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What we do

PESTRID’s Deluxe General Pest Treatment covers cockroaches, internal ants, external spiders and silverfish and is the most thorough treatment available. The roof void is first fogged out with permethrin powder, killing all pests on contact and as it settles works as residual contact killer for months, followed by the weep holes to treat the wall cavities for unreachable pests. Then the building is sprayed from eaves to ground level for spiders with bifenthrin including all areas of concern followed by an odourless fuss free internal treatment using deltamethrin.

SPECIFIC PEST CONTROL TREATMENTS
PESTRID also offers the specific Pest Treatments below:

Termites- Cockroaches- Spiders- Ants- Rodents- Fleas-Bed Bugs

Visit our "Specifications Page to view all MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets)" on:

DRAGNET – Permethrin Dust BIFLEX ULTRA/AQUA – Bifenthrin
CISLIN – deltamethrin
TALON WAX BLOCKS - Brodifacoum MAXFORCE GEL - Hydramethlynon

TERMIDOR CHEMICAL/DUST - Fipronil STARYCIDE IGR - Triflumuron

TERMITE INSPECTIONS

PESTRID Termite Inspections/Pre-purchase Timber Pest Inspections are conducted using the latest detection equipment available, a Termatrac – micowave movement detection machine, Bug-eye Technoscope – camera which enables inspection of suspect wall cavities and the Tramex Moisture Meter for locating active termite areas. First the fenceline is inspected followed by garden eg landscaping timbers, retaining walls, stumps then wall exterior, subfloor, interior and finally the roof void. Henceforth we carry out a most thorough inspection giving our clients complete peace of mind.
For more information on our professional detection equipment visit the following sites:

Visit TERMATRAC

Visit BUGEYE TECHNOSCOPE
Visit TRAMEX MOISTURE METER

*SPECIAL - DELUXE GENERAL PEST TREATMENT AND TERMITE INSPECTION

$375 (UP TO 30 SQUARES)
Contact Pestrid Pest Management now!!

TERMITE PROTECTION AND CONTROL

Termite Chemical Barrier Treatments to Buildings
For the best protection and overall peace of mind we recommend the use of Termidor fipronil for the barrier treatments as required. Termidor works quite differently from other termiticide soil treatment products which are repellents, in effect designed to repel or keep termites away from a treated soil area, rather than killing them. This means any minute gap in the treated soil can be detected and exploited by the termites to gain entry in the building. This is a major short-coming of the old-fashioned termite control alternatives, far too often, with financially disastrous consequences.
Termites tunneling in higher concentration Termidor treated soil areas abutting the building, are killed outright, within a few hours. Termites tunneling in the outer reaches of a Termidor (lower concentration) treated soil area, cannot detect the Termidor chemical which readily sticks to the termites' body. These termites remain unaffected for a few days, before sudden death occurs. This delayed lethal effect provides enough time for the Termidor chemical to be transferred back to the central colony nest to infect other termites. The "carrier" termites are able to readily spread the Termidor chemical to other termites during regular physical contact with other termites in the colony, particularly when working together in close proximity, grooming and feeding other termites, a regular function of their daily life. Termites cannot detect the Termidor chemical as it has virtually no odour, taste or smell to the termites. Termites cannibalize or carry away dead termites killed by the Termidor on their bodies, further spreading Termidor's deadly effect to other termite colony members. Biflex bifenthrin (active constituent) is a repellent termiticide with the longest lasting life on the market of ten years. We've found it very effective on many barrier treatments we’ve used it on, as it gets the job done and is cost effective for our clients.
The installation of a chemical soil barrier requires expert knowledge and specialized equipment to form a complete and continuous barrier to protect the building from a termite entry and infestation - as illustrated below:


Trench and treat soil around external concrete slab edge - a common termite entry point	Trench and treat soil around walls and piers in the sub-floor area	Use rod injection to treat soil along and around the external perimeter area of the building

Drill concrete floor along all expansion joints and cracks, and treat soil thereunder	Drill concrete floor around pipes and treat soil thereunder	Drill concrete patio areas and treat soil area therein - a high risk termite nest location

BAITING TERMITES

The Sentricon System is an effective approach to protecting structures from subterranean termites because it eliminates the colony, while being non-disruptive to property owners. Sentricon takes advantage of natural termite behaviour. Worker termites constantly forage far and wide, looking for wood to feed the colony. When they find food, like the monitoring device, they leave special scent trails to summon their nest mates to the food source. Once termites are discovered feeding in the station, the monitoring device is replaced with a bait tube. The bait substance contains a substance that stops the molting process so termites can’t grow and in time the whole colony will be affected by the bait and die.

