Household pests in Australia are not only annoying to have around, but could also pose a risk to your family’s health and safety if they are not quickly eradicated. In this article, we shall be looking at some of the most common household pests in Australia, how to identify infestations, how to prevent them and how to control them.

1. How To Get Rid Of Common Household Pests
Household pests are not only annoying to have around, but could also pose a risk to your family’s
health and safety if they are not quickly eradicated. In this article, we shall be looking at some of the
most common household pests in Australia, how to identify infestations, how to prevent them and how
to control them.
 How to get rid of birds
 How to get rid of cats
 How to get rid of dogs
 How to get rid of possums
 How to get rid of rodents
 How to get rid of flies
 How to get rid of cockroaches
 How to get rid of silverfish
 How to get rid of bed bug
 How to get rid of mosquitoes
 How to get rid of moths
 How to get rid of spiders
 How to get rid of ticks
 How to get rid of wasps
 How to get rid of geckos
 How to get rid of cane toads
 How to get rid of snakes
How to get rid of birds
In their natural habitats, these
creatures are very beautiful. But this beauty is quickly forgotten when they invade your property. Birds
can cause a lot of damage to your property with their droppings, nests, and will disturb the peace by
making a lot of noise. They could also transmit diseases to humans through their droppings.
How to identify a bird problem
Birds are pretty easy to identify. If you don’t spot the bird itself, other signs you’ll see include
droppings, nests or hear their noise.
Prevention
Birds, like other animals, are attracted by the presence of food and water. Make sure that you do not
leave any edibles on your property that could attract these and other pests. Close your garbage cans
and clear any food that is dropped on the ground.

2. Controlling birds
A simple way of deterring birds from perching and roosting on your roof’s apex is by installing a thin
wire (or a fishing line) a few inches above and all the way along your roof’s apex. While this will
prevent birds from perching on your roof, birds might still invade your property.
We recommend the following bird control products:
http://www.pestrol.com.au/birds.html
How to get rid of cats
Cats are pretty harmless animals. They can, however, cause havoc in your yard by defecating
everywhere and digging up lawns and gardens. If you have a pet of your own, for example, a dog, an
intruding cat can agitate it making it hard to control. Stray cats can also introduce other pests such as
ticks and fleas to your home.
How to identify a cat problem
Signs of cat intrusions on your property include the cat itself and finding cat litter and dug up ground
around your home several times a week.
Prevention
The best way to prevent cats from intruding is to eliminate food sources and to cover areas where
cats can find shelter such as under decks and porches.
Controlling cats
Using natural scents such as garlic, citronella, lavender and citrus spray can help keep cats off your
property. For consistent results a professional cat control product should be used.
We recommend the following cat control products:
http://www.pestrol.com.au/pest-animals/outside/cats.html

3. How to get rid of dogs
Stray dogs, similar to cats, can be quite troublesome when they come into your property. They
defecate everywhere creating a stinky mess and dig around causing destruction to lawns and
gardens.
Identifying a dog problem
There are a few signs you can check to identify a dog intrusion problem – that is if you don’t catch the
animal red-handed. They include dog poo, bones on your yard, dug up soil and paw marks.
Prevention
Avoid living food and water around your house that could attract hungry or thirsty animals to your
property.
Controlling dogs
Erecting a fence around your property can keep dogs and other animals out. Professional dog control
methods can also be used.
We recommend the following dog control products:
http://www.pestrol.com.au/pest-animals/outside/dogs.html

4. How to get rid of possums
These seemingly cute animals can cause a lot of ruckus when they invade your property.
Furthermore, possums can spread diseases and other pests such as ticks and fleas to pets and
humans.
How to identify a possum intrusion
Possums usually find shelter under the decks of houses, in the basement or attic. Listen for noises in
this areas and then follow that up with visual identification of the animal.
Prevention
Inspect your house and cover all holes that can be used as entry points by possums and other pests.
Screening low decks and trimming branches so that they are at least 10ft from your roof will also help
prevent entry.
Control
To keep possums from munching on leafy plants in your flower bed or garden, mix a cup of molasses
with a liter of water and then add a squirt of liquid dish soap. Spray this solution to fresh leaf growth to
prevent possums from eating them.
We recommend the following possum control products:
http://www.pestrol.com.au/pest-animals/outside/possums.html

5. How to get rid of rodents
Rodents can cause a lot of damage to
your property. They’ll gnaw on anything in sight from fabrics to furniture. These pests can also spread
diseases to humans.
Identifying a rodent infestation
Rodents are nocturnal creatures which means they only come out to feed at night. This makes it quite
difficult to catch a glimpse of the actual pest. Some of the signs you can look out for include noises
beneath the floors, in the walls, and the attic, tracks and grease marks, and damaged property.
Prevention
Rodents usually come to your home in search of food and shelter. Keep your house clean and all food
in sealed containers – preferably ones made of glass or metal. Inspect your house and cover all holes
that rodents can use to get inside.
Control
Peppermint oil does a good job of ridding an area of rodents and can be used safely indoors. Put a
few drops of this on cotton balls and place them near the rodents nest.
We recommend the following rodent control products:
http://www.pestrol.com.au/rodents.html

