Know YOUR PESTS
At Cairns Pest Control Services, we have implemented the Reduced-Risk Pesticide Program, which is a ground-breaking solution to a broad spectrum of insects and rodents.
This program is effective in controlling pests and is safe for people, pets and the environment alike. The selected sprays and baits we use are proven to be incredibly effective in the battle for control over difficult pests.
Discover below a short list of pests you may encounter that require governing. With our new revolutionary program now is the time to look at having control or preventative measures in place.
If you have a pest problem, contact our team for expert advice.
This program is effective in controlling pests and is safe for people, pets and the environment alike. The selected sprays and baits we use are proven to be incredibly effective in the battle for control over difficult pests.
Discover below a short list of pests you may encounter that require governing. With our new revolutionary program now is the time to look at having control or preventative measures in place.
If you have a pest problem, contact our team for expert advice.
Ants
In Northern Australia, the problem of ants can threaten both the environment and the economy. As they damage fruit directly and cause outbreaks of other insects, crops in agricultural and horticultural areas are affected.
Ants can also cause damage to electrical items, cabling and pipes. The main menace we face in Cairns is the Tramp ant species. With ants in the house you are likely to be troubled by the more common species of black ants.
Our team can offer you an affordable solution to control ants in your home by spraying and baiting. Our services are very effective and non-toxic.
Ants can also cause damage to electrical items, cabling and pipes. The main menace we face in Cairns is the Tramp ant species. With ants in the house you are likely to be troubled by the more common species of black ants.
Our team can offer you an affordable solution to control ants in your home by spraying and baiting. Our services are very effective and non-toxic.
Asian Honey Bees
The Java strain of Asian honey bees were first detected in Cairns in 2007 and have since become an established species in Far North Queensland.
These bees are a natural host for Varroa Mites— which is a parasite carried on the bee that can be a serious threat, if introduced, to our native industry. This parasite can damage our honey production and pollination services.
It's important to ensure you are able to identify Asian honey bees before organising to have them removed, as European honey bees and native bees are both vital to our environment for pollination and honey production.
Read more about Asian Honey Bees.
These bees are a natural host for Varroa Mites— which is a parasite carried on the bee that can be a serious threat, if introduced, to our native industry. This parasite can damage our honey production and pollination services.
It's important to ensure you are able to identify Asian honey bees before organising to have them removed, as European honey bees and native bees are both vital to our environment for pollination and honey production.
Read more about Asian Honey Bees.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are more common than you might think as they shelter in a variety of dark locations, near where people sleep.
Common places you may find bed bugs, include:
Common places you may find bed bugs, include:
- Under mattresses
- Under floorboards
- Under paintings
- Under carpets
- Beneath skirting
- Behind cracks & crevices
- Within bed frames
- Behind loose wall paper
These pests tend to stay in close contact with each other and brood in heavy infestations. These influxes are accompanied by a distinctive sweet sickly smell.
A few signs that suggest you have bed bugs include:
A few signs that suggest you have bed bugs include:
- Blood spotting on sheets
- Waking up with itching bites
- Musky odour in premises
- Dark or rusty sports on sheets
Once identified, our team can treat the infestation. Without expert treatment your bed bug eradication is unlikely to be successful.
Bed Bug Sniffer Dogs
At Cairns Pest Control, we have begun a new approach to bed bug control.
We are the first in Australia to use Beagle K9 sniffer dogs to detect bed bugs. It has been proven that sniffer dogs can detect 97% of bug infestations. Click on the below links to read more information on our new arrivals to the pest control team:
Full Story on Bed Bug Sniffer Dogs
Read more about Bed Bugs
Download Bed Bug Fact Sheet (PDF Document)
We are the first in Australia to use Beagle K9 sniffer dogs to detect bed bugs. It has been proven that sniffer dogs can detect 97% of bug infestations. Click on the below links to read more information on our new arrivals to the pest control team:
Full Story on Bed Bug Sniffer Dogs
Read more about Bed Bugs
Download Bed Bug Fact Sheet (PDF Document)
Beetles
Australia is home to thousands of beetle's species, while some are beneficial to our environment, many are destructive pests.
For example, the carpet beetle larvae eat natural fibres, often damaging wool and other fabrics. Other species feed on hardwoods and bamboo, damaging household furniture and other wooden items.
Beetles are also known to attack the roots of grass, causing damage to lawns, while the elm leaf beetle damages trees by eating the leaves. Flour beetles and grain beetles attack food products in homes, in production facilities and stores.
Read more about beetles (PDF document)
For example, the carpet beetle larvae eat natural fibres, often damaging wool and other fabrics. Other species feed on hardwoods and bamboo, damaging household furniture and other wooden items.
