Pest Library

Know your pest.

A quick guide to common Sydney pests — signs to look for, risks, prevention tips and how we treat them.

Cockroaches

Fast-breeding insects that thrive in warm, humid spaces around kitchens, bathrooms and roof voids.

Signs: Droppings, smear marks, egg cases and live sightings at night.
Health risks: Spread bacteria and trigger asthma and allergies.
Damage: Contaminate food, packaging and cooking surfaces.
Prevention: Keep food sealed, fix leaks, and clean behind appliances.
Treatment: Gel baiting, residual sprays and roof void treatment where required.

Spiders

Includes Redbacks, Huntsman, White Tail and Black House spiders.

Signs: Webs in eaves, sheds and corners; live sightings.
Health risks: Some species deliver medically significant bites.
Damage: Minimal structural damage; mostly a safety concern.
Prevention: Clear webs regularly, reduce clutter and seal entry points.
Treatment: External barrier sprays to eaves, fences and gardens.

Termites

Silent destroyers that can cause major structural damage before being noticed.

Signs: Mud leads, hollow-sounding timber, sagging floors and discarded wings.
Health risks: Significant property damage — rarely covered by insurance.
Damage: Can destroy structural timbers within months.
Prevention: Annual inspections, manage moisture and remove timber against walls.
Treatment: Inspections, monitoring stations, baiting and barrier systems.

Ants

Black, Coastal Brown, White Footed and Argentine ants commonly invade Sydney homes.

Signs: Trails along benches, skirting boards and around food.
Health risks: Contaminate food; some species bite.
Damage: Generally minimal, but persistent infestations are disruptive.
Prevention: Clean spills quickly, store food sealed and seal entry points.
Treatment: Species-specific baiting and non-repellent sprays to target the colony.

Rodents

Rats and mice that nest in roof voids, wall cavities and sheds.

Signs: Droppings, gnaw marks, scratching at night and chewed packaging.
Health risks: Spread disease and contaminate food.
Damage: Chew wiring, insulation and structural materials — fire risk.
Prevention: Seal entry points, store food in containers and remove harbourage.
Treatment: Inspection, baiting and lockable rodent stations with follow-up checks.

Wasps

European and paper wasps build nests in roofs, eaves and gardens.

Signs: Visible nests and increased wasp activity around the property.
Health risks: Painful stings and serious risk for those with allergies.
Damage: Minimal structural damage but a major safety issue.
Prevention: Inspect eaves regularly and address activity early.
Treatment: Safe, same-day nest removal with full PPE.

Bees

Important pollinators that sometimes establish hives in unwanted locations.

Signs: Visible swarms or hives near homes or businesses.
Health risks: Stings and allergic reactions.
Damage: Hives in cavities can cause moisture and structural issues.
Prevention: Seal cavities and consult professionals before disturbing a hive.
Treatment: Advice and referral to licensed bee keepers wherever possible.

Mosquitoes

Biting insects breeding in stagnant water around homes.

Signs: Bites, buzzing, and visible adults around dawn and dusk.
Health risks: Can transmit diseases and cause severe irritation.
Damage: None structural.
Prevention: Remove standing water and screen windows.
Treatment: External harbourage treatment and source reduction advice.

Silverfish

Small, wingless insects found in dark, humid areas.

Signs: Damage to paper, books and fabric; silvery scales.
Health risks: No direct health risk.
Damage: Destroy books, photos, fabrics and stored items.
Prevention: Reduce humidity and clutter; store paper goods in containers.
Treatment: Targeted spraying in roof voids, cupboards and storage areas.

Fleas

Biting parasites often introduced by pets.

Signs: Itchy bites, especially around ankles; flea dirt on pets.
Health risks: Allergic reactions and skin infections.
Damage: None structural.
Prevention: Treat pets regularly and vacuum frequently.
Treatment: Internal and yard treatments alongside pet treatment by your vet.

Ticks

Blood-feeding parasites found in bushy, grassy areas.

Signs: Attached ticks on pets or people.
Health risks: Can transmit disease and cause paralysis in pets.
Damage: None structural.
Prevention: Keep grass low, treat pets and check after time outdoors.
Treatment: Yard treatment focused on harbourage areas.

Bed Bugs

Small biting insects that hide in mattresses, bed frames and furniture.

Signs: Itchy bites in lines, dark spots on mattresses and shed skins.
Health risks: Allergic reactions and disrupted sleep.
Damage: Can spread quickly through a property.
Prevention: Inspect second-hand furniture and luggage after travel.
Treatment: Targeted heat or chemical treatment with thorough preparation.

Birds

Pigeons and other birds nesting on roofs, ledges and solar panels.

Signs: Droppings, nesting material and noise.
Health risks: Droppings can carry disease and damage surfaces.
Damage: Can damage solar panels, roofs and cause blockages.
Prevention: Install bird spikes and solar panel proofing.
Treatment: Bird spikes, mesh and prevention solutions.

Pantry Moths

Small moths that infest stored dry foods.

Signs: Webbing and small caterpillars in pantry items.
Health risks: Contaminate food.
Damage: Spoils stored goods.
Prevention: Store dry goods in sealed containers and rotate stock.
Treatment: Source removal and targeted pantry treatment.

Clothes Moths

Small moths that damage natural fibres and clothing.

Signs: Holes in wool, silk and felt items.
Health risks: Damage to valuable garments and textiles.
Damage: Holes and weakened fabric in stored clothing.
Prevention: Store clean garments in sealed containers and air wardrobes.
Treatment: Wardrobe and storage treatment with prevention advice.

Earwigs

Garden insects that occasionally enter homes.

Signs: Live sightings in damp areas indoors and outdoors.
Health risks: Generally harmless to humans.
Damage: Can damage plants and seedlings.
Prevention: Reduce moisture and remove garden debris near the house.
Treatment: External perimeter spraying.

Millipedes

Multi-legged invertebrates that can swarm into homes seasonally.

Signs: Large numbers indoors during damp weather.
Health risks: Harmless but a nuisance.
Damage: None.
Prevention: Seal external gaps and reduce mulch close to walls.
Treatment: External barrier spraying.

Centipedes

Fast-moving predatory invertebrates found in damp areas.

Signs: Live sightings, often at night.
Health risks: Some species can deliver a painful bite.
Damage: None.
Prevention: Reduce moisture and clutter.
Treatment: Targeted external treatment.

Crickets

Noisy insects that can enter homes during warmer months.

Signs: Chirping at night and live sightings.
Health risks: Harmless.
Damage: Can damage fabric in large numbers.
Prevention: Seal entry points and reduce outdoor lighting near doors.
Treatment: External and internal harbourage treatment.

Possums

Native animals — inspection and prevention advice where permitted.

Signs: Noise in roof voids and droppings.
Health risks: Protected wildlife — must not be harmed.
Damage: Can damage insulation and electrical wiring.
Prevention: Trim trees away from roof and seal entry points after professional advice.
Treatment: Inspection and entry-point advice only — relocation handled by licensed wildlife operators.

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