PestOz for a pest management treatment to kill the cockroaches and stop them from coming back.
Identifying Huntsman Spiders
What to Look For with huntsman spiders:
Huntsman spiders can look quite scary due to their large size and long, crab-like legs that can span up to 15cm. Usually brown or grey with dark markings on their bodies, huntsman spiders are fast and are known for their ability to climb walls and ceilings. Huntsman’s do not build webs like other spiders to catch their food. Instead, they will patiently wait for insects then pounce when the time is right, or in some cases make use of their speed and run to their victims.
Signs of huntsman spiders:
- Spider Sightings: Huntsman spiders are nocturnal, so spotting one during the day could mean it’s seeking shelter in your home.
- Shed Skins: Like many spiders, huntsman’s malt as they grow. Finding shed skins in dark areas like garages, sheds, or basements may signal their presence.
- Egg Sacs: Huntsman spiders lay flat, round egg sacs that may be hidden in sheltered areas. Each sac can contain hundreds of spiderlings.
What to Do with huntsman spiders:
While huntsman spiders are generally not aggressive or dangerous and are actually helpful for getting rid of insects, their large size can make them frightening to encounter in your home. To discourage them from coming inside, seal gaps around doors and windows, keep outdoor lights off (as lights attract insects they feed on), and keep clutter to a minimum. If you’re dealing with a persistent issue of huntsman spiders, contact PestOz for treatment.
Identifying Bed Bugs
What to Look For with bed bugs:
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown, wingless insects about the size of an apple seed. They often hide in bedding, furniture, and even luggage.
Signs of bed bugs:
- Bites: You may notice small, itchy welts on your skin that appear in clusters (not usually single bites).
- Blood Stains: Tiny red spots on sheets can be a sign of bed bug activity.
- Eggs or Bugs: White, oval eggs that are about as big as an apple seed or the actual bedbugs in your bed.
What to Do with bed bugs:
If you suspect bed bugs, wash all your linen in hot water and vacuum your home thoroughly.
It’s crucial to act fast, so call a professional pest control company like PestOz immediately for a comprehensive pest control inspection and treatment plan. PestOz will send you a detailed preparation list prior to our technicians arriving to have the best form of success and help eradicate the problem.
Identifying Termites
What to Look For with termites:
Termites are often mistaken for ants, but they have a softer body and a wider waist. They usually appear in colours ranging from yellow to brown.
Signs of termites:
- Mud Tubes: Look for pencil-sized tubes made of soil and wood particles along your walls or foundation.
- Wood Damage: Hollow-sounding wood or small holes in wood structures can indicate a termite problem.
- Swarmer’s: Winged termites emerging in spring are a sure sign of an infestation.
What to Do with termites:
Since termites can cause significant damage, it’s essential to act quickly. Book an inspection with a qualified termite specialist to assess the situation and discuss preventive measures.
Keeping Your Home Pest-Free from Common Household Bugs
Preventing pests is always easier than dealing with an infestation. Here are a few quick tips to help keep around your home pest-free and protect your family:
- Seal Cracks: Check windows, doors, and foundations for any gaps that pests might sneak through and ensure they are covered tightly.
- Keep Food Stored: Store food in airtight containers to avoid attracting unwanted guests and always clean crumbs.
- Regular Cleaning: A clean home is less inviting to pests, so regular vacuuming, dusting and removing rubbish can go a long way.
Eliminate those common household pests around the home
We hope this guide helps you recognize the signs of common household pests in Australia and empowers you to take action. Remember, at PestOz, we’re here to help! Whether you have a pest problem or want to schedule a regular routine pest control service, don’t hesitate to contact us today for more information. Your peace of mind is just a call away!