Beetles are also known to attack the roots of grass, causing damage to lawns, while the elm leaf beetle damages trees by eating the leaves. Flour beetles and grain beetles attack food products in homes, in production facilities and stores.
Read more about beetles (PDF document)
Booklice
Booklice (psocids) resemble true lice in size and shape. They feed on fungi or mould and are commonly found in areas of high humidity.
These insects live in a wide variety of habitats throughout most of Australia, preferring moist environments. The majority can be found on vegetation, including plant foliage, branches and bark or amongst leaf litter. A few species are found in association with humans and occur in amongst books or in food products.
Booklice can be found in food products, in furniture, and along the sides of windows or on window sills around potted plants. The starchy paste of wallpaper and books can also support mould growth or may be attacked directly by booklice.
Read more about booklice.
These insects live in a wide variety of habitats throughout most of Australia, preferring moist environments. The majority can be found on vegetation, including plant foliage, branches and bark or amongst leaf litter. A few species are found in association with humans and occur in amongst books or in food products.
Booklice can be found in food products, in furniture, and along the sides of windows or on window sills around potted plants. The starchy paste of wallpaper and books can also support mould growth or may be attacked directly by booklice.
Read more about booklice.
Borers (Wood)
The Anobiidae, a wood boring insect, is often found in the timber and furniture of houses in Australia.
Borer larvae (grubs) feed on new timber and emerge as adults once the timber dries out. Wood with a high sapwood content is often targeted first.
The powder post borer (Lyctid borer) can cause serious structural weakening to any infected area. The Queensland pine beetle (Calymmaderus incisus) is another wood borer, which attacks softwood timbers and timber in dark sub-floor areas.
Read more about wood borers.
Borer larvae (grubs) feed on new timber and emerge as adults once the timber dries out. Wood with a high sapwood content is often targeted first.
The powder post borer (Lyctid borer) can cause serious structural weakening to any infected area. The Queensland pine beetle (Calymmaderus incisus) is another wood borer, which attacks softwood timbers and timber in dark sub-floor areas.
Read more about wood borers.
Carpet Beetles
Carpet beetles can cause damage to carpets, rugs, underlay, insulating wool and clothing. Infestations can be present in pet bedding and ceiling or pipe insulation.
Carpet beetle larvae feed on dry materials of animal origin, including wool, fur, silk and felt. These beetles can originate in bird or mammal nesting which may be in the roof or walls from where the larvae and adults find their way down into the house.
Neither the larvae nor the adult beetles bite people but if left unchecked they do have the ability to cause damage to a variety of objects containing organic matter such as carpets, felt on pianos, clothing made from wool, insect collections and animal mounts. There is also the possibility for the shed larval skins to cause some irritation to people.
Read more about carpet beetles.
Carpet beetle larvae feed on dry materials of animal origin, including wool, fur, silk and felt. These beetles can originate in bird or mammal nesting which may be in the roof or walls from where the larvae and adults find their way down into the house.
Neither the larvae nor the adult beetles bite people but if left unchecked they do have the ability to cause damage to a variety of objects containing organic matter such as carpets, felt on pianos, clothing made from wool, insect collections and animal mounts. There is also the possibility for the shed larval skins to cause some irritation to people.
Read more about carpet beetles.
Cockroaches
Another common pest found within Australia is cockroaches. These pesky insects scavenge on a range of food types, readily moving from one food source to another, transferring bacteria and viruses along the way.
Dust from cast-off cockroach skins and droppings can aggravate allergies, especially in children and sensitive individuals.
It's important to note that their eggs are naturally protected from insecticides, which is why without special equipment and expertise, cockroach control can be a losing battle. Our team is the expert in cockroach eradication and will control any infestation for you.
Pest cockroaches are an introduced species, unlike Australia's native cockroaches.
Click here for the lighter side about cockroaches with Daria.
Click here for World Health Literature regarding Cockroaches.
Dust from cast-off cockroach skins and droppings can aggravate allergies, especially in children and sensitive individuals.
It's important to note that their eggs are naturally protected from insecticides, which is why without special equipment and expertise, cockroach control can be a losing battle. Our team is the expert in cockroach eradication and will control any infestation for you.
Pest cockroaches are an introduced species, unlike Australia's native cockroaches.
Click here for the lighter side about cockroaches with Daria.
Click here for World Health Literature regarding Cockroaches.
Fire Ants
Fire ants are small (2–6mm) and come in a variety of sizes within the nest. They can be identified by their coppery-brown heads and bodies, and their
darker abdomens.
