Commonly referred to as the Sunshine State, Queensland is well known for many great things, such as our ideal weather, stunning beaches, amazing landscapes and an easy-going lifestyle. Unfortunately, many common household pests also like to call Queensland home. Once an infestation of a particular pest occurs, it can be extremely difficult to eradicate without professional pest control.
Household pests and insects are not only annoying, but some can present serious health risks if the problem goes unchecked. How often pest control should be done depends on the kind of pest taking up residence in your home and how bad the infestation is.
With spring approaching, it’s the best time for pest control. If you’re wondering how long pest control lasts and how often pest control should be done, it’s best to discuss this with our technicians.
Let’s take a look at some common pests found in Queensland homes, which ones present a health risk and measures you can take to help prevent pests from invading your private space.
What Are Common Pests in Queensland?
There are dozens of different insects and pests that can take up residence in Queensland homes and yards, but some are more common than others. Let’s go over the most prevalent pests.
Cockroaches
Possibly one of the most prolific and annoying household pests is the cockroach. They just seem to be everywhere and can be a struggle to eradicate without professional pest control on a regular basis. How long pest control lasts will also depend on how often you have your home treated for pests like cockroaches.
Ants
While generally not a health concern, ants invade armies and have a knack for getting into everything. If you have an ant problem, the best time for pest control would be immediately.
Termites
Termites can be a serious problem in Queensland homes throughout the year. In fact, during the colder winter months, they can take up residence and often go unnoticed for lengthy periods. So, if you’re wondering how often pest control should be done and you suspect you have a termite problem, the answer is as often as deemed necessary by your pest control expert.
Silverfish
Silverfish tend to hide in bedroom drawers, or anywhere that linen, materials and paper are kept. They like to eat holes in clothing and leave silver trails in their wake. If you notice little holes starting to appear in your clothes, there’s a high chance you need pest control for silverfish.
Rodents
Rats and mice often tend to arrive in plague proportions, and there’s nothing they love more than the convenience offered by homes and businesses. Houses give them shelter, protection, food and water. An invasion of rodents can dictate how often pest control should be done.
Wasps and Bees
Wasps have a nasty sting, and they are not something you want to have nesting in your yard. The same goes for bees. They are vital for the ecosystem, but you won’t want them near your home.
Fleas and Ticks
Fleas are far more prevalent if you have pets. Along with professional pest control to eradicate flea problems, it’s also important to treat your pets regularly for fleas. Ticks live in trees, plants and long grass. They can easily drop onto pets and people, where they burrow into the skin with their heads.
Spiders
Some spiders are dangerous, while others are just a nuisance. Either way, you won’t want a variety of spiders calling your place home.
Bed Bugs
These insidious critters are blood-sucking parasites that live in crevices, bed linen and under mattresses, coming out at night to feed. Bed bugs are becoming more and more of a problem in Queensland residences. The moment you detect bed bugs, it’s definitely the best time for pest control.
What Are The Risks?
Having a variety of pests taking up residence in your home or business can be inconvenient and annoying at best. However, some pests pose considerable risks to the health of both people and pets. Let’s go over some of the risks.
Ants may seem innocuous, but for some people, an ant infestation can trigger allergies, not to mention uncomfortable ant bites.
Anything that gets into your food supplies, such as cockroaches, presents health risks. Cockroaches leave behind droppings and also regurgitate over food, plates and utensils. Through bacteria, they can spread diseases such as salmonella, staphylococcus and streptococcus.
Rodents (rats and mice) are also a major health concern when they decide to move in. Like cockroaches, they will target your food supply, leaving behind droppings and urinating in and around your food. This results in food spoilage and food poisoning, which can lead to contracting diseases like leptospirosis, typhus fever and the rare but potentially deadly lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM).
Spiders can cause nasty bites and, in some cases, serious illness.
Bed bugs leave nasty and itchy lumps on the skin. While they don’t usually spread disease, they are major pests, and their bites cause a lot of irritation.
Termites don’t necessarily present a health risk, but they do present a massive danger to the structural integrity and well-being of your home.
How often pest control should be done depends on the type of pests you are having an issue with, the extent of the infestation and whether they pose health risks or other serious concerns.
How Do I Prevent Queensland Pests?
The best prevention for household pests in Queensland is professional pest control. You can discuss with Blue Chip Termite & Pest Control how long pest control will last and how often pest control should be done. Between visits, here are some things you can do yourself to help prevent the invasion of common household pests:
- Keep the home clean and vacuum regularly to remove food particles from the floors
- Store food in the pantry in solid plastic or glass containers, making it almost impossible for common household pests to gain access
- Ensure there are no water leaks in, around and under sinks and wash basis. Also, mop up water and liquid spills
- Use a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture levels in the atmosphere of your home or business
- Don’t keep excess books, paperwork and newspapers inside the home
- Declutter the home, leaving fewer places for pests such as rodents and cockroaches to hide
- Don’t leave bowls of pet food out overnight. Once your pet has finished feeding, put excess food back in the container or the fridge
- Only use rubbish bins that have a lid that seals to prevent pests from getting inside. Also, remove rubbish from the home immediately and place it in the wheelie bin
- Use mesh screens on windows and doors
- Seal up any openings around doors, windows and pipes where pests could gain access to your home
All of these measures will help keep pests at bay by making your home unattractive to live in. Preventative measures on your part will also reduce how often pest control should be done.
Get Spring Pest Control at Blue Chip Termite and Pest Control
Talk to us at Blue Chip Termite & Pest Control and learn how often pest control should be done. We can also advise you on the best time for pest control and how long pest control will last. If you’re having problems with common household pests, contact us today, and we’ll send a technician around to solve your problem. Spring is one of the best times of the year to begin pest control measures.