GENERAL PEST CONTROL IN COFFS HARBOUR

The German cockroach (Blattella Germanica) is one of the smaller cockroaches, amber-brown in colour and with two longitudinal dark stripes on the thorax. It is the most prolific breeder of the pest cockroaches, having four generations a year and taking only 40 days to mature from egg to adult during summer.

German Cockroaches are usually found in kitchens behind and under stoves, dishwashers and sinks and in bathrooms.

During recent years microwave ovens and computers have had their electronic controls damaged by cockroaches that have been attracted to the warmth. When German cockroaches are seen in rooms other than the kitchen, it is likely that the population is very dense. The German cockroach is mainly introduced from eggs being attached to new products/appliances, from fridges, microwaves, to cardboard packaging from your local supermarket.

It is recommended to use a vacuum cleaner for the kitchen cupboards, as cockroaches can survive on small amounts of food which may be left after sweeping or wiping. It is best to clean out your microwave, toaster and oven/stove after use. It is also recommended to clean up any dead cockroaches.

We receive a large number of referrals for the removal of German cockroaches as we have a great track record of successful removal!

Redback spiders (Latrodectus hasselti) belong to the Family Theridiidae, which is found worldwide. The notorious Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus) of the United States is a close relative of the Redback Spider, and only differs in appearance by the absence of a red dorsal stripe. Other species of Latrodectus occur in Africa, New Zealand (the Katipo), the Pacific Islands, Europe and North and South America.

A flea cycle can last up to 3 weeks, so expect to experience fleas over this period. When we spray, we kill all the adult fleas, however, any existing flea eggs will continue to hatch over this period. Once they come in contact with our product they will begin to die. When a flea problem exists within your home, the fastest possible elimination of all fleas is desirable.

To help speed up this process it is recommended that you go over any carpeted/wood floor boards or rugs with a broom or similar item, a few days after spraying. This simulates vibrations such as those caused by passing animals. These vibrations encourage the fleas to hatch. The sooner this happens the faster all fleas are eliminated from your home.

Lepisma saccharina, frequently called silverfish, fishmoths, carpet sharks, or paramites, are small, wingless insects in the order Thysanura. The name derives from the animal's silvery light grey and blue colour, combined with the fish-like appearance of its movements.

Silverfish consumes matter that contains polysaccharides, such as starches and dextrin in adhesives. These include glue, book bindings, paper, photos, sugar, coffee, hair, carpet, clothing and dandruff. Silverfish can also cause damage to books and tapestries. Other substances that may be eaten include cotton, linen, silk and synthetic fibres, and dead insects or even its own exuvia (moulted exoskeleton).

During famine, a silverfish may even attack leatherware and synthetic fabrics. Silverfish can live for a year or more without eating.

Bedbugs are small, elusive, and parasitic insects of the family Cimicidae. They live strictly by feeding on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. The name 'bed bug' is derived from the insect's preferred habitat infesting houses and especially beds or other common areas where people may sleep. Bed bugs, though not strictly nocturnal, are mainly active at night and are capable of feeding unnoticed on their hosts.

A mouse is a small mammal belonging to the rodent family. The most widely known mouse species is the common house mouse (Mus musculus). It can also be a popular pet.

In some places, certain kinds of field mice are also common. This rodent is eaten by large birds such as hawks and eagles. They are known to invade homes for food and shelter.

Mice can at times be harmful and damaging. They eat crops, cause structural damages and spread diseases through their parasites and faeces. In North America, breathing dust that has come in contact with mouse excrements has been linked to hantavirus, which may lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).

Wasps can be found throughout Australia and are generally yellow and black in appearance and vary in size from 12mm to 19mm. It is estimated that there are around 10,000 wasp species.

Wasps can be aggressive, especially if their nest is disturbed, and they have the potential to attack in large numbers. When a wasp stings you, they mark you with a scent or odour that makes it easier for other wasps to find you. Unlike bees, wasps won’t die after they sting you and they can repeatedly sting you.

If you notice a nest on your property, it is best to have it treated as soon as possible, especially earlier in the year, before the wasps have the ability to increase in numbers.

We can remove the wasp nest, kill the wasps and discuss, or take, preventative measures to prevent wasps from returning.

The Australia Paralysis Tick, Ixodes holocyclus, is one of around 75 species of Australian ticks. A huge majority of tick bites in Eastern Australia are reportedly due to this species. The saliva of a Paralysis Tick may be highly toxic to some animals and, potentially, humans. Most tick bites are harmless and don't need medical treatment.

But some ticks can carry harmful germs and there are concerns that illnesses, such as a Lyme disease, may be caused by exposure to ticks.

The Paralysis Tick is most common in moist, humid coastal areas, and locations with long grass and bushland.

Generally, when unfed, ticks are smaller in size and are oval and flat, like a sesame seed.

Once they are engorged with blood they appear coffee-bean-shaped.

The mound nests often seen on lawns are usually caused by funnel ants.

They spend most of their time underground and can impact the ground structure due to the way they excavate the soil below the ground. The hollows beneath the surface can make the ground unstable.

Funnel Ants can be aggressive if their nest is disturbed and these ants can sting.

The nuisance pest can cause damage to property, lawns and structures and are an economic pest as they can also damage white goods and air conditioner motors as a result of their nesting and excavation habits.

There are a variety of effective treatments and products available to kill funnel ants. A licensed pest control expert can assess your property and advise on the best solution.