For detailed information on baiting visit SENTRICON SITE

Services & Pricing

TERMITE INSPECTIONS

HOME (Up to 30 squares) $220

DUPLEX UNIT/TOWNHOUSE $165

PREPURCHASE INSPECTIONS $275

ANNUAL PEST/TERMITE INSPECTION

HOUSE(Up to 30 squares) $375

DUPLEX $295

COCKROACHES/SPIDERS & ANTS

HOME(Up to 30 squares) $195
DUPLEX UNIT/TOWNHOUSE $145

One of the above pest treatments only:

HOME(Up to 30 squares) $145
DUPLEX UNIT/TOWNHOUSE $125

FLEAS/RODENTS (internal)

HOME $110
DUPLEX/TOWNHOUSE $90

*EXTERNAL TREATMENTS,LARGER BUILDINGS AND COMMERCIALS WOULD NEED TO BE QUOTED BY APPOINTMENT (prices include gst)

Testimonials

"Just a quick note to tell you how delighted we were with the service received from your technician.
He was totally committed to doing a good job, furthermore he left the house as tidy, and made a traumatic experience a lot easier than could be expected."

A.Semple -Southport - QLD

"We were most impressed with the professionalism of your representative who did the inspection & quote.The same excellence and top class approach was displayed by the treatment person.
I will certainly recommend you for the service and quality information provided."

P. Bird - QLD

“They treated my property this week and their knowledge and customer service could not be faulted. I am very appreciative of the time they took to explain the service and provide recommendations for longer term maintenance. I have no hesitation in recommending Pestrid Pest Management.”

B.Holland -Robina -QLD

Material Safety Data Sheets

The Following are Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on all checmicals used by Pestrid.

Our Technicians

Welcome to a PESTRID, and as the name says we do the job, what ever the pest you need rid of. We pride ourselves on our customer service and knowledge of all aspects of pest management and are committed to proving ourselves the best at all times.

Shane Crilly has specialized in Termite Inspections and Treatments, having ten years of experience, working for two major companies and now his own. Shane conducts most of the Termite Inspections and Termite Treatments. He carries out a thorough inspection using the latest detection equipment available, a Termatrac – micowave movement detection machine, Bug-eye Technoscope – camera which enables inspection of suspect wall cavities and the Tramex Moisture Meter for locating active termite areas.

Mark Randle (ex Rentokil Supervisor), carries out the majority of general pest treatments. Mark has six years experience specializing in Commerial/Domestic Pest Management. A thorough treatment is guaranteed with our methods used, with complete risk assessment carried out prior to any treatment, and for commercial premises a folder is left on site detailing what has been done along with all safety data information on chemicals used at the site.

We only use the best and and safest chemicals with no residual smell. For all external sprays we use Biflex Aqua (Bifenthrin) and internally we use Cislin (Deltamethrin). Where food stuffs are stored or prepared we use Maxforce Cockroach Gel along with a crack and crevice treatment using Dragnet (Permethrin) Dust. For rodents we use Talon Wax Blocks (Brodifacoum), which are supplied contained in locked tamper and waterproof stations. MSDS pdf files on the above chemicals are available on our website and also more information about our treatments and termite baiting systems.

Contact Us

Shane Crilly & Mark Randle

07 55 34 84 55

info@pestrid.net.au

Common Pest Information

Ants		Silverfish
Bed Bugs	Cockroaches	Spiders
Fleas		Termites
Bees	Rats & Mice	Paper Wasps

Ants

Social insect: Most ant species are highly developed social insects that live in permanent colony nests, which depending on the species, may be in the soil, in timber, under pavers, and in the wall cavities or roof void spaces of homes and other buildings. Every home is vulnerable: Ants may travel large distances in search of food. Even the cleanest of homes can provide a ready food source for ants which once found can invade in large numbers, such that professional help is required.
A nuisance pest: A few ant species can inflict painful bites, most are a nuisance pest when they infest pantries, kitchens and BBQ areas in large numbers. Summer time is particularly problematic as the ants are out in force, building up their numbers and searching incessantly for food to be stored in their colony nest to enable their survival during the colder winter months.

