Pest Control Resources & Guides

Annual termite inspections are recommended for all Sydney properties. High-risk properties (near bushland, older homes, previous termite activity) should consider 6-monthly inspections. Regular inspections can detect termite activity early and potentially save thousands in repair costs.

Professional pest control treatments are designed to be safe when applied correctly. Modern products are targeted and low-toxicity. Your pest controller will provide specific instructions, which typically include staying out of treated areas for 2-4 hours and keeping pets away until products dry. Always inform your technician about pets, children, or health concerns.

Warning signs include: mud tubes on walls or foundations, hollow-sounding timber when tapped, doors or windows that suddenly stick, visible damage to wood, discarded wings near windows, and small piles of frass (termite droppings). If you notice any signs, avoid disturbing the area and contact a professional immediately.

Chemical barriers create a treated zone around your property that kills or repels termites. Baiting systems use stations placed around your property containing bait that termites carry back to their colony. Both methods are effective - barriers provide immediate protection while baiting systems can eliminate entire colonies. Many pest controllers recommend a combination approach.

Cockroaches return due to: available food and water sources, entry points not being sealed, neighbouring infestations, or incomplete treatment. Effective control requires both professional treatment AND addressing hygiene issues. German cockroaches in particular breed rapidly and may require multiple treatments.

Costs vary by service: General pest control typically ranges $150-$300 for an average home. Termite inspections cost $250-$500. Termite treatment systems can range from $2,000-$5,000+ depending on property size and treatment type. Always get multiple quotes and ensure operators are licensed.

DIY methods work for minor issues like occasional ants or spiders. However, professional treatment is recommended for: termites (always), cockroach infestations, rodent problems, bed bugs, and any recurring pest issue. Professionals have access to more effective products and the expertise to identify the source of problems.

Preparation typically includes: clearing items from under sinks, moving furniture away from walls (for cockroach treatment), removing pets during treatment, covering fish tanks, storing food and dishes, and vacating the property for the recommended time. Your pest controller will provide specific instructions based on the treatment.

No. In NSW, pest controllers must hold a licence issued by NSW Fair Trading. Always verify their licence, check reviews, get written quotes, and ask about warranties. Specialists (like timber pest specialists) have additional qualifications. Members of industry associations like AEPMA follow a code of ethics.

Common attractants include: food sources (crumbs, pet food, garbage), water (leaky pipes, condensation, pet bowls), shelter (clutter, gaps in walls, vegetation against house), and environmental factors (nearby bushland, neighbouring infestations). Reducing these attractants is key to long-term pest prevention.