Aussie Infestations: Common Pests That are Probably in Your Home

As a humid area with a tropical climate, Australia's Northern Territory hosts an array of creatures and critters. While some are dangerous to humans and best kept away from your home, others don't pose health risks but they can make your life a nightmare. Most pest control companies deal with the latter. Learning more about the various types will help you learn how to deal with everyday pests yourself. You'll also know when to call for assistance.

Spiders, Ants and Cockroaches 

While cockroaches and ants are unpleasant, spiders are potentially dangerous. Breeds such as the Redback Spider, which is common in the Darwin area, require an antidote to prevent dangerous reactions. As such, you need to keep yourself safe. How you respond to each pest depends on the type. Here are the top three creepy crawlies: 

• Spiders: Vacuuming routinely prevents egg sacs from gathering. If you come across an infestation and you're unsure of the breed, call in professionals who know how to handle them.
• Ants: Avoid allowing garbage to build up and thoroughly clean unclear areas; especially those that feature lots of sugar.
• Cockroaches: Identify the source, including any potential cracks that allow them to flourish. Seal off the cracks and clean thoroughly.

Fleas and Termites

You're more likely to experience a flea infestation in your home if you have pets. In contrast, mud tubes and moisture attracts termites. Common signs of flea infestations include a sudden outbreak of rashes and bites amongst family members, plus fleas visibly bouncing from carpets. Identifying termites and large winged flies is easy. Signs they are present include:

• Floors that bulge.
• Unexplained cracks in floors and ceilings.
• Windows that are difficult to open.

If you suspect a flea infestation, repeatedly vacuum the carpets and throw the vacuum bag away from each session. Also, thoroughly wash each textile. As for termites, you can try moving mulch from around your home. However, as evasive pests, they usually warrant the attention of a professional.

Wasps and Bees

Visibly, wasps and bees nests are easy to identify. While some may appear on the outside of your property, others crop up in sheltered areas. For example, you may find one in your attic or garage. While wasp and bee stings are painful, they're only dangerous if you're allergic to their venom. In large volumes, they have the potential to cause severe harm.

Both wasp and bees nests are dangerous to remove without the guidance of a pest service professional. In some cases, bees are protected species, which means removing them without protecting them is illegal. To ensure you correctly identify which nest you're dealing with and remove them safely, always use a pest removal service.

Mice and Rats

While mice may look cute, they have the potential to damage your walls, ruin your electrics and contaminate your food. As for rats, they may carry potentially dangerous diseases, such as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, which has a mortality rate of 38-percent. Signs of a mouse or rat infestation include:

• Droppings under furniture and behind appliances. 
• Urine-like odors in rugs and furniture. 
• Holes and gnaw marks in the walls and furniture.
• The sound of rodents scampering and scratching. 
• Your pets may detect them and behave strangely.

There are ways to manage such infestations yourself, but you need to structure your approach:

1. Seal off entry points. Close up openings such as vents and holes.
2. Lay down traps that contain bait. You can choose between fatal and non-fatal traps. Non-fatal traps allow you to free the rodent away from your property.
3. Analyse your sanitation situation. If you're letting garbage pile up, rats and mice will flock to your home.

Possums and Snakes

Although possums don't pose a threat to your health, they'll wreak havoc in your home. From burrowing through your garden, to chewing through wiring, their way of life has the potential to cause damage. In contrast, snakes may carry venom that can cause side effects ranging from painful bites to even paralysis.

• Possum Problems: Like mice, possums will flock to traps that feature baits. Unlike rodents, they're difficult to terminate, which means you should aim to trap and release them away from your property. To remove possums, you should call a professional to help. 
• Snake infestations: Managing a snake infestation is slightly more complicated. You need to identify the type, learn about the environment they like to live in, and then eliminate that situation. As such, unless you feel confident with this process, you may want to request assistance from a pest control professional.

If you're confident you're identifying the right type of pest and have the tools to manage it alone, do so carefully. Research the approaches you need and act with caution to ensure you complete the process in a quick swoop. Otherwise, don't hesitate to use a pest control service to expedite the procedure and reduce the risk of making mistakes. It may cost a bit of money, but your health and safety is well worth it.