5 Common Pests That Invade Residential Areas

Termites are silent destroyers that can wreak havoc on your home's structure. These pests are often difficult to detect until significant damage has been caused. The first step towards effective termite management is recognising signs of infestation, such as:

Hollow-sounding timber
Piles of discarded wings
Mud tubes on the walls or foundation

If you suspect a termite problem, seek professional assistance immediately. Regular termite inspections and treatments can help protect your home from these destructive pests.

Cockroaches have been around for millions of years, surviving even the dinosaurs. Their hardiness, rapid breeding and omnivorous appetite make them challenging to eradicate. While they don't physically damage structures like termites, they pose significant health risks:

Cockroaches carry various disease-causing organisms.
They can trigger allergies.
They can even worsen asthma conditions.

To keep roaches at bay, ensure regular cleaning, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom. Sealing cracks and crevices around your home can also help block their access.

While often harmless, ants can become a nuisance when they invade our homes in large numbers. The Black House Ant and Coastal Brown Ant are particularly common in residential areas. While generally more of an annoyance than a threat, species like the Red Imported Fire Ant are a genuine hazard. Their sting can cause severe allergic reactions. Ants are attracted to food, especially sweets. Thus, maintaining a clean home, storing food properly and promptly cleaning spills are all effective strategies to keep these pests at bay.

Huntsman, Redback and White-tailed spiders are common unwanted guests in residential areas. While most spiders are harmless and even beneficial in controlling other pests, species like the Redback can be venomous and pose a threat to health. To minimise the risk of spider bites: