PEST FACTS

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Common pests in Sydney are ants, spiders, cockroaches, termites, rodents (rats and mice), fleas and increasingly bed bugs.

Rat and mice pest
Rats are a destructive pest that can spread disease. The Norway rat and the Roof rat are two common rats found in Sydney. The Norway rat, commonly known as a Sewer rat, is not a good climber, instead building an elaborate system of tunnels and burrows at ground level. The Roof Rat also known as a Fruit Rat, prefers to live in trees, vines and other dense vegetation. It will infest rafters or roofs and the upper level of buildings.
Signs to look out for if you suspect you have rat pest problem on your property include:
Rat droppings - which are thin, black and 1cm in length.
Gnawings - rats gnaw to control the growth of their teeth. Usually on materials such as wood, soft metals, soap, food containers and electrical wiring.
Eaten food - fruits, vegetables and packets of foods that have teeth marks in them. These maybe found in protected areas (ie. against fence lines).
Rat runs - rats have poor vision and oily coats. Over time, marks form along walls or fences and a path becomes worn into dust or grass. By following the rat run, the rat may be traced to its shelter.
Sounds - such as squeaking, gnawing or movement in cupboards, ceilings or under floors.
Rats can be discouraged from your property by denying them food and shelter. Pest control steps to deny rats food and shelter include: Keep your yard clean and tidy. Do not allow junk and garden waste to build up over time. Store timber at least 30 cm above the ground. Do not store it on the ground or against sheds or fences. Keep grass cut short around your property. Regularly clean up fallen fruit or nuts from trees. Store all poultry and animal food in metal bins with tight fitting lids. Keep poultry areas and aviaries clean and tidy. Only allow enough grain or food scraps for each day to prevent providing a food source for rats. All food scraps should be kept in a container with a tight fitting lid. Keep the base of compost bins clear of vegetation and do not throw meat or dog faeces into the compost bin. Waste Storage areas should be kept clean at all times and any food spills should be cleaned up immediately.

Cockroach pest
Cockroaches carry a range of bacteria, causing allergies and disease. The most common Cockroaches that are encountered in Sydney are the American Cockroach and the German Cockroach.
The American Cockroach is found in sewers and drains. They are long, reddish brown in colour and on warm nights often comes out from the drains. The German Cockroach is often found in food preparation areas. They live in warm areas such as around dishwashers, ovens, fridges and hot water systems. They are very small in size and are a light colour. Their eggs are often transported in cardboard boxes.
Cockroaches hide in many areas around the house.
Home and commercial pest control steps to prevent or eliminate cockroaches include:
Clean the house thoroughly, paying special attention to the kitchen and other food preparation areas.
Clean regularly underneath the fridge, stove, toaster and other movable appliances.
Empty the kitchen's rubbish bin regularly.
Clean up any food spills promptly.
Make sure there are no sources of water, such as a dripping tap, since cockroaches need a steady water supply to survive.
Store food in containers with tight fitting lids.
Repair any holes, cracks or gaps in the walls, skirting boards and inside cupboards.
Don't stack newspapers, magazines or cardboard boxes anywhere in the house.
Keep compost bins screened and away from the house.
Maintain the garden regularly.
Use appropriate pest control insecticide and follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly.
Use traps, such as greased margarine tubs containing a smear of honey as the lure - cockroaches will climb in for the food, but be unable to get out because of the grease (or oil) on the tub.