Correct Identification & Pest Control Methods

Correct identification is essential: Identification of the particular species of ant is vital to implementing a control program. Some species nest in the ground, others more likely find a home in your roof void or wall cavity. Ants inside the home: we recommend use of Permethrin dust for ants nesting inside an enclosed wall cavity, around electrical junction boxes and roof void space of your home. Safer than salt: Permethrin is a natural extract of the pyrethrum plant and is of extremely low toxicity to humans, dogs, cats and other mammals. Permethrin is less toxic than is table salt.

Ants take the bait: In some cases, the use of the latest technology IGR ant baits is also recommended . Recently developed IGR ant baits containing an insect growth regulator in a sealed plastic dispenser can be placed near high activity areas whereby any foraging ants carry the bait (appertising food source) and feed to other ants in the colony nest. Effective control may take several weeks. A range of baits are available to the professional pest controller, their use depending on whether the ants species are sugar feeders or protein eaters.

Locating the colony nest is sometimes impossible as they may nest in concealed locations. However, where a nest is found, particularly in the soil then a synthetic pyrethroid liquid insecticide can be used directly into the burrow into the nest.

The cost of professional ant control using the above recommended Permethrin dust and IGR ant baits, will depend upon several factors, including the species of ant, the size of the property, the extent of infestation and ease of access to sub-floor, roof void and other likely nesting sites.

White-footed house ant

White-footed House Ant
Identification: the worker of the White-footed house ant is around 2.7mm in length, and black in color with yellow feet. Biology: Colonies of white-footed house ants often contain many satellite nesting sites spread over a wide area. Strength in numbers: The entire brood may contain several million workers and numerous reproductive queens. White-footed house ants have a preference for sweet tasting food, such as sugar, soft drinks and the like. Nesting sites: their nests are commonly found outdoors, in the ground or above ground in trees, in buildings, such as, in wall cavities, roof voids, architraves and fireplaces. They are known to get into and short-circuit air conditioners.

Odorous house ant

House Ant
Identification: the Odorous house ant is about 2 to 3 mm in length; of uniform black to brown in color and if crushed, has a distinct rotten odor, like rancid butter. Biology: Odorous house ant colonies can contain more than 10,000 workers and several reproductive females to establish subsidiary colonies. Ants from different colonies are not aggressive toward each other. Nesting sites: their nests are commonly found include outdoors in the soil, under the base of trees, and indoors. Nests in the soil are usually shallow, situated under a stone, pavers or other flat object. Inside your home: The odorous house ant commonly nest under buildings and inside wall cavities, particularly if there is a regular moisture source available. Look for moisture problems from faulty plumbing, leaking shower recess, broken guttering and roof tiles.

Coastal brown ant

Identification: The Common coastal brown ant is often confused with the Argentine Ant. Coastal brown workers approximately 2 to 3 mm in length. Nesting sites: Coastal brown ants prefer to build their nests in wall cavities, garden beds and sub-floor areas.

Carpenter Ant
Identification: Carpenter ants vary in colour from black to dark brown to an brownish orange. The carpenter ant workers are 6 to 12 mm in length. Biology: Carpenter ants often enter buildings to nest and forage. They excavate their nests in wood (hence the name "carpenter" ants), creating smooth tunnels and galleries. The colonies of some species of Carpenter ants, may exceed 100,000 workers, with multiple queens and satellite nesting sites. Most species are smaller and require many years to reach maturity. They can travel long distances in search of food. Nesting sites: they most often build their nests outside, in moist wood, soil, wigs and branches, but some species will readily infest timbers in buildings.

Bulldog Ant
Identification: Bulldog ants are 10 to 20mm in length. Nesting sites: Bulldog ants prefer to nest in garden or forest areas and will bite if provoked.

Silverfish Pest Control

Silverfish are a starch feeder they damage (eat) paper, fabrics, glues and other organic materials. They may also damage silk and some synthetic fabrics, but they usually avoid woollens.

Silverfish live in Your Home ...

Habitat:
Silverfish habit underused areas, such as roof spaces, storage rooms, basements, wall cavities, and bookcases but may roam widely throughout a building. Silverfish prefer to live in dark quiet places and are most active during the still of night.

Sinks, toilets & bathtubs:

People often find silverfish in their home in sinks, toilets and bathtubs because they have fallen in and become trapped while seeking moisture. Infestations: Silverfish infestations can start when their eggs, nymphs (young ones), or adults are brought into the home in infested cardboard boxes, cartons, furniture or similar items.

