Domestic Pest Control

Commonly, household pests refer to those such as ants, spiders, rodents, cockroaches, fleas, silverfish and bedbugs. At Paramount Pest Control we mould solutions to suit your specific needs. We understand that at times pest control can be a necessity and protecting your home and family is our number one priority.

It can be frustrating to feel there is no end in sight to your pest problem. In winter we are plagued with mice and rats, and in summer we are confronted with bees and ants. Call the experts and let Paramount Pest Control take action against these pests. Better still, act before the problem occurs and ask about our preventative treatments. We will treat your property to ensure there is an effective barrier to keep these pests out.

Rodents

Rats and mice are seasonal pests, usually infesting your home during winter and autumn. They often nest in your roof void, wall voids or cupboards and are found rummaging around your main food sources, such as your kitchen. The gnawing and scratching sounds you hear coming from your roof or walls can cause serious harm to a range of materials in your home. Rodents can damage your skirting and plaster boards, electrical wires and machinery, which can even lead to a house fire! The biggest problem with rodents is the contamination they transmit via their droppings, and the fleas or worms that they carry.

Mice: The most common types of mice to nest in your home are House and Field Mice. They are small, have large ears and a pointed snout. Indoor mice are usually dark grey, where outdoor mice are a sandy colour. Generally they have a life cycle of one year, and in that time can have between 6-10 litters with around 5 young in each. They are most active at night and are very territorial, meaning they can easily settle upon entering your home.

Rats: The most common rat species in Australia are the Norway Rat and the Roof or Black Rat. The Norway Rat is the larger of the two, with a life cycle of 9-12 months. In that time it can have 5-6 litters, each with 8-10 young. The young sexually mature within 3-4 months, so the reproductive potential is quite alarming. The Roof Rat has a slighter build with a pointed snout, large prominent ears and a tail longer than its body. Again it lives from 9-12 months and can have 4-5 litters in that time, with 6-8 young in each. They are creatures of habit, and can easily settle into their surroundings and leave behind more than 50,000 droppings in a year!

Spiders

Spiders in the home can range from the White Tail to the Redback or Huntsman. Spiders are a class of Arachnid that can be divided into Crawling or Hunting Spiders and Webbing Spiders. They have eight jointed legs and their bodies are divided into two sections. Nearly all Arachnids are nocturnal and aren’t often seen during the day unless they are disturbed.  The venom of Arachnids is not necessarily poisonous to humans. Some spiders are capable of causing death by introducing a toxic substance into the bloodstream, but most bites result in no more than localised swelling and pain.                                   

Ants

Ants are one of the most frustrating pests in the home, as a whole colony can appear in the blink of an eye. There are over 12, 500 classified ant species.  Ants live with their entire colony in a nest and have a specific division of labour that allows them to actively communicate and solve complex problems. When scavenging for food, workers leave the nest by travelling in trails once a food source has been established. Ants have the ability to pose a health risk. They carry disease organisms that can cause Dysentery, Smallpox and other bacteria such as Salmonella.  They commonly scavenge in kitchens and other food handling areas, such as garbage cans, dog faeces.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of the most ancient insects and have been around for over 350 million years. There are currently around 400 species in Australia. These pests have flattened oval-shaped bodies, compound eyes and long antennae. Infestation of cockroaches develops in and around buildings and other structures that provide food and shelter. Cockroaches are mostly nocturnal creatures which hide during the day and become active at night in order to find food. Most cockroaches rest in cracks and crevices and hide in the security of enclosed surfaces. Cockroaches can contaminate food products, utensils and various areas with droppings and skins. Some people may be allergic to cockroaches and develop skin irritations or asthmatic problems. This occurs when food is contaminated by cockroaches and ingested by humans.

Earwigs

There are 85 different species of earwigs in Australia. They are easily recognised by the pair of pincer-like cerci attached to the end of their bodies. Their lifecycle includes the female laying 20-80 eggs after mating. The female then protects and cleans the eggs during incubation, which will hatch after 2-3 weeks. Earwigs are mostly nocturnal and prefer damp and confined spaces.

They are generally omnivorous, eating living and dead plant and animal matter. Earwigs can be annoying when found crawling around your home.

Silverfish

There are approximately 28 species of silverfish in Australia. The issue with having silverfish in your home is that they feed on a wide variety of materials such as linen, rayon, starch in clothing, wallpaper, book bindings, paper and dried meats. Evidence of their feeding is apparent by small holes in clothing and other possessions as mentioned. These pests restrict their activities to undisturbed areas such as closets, draws and bookcases.

Millipedes

The Garden Millipede is the most common species of millipede to invade your home. Millipedes generally feed on organic matter such as fruit and vegetables and prefer damp spaces. They are non-toxic and cannot inflict any wounds on humans, but they produce a fluid used to repel other insects. Millipedes become a nuisance throughout spring and autumn, where, after heavy rain they migrate away from feeding areas and invade homes.

Carpet Beetles

Carpet Beetles are damaging due to their ability to feed on animal based materials in your home such as fabrics, furnishings and clothing containing wool, silk, fur and felt. They are small with compact, oval bodies and usually invade the home throughout summer and spring. Adult Carpet Beetles lay eggs near food sources and can often linger in one area for more than 6 months. They are most commonly found in carpets, rugs, wall hangings, clothing and wool insulations. Areas where they feed can often be infested by their droppings and cast skins.

Fleas and Flies

There are around 90 species of fleas in Australia. They are small and parasitic insects considered as blood suckers, feeding on mammals. Bites can cause irritation and even transmit disease. Fleas are most prevalent in your home during summer, as high humidity is good for the development of larvae. Adult fleas can jump onto their hosts and start feeding instantly. Most flea bites occur around the lower legs and ankles, with irritation and itchiness persisting for days. Most commonly fleas are spread from household pets, such as dogs or cats.

Flies are the most common flying insect in the home. The common housefly breeds in animal wastes and decaying organic material from which it can pick up bacteria and viruses that may cause disease. House flies are generally found in the greatest numbers during hotter summer months. House flies cannot bite but they may play an important role in disease transmission to humans and animals. They serve as carriers of disease agents due to their tendency to feed on animal wastes, garbage, and human foods.

Bees and Wasps

Bees and wasps can be a cause for distress throughout the warmer months. The two belong to the insect order Hymenoptera.  Bees enjoy settling around homes, between walls and in chimneys. They are not generally considered as dangerous, although may sting if they feel their colony has been disturbed. When bees establish a new colony or hive on a property, the colony must be killed, especially when people who are allergic can possibly be stung.

The two species of wasps most prevalent in Australia are the European Wasp and the Paper Nest Wasp. European Wasps prefer to nest around human habitation where they can scavenge food and sweet liquids. Large numbers of wasps can be attracted to picnics and barbeques and interfere with outdoor activities. Wasps are especially dangerous because unlike bees, they can sting a victim repeatedly. The venom from the sting of a European Wasp contains several toxins which may cause a hypersensitive or allergic reaction in some people. When pest control is necessary, a technician must be experienced in controlling bees and wasps and have all the necessary personal protective equipment.

Bedbugs and Lice

Bed Bugs are small, wingless insects that feed solely upon the blood of warm blooded animals, and hence, humans. Most commonly, your home is invaded by Beg Bugs if you or someone you live with has recently been travelling and has transported them. Although Bed Bugs do not transmit any serious diseases, their bites can be irritating and cause very sore, swelling marks on the body. Generally Bed Bugs are associated with hotels, taverns, inns and hostels. Bed Bugs spend most of their time hidden in cracks and crevices close to their sleeping hosts. During the night, they feed on their hosts and then return to their hiding places.