Their nests are often difficult to identify as they feature no obvious entry or exit holes. These nests can be up to 40cm high but have also been recognised as flat small patches of disturbed soil. They can be found in open areas, or under garden materials, logs or rocks.
The ants tend to be more aggressive near the nest and inflict a painful sting. If you are stung by a fire ant we recommend applying a cold compress, gently washing the affected area and seeking medical attention if you experience allergy symptoms.
darker abdomens.
Their nests are often difficult to identify as they feature no obvious entry or exit holes. These nests can be up to 40cm high but have also been recognised as flat small patches of disturbed soil. They can be found in open areas, or under garden materials, logs or rocks.
The ants tend to be more aggressive near the nest and inflict a painful sting. If you are stung by a fire ant we recommend applying a cold compress, gently washing the affected area and seeking medical attention if you experience allergy symptoms.
Fleas
The most common of the thousands of flea species in Australia is the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis. This flea relies on blood sucked from a host animal as their only food source. Female fleas require blood for the development of eggs and are capable of laying 25–40 eggs per day and about 2,000 eggs over their lifetime.
Flea bites cause itching in humans which, in dogs or cats, can produce a more severe allergic response known as 'flea bite allergy'. If your pet is affected, we can recommend Earlville Vets.
Read more about fleas.
Flea bites cause itching in humans which, in dogs or cats, can produce a more severe allergic response known as 'flea bite allergy'. If your pet is affected, we can recommend Earlville Vets.
Read more about fleas.
Ineffective flea repellents
Be wary of 'alternative' flea controls, such as:
- Brewer's yeast
- B-complex vitamins
- Garlic
- Ultrasonic devices
- Lime
What do fleas look like?
Generally, adult fleas are about 1/8-inch long, oval and reddish-brown in colour. They are wingless creatures with very thin bodies, which allows them to move through animal fur and feathers.
Fleas also have very large hind legs and a slim proboscis (beak) that extends forward when feasting on a blood meal. At rest, the proboscis sits down and backwards between the flea's legs. This part of the body cannot be seen without the aid of a microscope.
Similarly, recognition of flea larvae and pupae requires the use of a microscope. To the unaided eye, the legless larvae resemble tiny whitish "worms." Flea pupae are unrecognisable to the naked eye because they are encased within a sticky cocoon covered by incorporated soil particles and small items of debris from the habitat in which the larvae develop.
Our team offers an excellent solution to flea infestations in the home or yard. Our prices are affordable, and we guarantee that our services are 100% effective and non-toxic. Contact us to discuss your situation.
Fleas also have very large hind legs and a slim proboscis (beak) that extends forward when feasting on a blood meal. At rest, the proboscis sits down and backwards between the flea's legs. This part of the body cannot be seen without the aid of a microscope.
Similarly, recognition of flea larvae and pupae requires the use of a microscope. To the unaided eye, the legless larvae resemble tiny whitish "worms." Flea pupae are unrecognisable to the naked eye because they are encased within a sticky cocoon covered by incorporated soil particles and small items of debris from the habitat in which the larvae develop.
Our team offers an excellent solution to flea infestations in the home or yard. Our prices are affordable, and we guarantee that our services are 100% effective and non-toxic. Contact us to discuss your situation.
Flies
In Australia, there are around 30,000 species of flies, though we only really come into contact with four groups. Those being: the bush fly, house fly, blowfly and the mosquito.
Although we have become accustomed to dealing with flies, they pose health risks to humans, pets and livestock and can spread diseases such as E. coli. Small fly infestations can turn serious if left uncontrolled, as some species grow from eggs to adults in as little as 7 days.
Our team can identify the type of fly problem you have with a thorough inspection. Once we know what we're dealing with we will then rid your property of the problem using our treatments.
Although we have become accustomed to dealing with flies, they pose health risks to humans, pets and livestock and can spread diseases such as E. coli. Small fly infestations can turn serious if left uncontrolled, as some species grow from eggs to adults in as little as 7 days.
Our team can identify the type of fly problem you have with a thorough inspection. Once we know what we're dealing with we will then rid your property of the problem using our treatments.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are not only annoying but can also carry a range of diseases including dengue fever.
These pesky insects can develop from eggs to adults in 6–10 days. They're often found near water and are attracted to bright colours. Generally, mosquitoes will come out for feeding at dawn and dusk, this is when you are most likely to be bitten.
If you think you have a mosquito problem, speak to our expert pest controllers.
These pesky insects can develop from eggs to adults in 6–10 days. They're often found near water and are attracted to bright colours. Generally, mosquitoes will come out for feeding at dawn and dusk, this is when you are most likely to be bitten.
If you think you have a mosquito problem, speak to our expert pest controllers.