Silverfish Control ...

Inspection:

We recommended a thorough inspection first be carried out by the pest control professional to determine likely and observed habitat locations, the extent of the infestation and control methods neccessary.

Treatment: The roof void and wall cavities should be treated with a synthetic pyrethroid dust using specialised "dust blower" equipment. Other areas, such as basements, storage rooms and the like can be treated with a synthetic pyrethroid spray.

Bees Information

Bees are venomous - sometimes deadly

Bees are flying insects closely related to wasps and ants. Bees are a monophyletic lineage within the superfamily Apoidea, presently classified by the unranked taxon name Anthophila. There are nearly 20,000 known species of bee, in nine recognized families,[ though many are undescribed and the actual number is probably higher. They are found on every continent except Antarctica, in every habitat on the planet that contains insect-pollinated flowering plants.Common problem: Bees are a common problem during summer, often when the commercial honey bee seeks to establish a new hive inside a wall cavity of a residential or commercial premises.

Extremely aggressive: A swarm of bees can be extremely aggressive and are known to attack a person in such large numbers as to cause death. Also they are known to carry a highly toxic venom which is injected directly into the victim's bloodstream, thereby inflicting a hideous swelling of the skin, particularly of children and people with a fair complexion.

Allergic reaction: In some cases, death may arise to people who are allergic to the bee venom or who are bitten by the swarm of bees in large numbers.

Bee Control - Safety First

DO NOT attempt to eradicate swarming bees, unless you have the complete range of protective equipment and professional knowledge essential in the circumstances.

Cockroaches Information

Cockroaches carry diseases such as salmonella, dysentery, gastroenteritis and other stomach complaint organisms. Cockroaches adulterate food and spread pathogenic organisms with their faeces and defensive secretions. Asthmatic reactions: Cockroaches must moult regularly throughout their life-cycle. The discarded skin becomes airborne and can cause severe asthmatic reactions, particularly to children, the elderly and people with bronchial ailments. The cockroach begins as an egg: The female produces an egg sac which she carries or deposits in a safe place. The young cockroach or "nymph" will undergo a series of moults, shedding it's external skeleton, as it grows to adulthood. The entire life cycle may extend to a few months depending on the species and environmental factors, such as, access to food and moisture, adequate shelter and warm temperatures. Even the cleanest homes get'em: Cockroach pests and their eggs are spread throughout the community in food and other packaging. Although sanitation and hygiene are important deterrants, even the cleanest homes become infested with cockroaches due to minute deposits of grease, sugar and other food deposits in difficult to get at places, such as, in drains, behind refrigerators and dishwashers, inside cracks and crevices in kitchen cupboards. Omnivorous by nature: Cockroaches will eat almost any organic matter no matter how rancid. Once inside the home, they will seek out food scraps, unsealed food containers, sugar and grease deposits, pet food, rancid meat, glue and even book bindings. YUCK...they eat each others faeces, to feed the young "nymphs" and extract all nourishment from an organic food source. If you see a clump of pepper-like specs in your kitchen cupboards, it is likely cockroach faeces marking their courtship and nearby nesting territory. Nocturnal feeders: Cockroaches rest during daylight hours in dark warm secure harborages in your home, such as, in wall cavities, the subfloor, roof void, cracks and crevices in the kitchen and bathroom, electrical appliances and foodstuffs. They will emerge from these harborages in the still of the night. Cockroaches have an array of acute sensory and survival instincts. If you see cockroaches in your home during the day, you have a serious problem. Rapid breeding cycle: If left unchecked a cockroach infestation can rapidly expand it's numbers in a few weeks or months to become major risk to health and safety

Cockroach species identification

Correct identification is essential: There are several cockroach pest species that infest domestic and commercial premises. The identification of each species is neccessary to best determine likely harborage areas and an effective pest control program.

German cockroach - Blatella germanica

German Cockroach Identification: The body of an adult german cockroach is about 1/2 inch in length. Biege to light brown in color, with two dark stripes on back of head. World best traveller? The German cockroach is the most widely transported insect pest in the world. Infestations occur even in Alaska and other cold climates in larger installations with central heating or around machinery that produces heat. In warmer climates, it is commonly found in homes, apartments, restaurants, food processing plants, supermarkets and warehouses. Their eggs arrive in food containers, cartons, fridges, stoves and other appliances or materials brought into a building. Habitat: German cockroaches are unable to survive in locations away from humans or human activity. German cockroach infestations usually occur in bathrooms and kitchens. They like to hide-out during the day in tight secure places. Daytime harborage areas are usually near a food and moisture source, such as, inside wall cavities, behind baseboards, cracks and crevices in pantry, kitchen and bathroom cupboards, and under electrical, heating and cooking appliances.

