Your Questions, Our Answers!

Hi, Do termites only get into houses/structures during the warmer months? - Submitted by Doreen, Ballina, NSW, Australia

It is true that in the cooler regions, termites do tend to become less active and somewhat “torpid” In the warmer regions (and Ballina fits into that category, having a milder winters) subterranean termites are active and vigorously seek new feeding sites all year round.

Can you tell me if you can provide pest control for ticks? I read in the US they use Permethrin Pro. Can this be used in NSW? - Submitted by Phil, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Very few pesticides registered in the USA are also registered in Australia. Those pesticides we do share may not be registered for use against the same pests. Currently the only pesticide of which I am aware, that is currently registered in Australia for use against paralysis ticks is “Brigade”. This insecticide is a pyrethroid (Permethrin)

“Brigade” is a granular formulation, mixed with sand and applied dry.

I believe that Brigade is available only to licenced pest controllers.

“Biflex” and “Country” (Bifenthrin) are also registered for use against ticks, but specifically exclude the paralysis tick (Ixodes) manager in straight away to avoid endless itching.

Thank you for this service. I currently have bedbugs in my home and I want to avoid the professionals one because of cost and two because I want to avoid chemicals. Are there safer sprays or labour work that I can use to get rid of these pests? I have been told that vaccuuming everyday may work to get rid of the eggs and the bugs themselves, will this be effecient? Also, can they be hiding underneath the carpet since my entire house is carpeted?
Once again, thank you!
- Submitted by Eloisa, Langley, BC, Canada

Hi Eloisa

Thank you for your question. It is indeed a very good one, and topical, as the problem is now worldwide!

Bedbugs are a very complex insect and rather difficult to control using home remedies.

Because they are rather good travellers and very quick on their feet, don’t be fooled into thinking they will be limited to just the bedrooms.

They have been known to take shelter in attics, upper level rooms in multi storey buildings and even cellars.

They can hide behind loose wallpaper, certainly under the edges of carpet, behind and in wardrobes and cupboards and even between boards in timber floors. Because they are rather flattened in structure, they are able to conceal themselves in the most unlikely places. If lucky, they may be limited to hiding in the box springs of ensemble bedding and behind bed headboards, but you do need to be lucky.

Treatment

Steam does work. Anywhere there are cracks, gaps, lifted edges, etc. should be vacuumed thoroughly, and the tailings contained and either burnt (preferably) or stored in sealed, sturdy plastic bags and placed in garbage.

Not sure how well they will work, but for some years steaming wands for cleaning bathrooms etc that were advertised on infomercials. These “might” yield a satisfactory result. Professional pest controllers do use steaming wands, however, they are worth many hundreds of dollars.

My understanding of the pesticides used against bed bugs in all English speaking countries is that they range from effective to very effective. All are as safe as pesticides can be. Problem is most are only available to pest controllers. You could try diatomaceous earth used as a dust (Delta Dust and no folks, its not available in Australia). Apply along baseboards and all gaps. I also understand Sterifab is used on fabrics.

There are bed bug skills that cannot be taught on a blog, and in all honesty, if the infestation is serious, I would have reservations about any non-chemical attempts at bed bug control.

From discussions with pest control colleagues in USA, you could be paying up to $1200.00 for a treatment depending upon the extent of the infestation. I assume Canada prices would be similar. A huge amount of money with a dubious warranty, but if you pick a good operator, it may well be your only viable option. (Ask for references, especially successes in motels and hotels, as the managers will not tolerate failure)

Good luck with your plight

James D