6. How to get rid of flies
Flies can really make you uncomfortable with their constant buzzing and hovering. These insects can
also contaminate your food as they jump from one food source to the next posing a great risk to your
health.
Identifying a fly problem
Flies don’t really hide when they come around so identifying them visually is quite easy.
Prevention
Maintaining high standards of hygiene will help keep flies out of your place. Clean all food related
messes and spills as soon as they happen, keep your food in sealed containers and cover your bins –
especially those containing food waste.
Control
Keeping your doors and windows shut will effectively prevent flies from entering your home. This
might, however, not be a viable solution during warm weather, and this is when flies are most active.
We recommend the following fly control products:
http://www.pestrol.com.au/insects/indoor-insect-control/flies.html

7. How to get rid of cockroaches
Cockroaches are not only unsightly but having them around could pose a health risk to both you and
your family. Their droppings (which contain the allergen tropomyosin) cause allergic reactions in
humans and can trigger asthma or eczema.
Identifying a cockroach infestation
The most obvious sign of an infestation is the live cockroach. Egg cases, cast skin, cockroach
droppings and an accompanying foul musty smell are also signs you should keep an eye out for.
Prevention
To keep roaches at bay, clean your house regularly, do your dishes as soon as you are through using
them, fix leaky faucets and cover all your trash cans.
Control
Cockroaches are hardy creatures that can survive in harsh conditions which makes controlling them a
bit difficult, but with the right products, it can be done.
We recommend the following cockroach control products:
http://www.pestrol.com.au/insects/indoor-insect-control/cockroaches.html

8. How to get rid of silverfish
Also known as fishmoths, these small wingless silver coloured insects feed on sugar, dextrin in
adhesives, starches and other polysaccharides. They’ll feed on your books, photos, carpets and
clothes made from natural fabrics such as silk, wool and cotton.
Identifying a silverfish infestation
Signs of a silverfish infestation include the pest itself – a ½ to ¾ inches long silver coloured insect with
a body that narrows from the head to the tail. Damaged property such as books and fabrics are signs
that could also point to the pest.
Prevention
To keep these pests away, seal cracks and crevices that could provide entry for silverfish and keep
your home perimeter clear of leaves and other damp debris that can provide a habitat for these
insects.
Control
Silverfish thrive in humid areas. Using a dehumidifier in your home will make it less favourable for the
pests.
We recommend the following silverfish control products:
http://www.pestrol.com.au/insects/indoor-insect-control/silverfish.html

9. How to get rid of bed bugs
Bed bugs are tiny oval-shaped insects that feed on blood from humans and other warm-blooded
animals. Their bites are painful and could cause an allergic reaction for some people.
Identification
Because bedbugs are nocturnal, they are pretty hard to sight. Signs used to identify a bed bug
infestation include faecal matter that resembles dried up blood stains on bedding, mattress seams
and spring boxes, accompanied by a sweet offensive smell.
Prevention
You can prevent a bed bug infestation by keeping your luggage isolated until you clean everything
with hot water after you get home from a trip. This is especially important if you spent some time in a
hotel.
Control
Heat and cold are very effective for killing bed bugs in all the stages of their lifecycle. Wash infested
items in hot water and dry them in high heat for about 20 minutes. Keeping contaminated items in a
freezer for 7 – 10 days will also kill the bugs. For quick elimination, professional products are more
effective.
We recommend the following bed bug control products:
http://www.pestrol.com.au/insects/indoor-insect-control/bed-bugs.html

10. How to get rid of mosquitoes
Mosquitoes bite painfully and make a sharp, irritating noise when they fly around. In addition to this,
mosquitoes spread dangerous diseases that include Dengue fever, Filariasis, Yellow fever and the
West Nile virus.
Identification
Mosquitoes are small insects identified by their long thin legs and a prolonged mouthpart known as a
proboscis. They fly around in search of hosts at night – sometimes also during the day.
Prevention
Mosquitoes need water to reproduce so drain all stagnant water around your home and clear bushes
and long grass that can provide shelter and food (sap) to mosquitoes.
Control
Keeping your windows and doors shut at night will prevent mosquitoes from gaining entry into your
home.
We recommend the following mosquito control products:
http://www.pestrol.com.au/insects/indoor-insect-control/mosquitoes.html

11. How to get rid of moths
There are two types of moths; those
that will eat your food and those that will feed on your clothes. The resulting damage will be significant
regardless of the type that invades your home.
Identification
Moths are attracted to light and will be seen flying around your lamps at night. They are quite similar
to butterflies in appearance but lack the beautiful colours worn by their prettier cousins.
Prevention
Check fabrics, furniture and food for immature and adult moths before you bring these items into your
house. You should also switch off your outdoor lights when they are not in use to avoid attracting
these insects to your house. Stored clothes should also be washed after a while to get rid of any
larvae that might have started developing there.
Control
Lavender is an old homemaker’s trick for getting rid of moths. It’s not the most effective method but it
will reduce the number of moths.
We recommend the following moth control products:
http://www.pestrol.com.au/insects/indoor-insect-control/moths.html