Rapid breeding cycle: The German cockroach is the most prolific breeder among all cockroaches. The female German cockroach lives up to 6 months. She carries an egg capsule containing 30 to 40 eggs. Development from egg to adult can occur in 45 days, during which they moult 6 times. Major problems: lThe German cockroach will breed rapidly throughout the year, but favours a humid environment of around 80F or warmer. An small initial infestation can become a major problem in a few months.

American cockroach - Periplaneta americana

Identification:

The largest of the cockroach pest species, the body of an adult American cockroach or "water bug" is 1.5 to 2 inches in length. Color: reddish brown, with a yellowish band behind the head. Habitat: Preferred daytime habitat locations include the subfloor, basement, in sewers and other warm, dark, moist locations. They avoid cold areas but will thrive outdoors in temperatures above 80F. Indoors they often congregate around hot water pipes, fridge motors, boilers and other heating appliances. The American cockroach will feed on a wide variety of plant and animal material.

Rapid breeding cycle: The female life span up to 1.5 years; incubation period of eggs 6 to 8 weeks; in ideal conditions they quickly reach plague proportions.

Oriental cockroach --- Blatta orientalis

Identification: The body of an adult oriental cockroach is about 1 inch in length. Dark brown to black in color. Habitat: Most often found in dark basements or cellars, but can also climb garbage shutes, sewer and water pipes to the upper floors in highrise buildings. Oriental cockroaches prefer to feed on starchy foods.

Rapid breeding cycle: The female lives up to 2 years; deposits up to 18 egg-sacs in lifetime; each eggsac contains 16 eggs; incubation period is 1 to 2 months; development period is 12 months, undergoing 7 moults. An infestation will rapidly expand in ideal conditions, particularly during the warm summer months with temperatures regularly above 80F.

Australian cockroach --- Periplanta australasiae

Identification: the Australian cockroach is reddish brown and looks similar to American cockroach but is smaller at 1.25 inches (35mm) in body length. The Australian cockroach has`yellow strips on the outer edge of the front wings. A world-wide species that prefers a vegetarian diet. It is known to eat holes in clothing and even book covers. Habitat: Generally prevalent in areas where winters are relatively mild. However, in colder climates they are prevalent in greenhouses and near large heating appartus, air-conditioners or other equipment emitting heat constantly. They are opportunistic fliers and will infest anywhere adequate heat, humidity and food supply is available. Prime areas of interest are often pet food bowls and food waste storage areas.

Rapid breeding cycle: The female lives up to 6 months; incubation period of eggs 40 days. An infestation can rapidly expand in ideal conditions, particularly during the warmer climates when temperatures are regularly above 80F. Chronic household infestations usually eminate from the roof void, attic or sub-floor areas of the building.

Bed Bugs Information and Control

Bed Bugs are blood-suckers commonly found in motels, hostels or boarding houses where itinerant travelers stay overnight. Bed bugs are often found in buildings used to store second-hand furniture or clothing.

How do Bed Bugs get into bed? Bed bugs are transported with luggage, clothing and other articles, but not on the person. It is not possible to know if someone is a ‘bed bug carrier’. Bed Bugs do bite ... at night. Next morning you may see dots of blood in a line on bed linen. The blood has a sickly sweet odor. Also look for dried blood deposits around cracks in the bed, bed-head, flooring, bedside furniture and mattress.

Bed bugs life cycle: From the egg, the bed bug has five nymphal stages before becoming an adult. The adults and nymphs leave their harborage area to feed every 2 to 3 days. They feed for 3 to 5 minutes at night, in the early morning hours, before returning to their harborage area, usually located within a few meters from their feeding area. Bed bugs can survive for long periods without a blood meal. Adverse skin reactions: Some people have an adverse skin reaction to the bite of bed bugs. The bed bug injects an anti-coagulant chemical into the bloodstream of it's host which prevents the blood from clotting. This allows the bed bug to suck out the blood until it is fully engorged.