Rodents
Mice and rats are among the most common rodents that become issues in homes and yards. These rodents thrive wherever there's food and water. With the ability to squeeze through openings as small as a 20-cent piece, or a 5-cent piece for mice, it's no surprise these rodents are hard to keep out of homes and businesses.
If they should get into food, mice alone can contaminate 10 times the amount they eat. Aside from spreading disease, rodents can carry fleas known to spread various types of plague and other diseases.
As nocturnal creatures, these rodents are often undetected by the homeowner.
Common indicators you have rodents:
If they should get into food, mice alone can contaminate 10 times the amount they eat. Aside from spreading disease, rodents can carry fleas known to spread various types of plague and other diseases.
As nocturnal creatures, these rodents are often undetected by the homeowner.
Common indicators you have rodents:
- Droppings around home
- Sound of running, gnawing or squeaking
- Damage to stored foods or household materials
Read more about rodents.
Silverfish
Silverfish are known for their destructive nature and can cause a great deal of damage to books, clothes, photographs, paintings, plaster and other household items.
These insects thrive in environments of high humidity and are often found in dark, damp areas including kitchens, basements, bathrooms and attics. They are easily identifiable by their silvery-blue colour, small scales, and wiggling movements similar to a fish.
These insects thrive in environments of high humidity and are often found in dark, damp areas including kitchens, basements, bathrooms and attics. They are easily identifiable by their silvery-blue colour, small scales, and wiggling movements similar to a fish.
Spiders
Australia is home to approximately 10,000 spider species, including some of the world's most venomous.
In Cairns, there is a diverse range of spiders found within the region ranging from large to the very tiny. The most common type we encounter is the huntsman, which is considered a harmless spider as although they do possess venom they generally run away instead of acting aggressively.
Although spiders can be considered a pest, they can also be beneficial in that they do catch other insects such as mosquitos, cockroaches and flies.
Read more about spiders.
In Cairns, there is a diverse range of spiders found within the region ranging from large to the very tiny. The most common type we encounter is the huntsman, which is considered a harmless spider as although they do possess venom they generally run away instead of acting aggressively.
Although spiders can be considered a pest, they can also be beneficial in that they do catch other insects such as mosquitos, cockroaches and flies.
Read more about spiders.
Termites
Termites are one of the leading causes of damage to building across Australia. They even cause more damage than fire and are responsible for more than $1.5 billion worth of harm annually.
Even buildings on concrete slabs are not safe. Concrete poses no obstacle, and block homes have significant amounts of timber in the construction to cause concern.
Termite inspections are recommended before buying a property. Complete this prior to a structural building inspection. This will save you unnecessary costs if you decide not to proceed with the purchase due to termite issues.
With more than 50 years of experience in dealing with termites, our team can implement an efficient strategy to maintain your premises free from infestation and damage.
Even buildings on concrete slabs are not safe. Concrete poses no obstacle, and block homes have significant amounts of timber in the construction to cause concern.
Termite inspections are recommended before buying a property. Complete this prior to a structural building inspection. This will save you unnecessary costs if you decide not to proceed with the purchase due to termite issues.
With more than 50 years of experience in dealing with termites, our team can implement an efficient strategy to maintain your premises free from infestation and damage.
Ticks
Ticks occur in moist bushy areas. They feed on animal and human blood, injecting toxins in the process.
Paralysis ticks pose serious health threats, causing flu-like symptoms in humans and sometimes severe allergic reactions or anaphylactic shock. Many pets are killed by paralysis ticks.
There are up to 73 species of ticks in Australia, making paralysis ticks difficult to identify. Their body colour can be affected while feeding so it's best to look for an oval, seed-shaped body which features different coloured sets of legs.
If you notice a tick on yourself or your pet, remove it immediately with a hook or tweezers. Be careful to grasp the root of the tick, the head, to ensure you remove the entire creature.
If your pet is unwell because of a tick or you suspect a tick on them, contact a reputable vet.
Read more about paralysis ticks.
Paralysis ticks pose serious health threats, causing flu-like symptoms in humans and sometimes severe allergic reactions or anaphylactic shock. Many pets are killed by paralysis ticks.
There are up to 73 species of ticks in Australia, making paralysis ticks difficult to identify. Their body colour can be affected while feeding so it's best to look for an oval, seed-shaped body which features different coloured sets of legs.
If you notice a tick on yourself or your pet, remove it immediately with a hook or tweezers. Be careful to grasp the root of the tick, the head, to ensure you remove the entire creature.
If your pet is unwell because of a tick or you suspect a tick on them, contact a reputable vet.
Read more about paralysis ticks.
