Residential Services

Common household pests

On the Mornington Peninsula, termites are a notable concern for homeowners. Termites you may encounter fall primarily into two categories: subterranean termites and dampwood termites. Subterranean termites are the most economically impactful and pose a significant threat to homes, potentially causing extensive damage. In contrast, dampwood termites typically infest weathered and rotting wood, often found only in garden timbers, and are less of a threat to the structural integrity of homes.

Old timber houses or homes lacking an active termite management system are particularly vulnerable to termite infestations. Structural damage can often go unnoticed unless homeowners regularly inspect roof spaces or areas beneath the floor. More visible signs of termite activity may appear in timber skirting boards, architraves, window frames, or floorboards.

To protect your home from termite damage, it is essential to conduct at least annual inspections and ensure the installation and maintenance of an active termite management system. This proactive approach is the best defense against termite infestations.

The European wasp is an introduced species and therefore doesn't have natural predators in Australia to keep its numbers in check. European wasps are a pest because they are far more aggressive than native wasps. They are known for nesting inside wall cavities in peoples homes, eventually bursting through into the dwelling. Wasp numbers peak in February to April on the Mornington Peninsula after nests have grown in size and queens look to establish new nests.

The best method of wasp control is to locate the nest, or nests, in the surrounding area and eradicate them using an insecticide registered for the purpose, which is best done by a professional due to the significant health risk.

European honey bees are an important species to modern humans, pollinating approximately 70% of our food crops. In Australia, however, as an introduced species, their impact on the environment is not always positive as they compete for the food and nesting sites of other native animals. PENPEST now offers ethical treatment of bees, relocating them to a new home where their environmental impact is minimised and they can continue their important pollination work. As a last resort, where the bees pose an unacceptable safety risk and relocation is not feasible, pest control measures can also be implemented.

Rats are fairly intelligent as they scavenge for food or new harbourage, easily adapting to human presence and activity. On the Mornington Peninsula, there are several species of rats and marsupial non-pest animals often mistaken for rats. The pest species are the infamous Roof Rats and the Brown Rats.

Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus): Also known as the common rat, this species is widespread in both private homes and businesses. Brown rats are adaptable and can thrive in various environments. They are known for their gnawing behavior and can cause damage to structures and electrical wires.

Black Rat (Rattus rattus): The black rat is another common pest in Australia. It was introduced to the country and is often found in urban areas. These agile climbers are skilled at accessing roofs, walls, and other elevated spaces. Black rats can carry diseases and pose health risks to humans. Their presence can lead to structural damage and health hazards.

Both species require effective pest control measures to prevent infestations and protect homes and businesses.

Mice are small rodents that are commonly found in homes and businesses. They are known for their ability to reproduce quickly and can become a significant pest if not controlled. Mice can cause damage to structures, insulation, and wiring, and they are also known to carry diseases.

Ants become problematic when they venture indoors in search of food and water or to establish their nests within buildings or gardens. Black ants of various species are often found in kitchens, laundries, and bathrooms, drawn by sweet liquids and foods. Once black ants have established themselves in a home, they can be hard to fully eradicate. Since they’re drawn to sources of heat they can cause electrical problems in powerswitches, short-circuting them while being a general nuisance throughout the building.

Spiders use venom to subdue their prey. Occasionally, this venom is used against a human in defence but spider fangs are often unable to penetrate the human skin. However, some spiders that can bite humans may inflict painful and, in rare cases, dangerous bites. Most spiders are completely harmless to humans but since a number of species consider other spiders as food, having spiders in and around your home might attract infamous variants such as White-tails.

The Mornington Peninsula is home to a variety of spider species, each with distinct behaviors and habitats. The black house spider is known for the extensive webbing it creates on the exteriors of homes. Inside, one may find the daddy long legs, recognized by their long, thin legs and tendency to spin webs in corners. In gardens and garages, caution is advised due to the presence of red back spiders, which are known for their dangerous bites. White tail spiders, which roam within homes, can also deliver a painful bite if disturbed. Lastly, huntsman spiders may appear intimidating due to their size and speed, but they are generally not considered as dangerous as they look.

The best defence against spiders in and around your home is regular (usually annual) sprays in spring, summer or autumn.

Some species of Cockroaches are considered a pest and can pose risks for people such as: Allergen source and asthma trigger, carriers of harmful bacteria, and unhygienic behavior. The best defense against potential cockroach infestations is to keep homes and commercial sites as hygienic as possible. If this fails, it is highly recommended to use one of the several pest control treatments available to eradicate them.

While flies serve essential ecological roles, their potential for disease transmission and annoyance makes them pests in various contexts. They are known to be able to spread diseases such as salmonella, dysentery and hepatitis through their hairy bodies and because of their mobility between waste (human or organic) and food preparation areas and utensils. Being a source of food, flies will attract other pests such as spiders.

Mosquitos are often regarded as one of the most dangerous insects globally due to their ability to transmit deadly diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. On the Mornington Peninsula, residents enjoy a relatively lower risk of mosquito-borne diseases. However, there is still a potential risk of encountering flesh-eating viruses and other viral infections, which although rare, can have severe health implications. It's important for residents to take preventive measures such as using insect repellent and maintaining clean surroundings to minimize these risks. In the case of significant mosquito infestations, professional pest management is recommended to reduce mosquito numbers.

Carpet moths and beetles are common pests that can cause significant damage to carpets, upholstery, and clothing. They are often difficult to detect in their early stages, as they tend to hide in dark, undisturbed areas. Regular vacuuming and cleaning can help prevent infestations, but professional pest management is necessary for severe or recurring cases.

Pantry moths and other stored product pests can infest food packaging and pantries, leading to contamination and waste. They are often introduced through infested food items and can be difficult to eliminate once established. Regularly inspecting and cleaning pantry areas, along with proper food storage practices, can help prevent infestations. Professional pest management may be necessary for severe infestations to ensure complete eradication and prevent recurrence.