12. How to get rid of spiders
Although the majority of the spiders
that invade homes are not poisonous, they can cause a big mess when they spin their webs all over
your house. Some people also have a major fear of them which makes it very uncomfortable to have
them around.
Identifying a spider problem
The most obvious sign of a spider infestation are the webs. The eight-legged creatures might also be
spotted wandering about inside the house.
Prevention
Keep all windows and doors that are not screened closed to prevent spiders from getting into your
house. Screening vents and covering cracks that can provide entry will also help.
Control
Outdoor spiders can be repelled using eucalyptus sprigs. Sprinkling strong smelling spices around
your property’s perimeter will also prevent these pests from coming into your home.
We recommend the following spider control products:
http://www.pestrol.com.au/insects/indoor-insect-control/spiders.html

13. How to get rid of ticks
Ticks are small arachnids that attach themselves to animals to feed on their blood. These pests are
capable of spreading diseases such as tick paralysis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme
disease.
How to identify a tick problem
Ticks cannot hide once they attach themselves to a host so a simple visual check is enough to identify
these pests. Check your pet often to catch infestations early.
Prevention
Ticks can’t fly or jump high, they get onto a host by climbing onto an elevated place before leaping
onto its body. Overgrown vegetation such as grass provides the perfect platform for this so ensure all
vegetation around your home is trimmed and your lawn is mowed regularly.
Control
Ticks can easily be removed from your pet by hand. Extreme care must be taken not to crash it as it
might release contaminated blood into the animal’s body.
We recommend the following tick control products:
http://www.pestrol.com.au/insects/indoor-insect-control/ticks.html

14. How to get rid of wasps
Wasp stings are very painful and will often
cause an allergic reaction to people
with swelling and skin irritation being the common symptoms. For a small number of people, though, a
wasp sting could have fatal symptoms if medical attention is not provided immediately.
Identifying a wasp problem
Wasps are most active during the day and will be seen flying around the house. Although there are
several species, common features include a pinched waist and a pointed lower abdomen.
Prevention
Keeping your windows shut and sealing cracks and crevices that can provide entry for these insects
will help prevent a wasp infestation.
Control
Wasps are territorial creatures that will not settle where there is another existing colony. Setting up a
fake wasp can deter other wasps from settling near your property. A fake nest can be constructed by
crumpling a brown grocery bag and hanging it outside.
We recommend the following bird control products:
http://www.pestrol.com.au/insects/indoor-insect-control/wasps.html

15. How to get rid of geckos
Geckos are small lizard-like reptiles that feed on spiders and insects. Although beneficial for the most
part, geckos can become a nuisance when their numbers become too great.
Identifying a gecko infestation
Geckos will be seen scurrying up walls or across the floor when you turn on the lights in a room.
Noises coming from the ceiling and inside walls could also be signs of a gecko infestation so do some
visual checks for confirmation.
Prevention
Geckos get into your house through cracks and crevices in your home’s wall as well as unscreened
vents. Seal all cracks in your walls and screen vents to prevent geckos from coming into your home.
Control
Geckos come into your house in search of food i.e. insects and spiders. Remove the food source by
eliminating the insects and spiders geckos feed on.
We recommend the following gecko control products:
http://www.pestrol.com.au/pest-animals/outside/toads.html

16. How to get rid of cane toads
Cane toads produce a poison with their parotoid glands that primarily acts on the heart when
ingested. This poison is lethal to humans and pets alike which makes these toads dangerous to have
around.
Identifying a cane toad problem
These pests can be seen hopping around and especially near places with water as they thrive in
humid environments.
Prevention
Cane toads are attracted to water. Draining stagnant water around your property will help prevent
these toads from invading.
Control
Fencing permanent water bodies such as dams will help keep the toads away from water which will
effectively reduce their population in that area.
We recommend the following cane toad control products:
http://www.pestrol.com.au/pest-animals/outside/toads.html

17. How to get rid of snakes
A lot of people are scared of snakes; with good reasons of course because if you happen to
encounter a venomous one, the result could be disastrous. Snakes can be very dangerous to both
humans and pets.
Identifying a snake infestation
A snake intrusion can be quite hard to identify. One of the ways of doing it is seeing the snake itself.
Sprinkling some flour around the areas you suspect the snake is hiding in or near heat sources and
observing for slithering marks can also help confirm your suspicion.
Prevention
Keep windows close to the ground level shut at all times especially if they are not screened. Also
inspect you house’s walls and seal holes and cracks that can provide entry for snakes and other
pests. Finally, trim tree branches so that they are a few feet (at least 10) away from your house and
clear overgrown vegetation around your home – this includes mowing your lawn regularly.
Control
A mixture of cinnamon and clove oil can be used to keep snakes away from your home. This requires
regular reapplication for continued effectiveness.
We recommend the following snake control products:
http://www.pestrol.com.au/pest-animals/outside/snakes.html
www.pestrol.com.au