Insects, rodents and termites are an unfortunate reality many people must contend with in their homes. A question often raised is when to do DIY home pest control, and when the experts should be called in.
With the development of new pest control measures such as non-toxic baits and pheromone traps, modern alternatives are becoming increasingly popular. While conventional insecticides may kill a broad range of insects, these newer pest treatments are highly specialised, targeting specific pests while leaving other insects unharmed.
Home Pest Treatments
With stricter environmental and safety regulations limiting the use of conventional insecticides, greener alternatives are becoming increasingly popular. Not only do these alternatives reduce environmental damage and human health impacts, but they also work towards addressing pest resistance to insecticides.
Non-toxic Baits
Recent advancements have seen an increase in the use of non-toxic baits and pheromone traps to manage pests. Examples of non-toxic baits include citrus sprays, Spinout (Sundew Solutions), Advion Ant/Roach Gels and Boric Acid Baits and LED UV-A Light Traps.
Pheromone Traps
Pheromone traps use synthetic chemical scents, often mimicking natural female insect pheromones, to attract and capture male pests. Examples of pheromone traps are Delta traps for moths, Yellow sticky plates, Cockroach monitoring traps and Ant Cafes.
How to identify if Pests Are an Issue
Identifying whether a household pest infestation is an issue can save on house maintenance costs and health risks. Signs that pests are an issue may appear long before seeing the pests themselves. If you notice visible droppings, scratching sounds in walls or ceilings, strong unexplained odours, chewed household items, shed insect wings or skins, it’s time to investigate further.
Once a specific pest is identified, if DIY treatments fail to resolve the issue, an immediate professional pest management inspection is recommended.
A Special Case: Termites
Termite infestations often result in costly house structural repairs. They burrow up from the ground and can cause significant home damage within 6 to 12 months if left untreated. Look for signs of “frass” (termite droppings that look like sawdust), mud tubes on foundations, and hollow-sounding timber. These are indicators that termites might be present and that a professional pest inspection is needed.
Be proactive in termite identification if you own a timber property. Monitor outside and inside living areas where wood is in direct contact with the ground, for example, patios and deck posts. If you find termite mud tubes, don’t disturb them, as termites will just relocate to another part of your home.
What is a Home and Pest Inspection?
A home inspection and pest inspection from a specialist like Home Pest Inspect is a “green” choice a homeowner can make. It involves a combined professional assessment of a property’s structural integrity and pest status. By identifying the specific species and the extent of the damage early, you can use targeted, low-toxicity treatments that solve the problem without leaching chemicals into the garden or groundwater.
Conditions Pests Thrive In
Pests tend to come out when it’s dark and hide in spaces like wall cavities, roof spaces, kitchens and storage areas. Outside conditions may contribute to initial infestations, such as external house cracks, stockpiles of garden waste and damp, leaky pipes. To prevent pest infestations, ensure that all these areas are kept well-maintained.
Other Pests to Consider
With certain nuisance pests, such as possums, snakes or bees, the ethical and often legal requirement in Australia is to relocate them safely by a licensed professional.
Native Possums
Native possums are protected under both State and Federal Government laws. It is illegal to kill, injure or catch-and-release possums without a license. Also, legally trapped possums can’t be relocated further than 150 metres from the capture site, so that they remain within their known territory.
Bees
Bees are essential for plant pollination. Licensed beekeepers or pest control professionals can safely remove swarms (temporary hanging clusters of bees) or hives. Many native bee species, and their natural habitats, are protected by law.
Native Snakes
If you find a snake in your house or yard, keep calm and move people and pets to a safe distance away. If the snake is in a room, close the door and block the gap underneath it. If you can’t identify the snake or are unsure if it is venomous, contact a licensed snake catcher or a wildlife rescue service. Do not try to catch or kill the snake yourself, as this is when most bites occur. It is also illegal to kill native snakes in Australia, unless it poses an immediate threat to human life.