Bug Bust

Cockroaches

The most common insect found in homes, the cockroach, has adapted well to any Australian conditions. They eat a wide variety of food, from rotten garbage to book binding and breed in dark undisturbed places such as cracks and crevices, sewers, storm water drains and cardboard storage boxes.

They are known to carry diseases such as salmonella and gastroenteritis. Recent studies have also indicated that cockroaches can cause allergies.

Pestaway technicians can determine the type, source and extent of the infestation and use registered insecticides to control the cockroaches. Good hygiene practices, such as frequent house cleaning, should help reduce the risk of further infestations.

Fleas & Ticks

Fleas and ticks are a constant problem in the tropics, more so leading up to the wet season. Tick paralysis is of particular concern to pets and young children, with initial symptoms possibly including an unsteady gate, weakness of limbs, multiple rashes, headache, fever, flu like symptoms, and partial face paralysis.

Avoiding tick and flea infested areas is the best method of not getting the pest. However, decreasing soil moisture, reducing foliage cover and keeping your lawn mown short will help reduced the risk of having them in your backyard.

Ants

Living in the rainforest has its problems with insects, especially ants. Activity becomes higher during the wet season and treatment is necessary to control them. The black ant is most often found nesting in walls, roofs, etc and the Coastal brown ant usually nests in gardens.

Bedbugs

Bite just before dawn. Tell tale signs are small drops of blood on the sheets, bites, and a sickly sweet odour. They live in mattresses and furniture. Don’t be fooled, theses bed bugs travel very easily from luggage to luggage and can be found in all types of accommodation. Early identification and treatment assist in keeping bed bugs under control. If you suspect bed bugs, call Pestaway for a free identification and treatment quotation.

Caterpiller Hairs

Processionary caterpillars drop stinging (urticating) hairs as they trail and also around their silken shelters. When the hairs touch the body, a stinging sensation results.

Lice

Book lice, often found in an office environment, do not have sucking mouthparts so do not bite, but their rasping action may cause irritancy.

Midges or Sandflies

Can inflict a painful bite but are not proven to be a vector of disease.

Mites

Some bird and rat mites can inflict painful bites. Dust mites can cause an allergic reaction.

Spiders

Not usually a big problem in the Cairns region. However,the white tail spider bite can cause discomfort and a rash. Other common spiders include the enormous bird spider, which is not venomous and can help reduce the number of other pests in your home.