NOTE: The resulting irritancy of the anti-coagulant chemical around the bite site can be severe, particularly to people with soft sensitive skin. Scratching is difficult to resist but this can cause infection of the bite area. If this is a likely problem, you should consult a doctor or chemist to obtain appropriate medication.

Pest Control for Bed Bugs

A professional pest controller should be engaged to ensure safe effective control of a bed bug infestation. Firstly, a thorough inspection of the area of infestation is carried out before proceeding with control procedures. All potential daytime harborage areas must be located and treated with an insecticide registered for this purpose.

Do NOT attempt do-it-yourself pest control using a surface spray on bed-linen or mattress. Such a use could be a DANGER to the health and safety of the occupants. The pest management professional can use specialized equipment with a variety of insecticide formulations depending upon the circumstances. We recommend the safer synthetic pyrethroid insecticide dust or spray be used in certain locations. In addition, the entire area may require treatment using a fogging machine in order to achieve a satisfactory result.

What You Can Do: All clothing, bed linen, curtains, fabrics, hangings and the like must laundered prior to insecticidal treatment. Wrap mattresses in black plastic bag and place in the sun for several hours. Seal gaps in furniture, floor boards and cracks in wallpaper and other such areas where bed bugs can hide during the day light hours. High standards of sanitation and hygiene, helps as an on-going preventive measure. The entire premises should be inspected regularly for signs of bed bug infestation. Prevention of a severe bed bug infestation throughout an entire building is more likely if regular attention is provided. Use a professional pest controller for periodic insecticide treatment in any commercial lodgings situation where bed bug infestations are likely to be a problem.

Rodent Information and Control

Rats often cause electrical fires in buildings by gnawing through plastic electrical junction boxes. Rats must constantly gnaw on hard objects to cut back their constantly growing incisor teeth. In addition, they live in the most unsanitary places, and are carriers of serious health risks to humans from their droppings and constant incontinence (they use urine trails to find their way in the dark).

The brown rat, common rat, Hanover rat, Norway rat, Norwegian rat, or wharf rat (Rattus norvegicus) is one of the best known and most common rats, and also one of the largest. Thought to have originated in northern China, this rodent has now spread to all continents, except Antarctica, and is the dominant rat in Europe and much of North America. It lives wherever humans live, particularly in urban areas. It is a brown or grey rodent, with a body up to 25 cm (10 in) long, with the tail a similar length; the male weighs on average 350 g (12 oz) and the female 250 g (9 oz).

Selective breeding of Rattus norvegicus has produced the laboratory rat, an important model organism in biological research, as well as pet rats. It is the most successful mammal on the planet, other than humans.

The Black Rat (Rattus rattus) (alt. Asian black rat, Ship Rat, Roof Rat, House Rat, Alexandrine Rat, Old English Rat) is a common long-tailed rodent of the genus Rattus (rats) in the subfamily Murinae (murine rodents). The species originated in tropical Asia and spread through the Near East in Roman times before reaching Europe by the 6th century and spreading with Europeans across the world. Today it is again largely confined to warmer areas, having been supplanted by the Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus) in cooler regions.

Despite its name, it exhibits several colour forms. Compared to the Brown Rat, it is a poor swimmer, but more agile and a better climber, tending even to flee upwards. It is usually black to light brown in colour with a lighter underside. A typical rat will be 15 to 20 cm long with a further 20 cm of tail. It is nocturnal and omnivorous, with a preference for grains. In a suitable environment it will breed throughout the year, with a female producing three to six litters of up to ten young. Females may regulate their production of offspring during times when food is scarce, throwing as few as only one litter a year. R. rattus lives for about 2-3 years. Social groups of up to sixty can be formed.

The House Mouse (Mus musculus) is one of the most numerous species of the genus Mus commonly termed a mouse. It is a small mammal and a rodent. In most parts of the world, they live in close proximity to humans. Laboratory mice belong to strains of House Mice and are some of the most important model organisms in biology and medicine; they are by far the most commonly used laboratory mammal.[

Where do they live and breed? Rats and mice live in drains, under concrete, in sub-floors and in garbage refuse areas, kitchens, roof voids and other areas where a potential food and moisture source is available.
Rats and mice often become a serious problem in cold winter months when they seek food and warmth inside buildings. They may suddenly appear in large numbers when excavation work disturbs their in-ground nesting locations, or their food source is changed, such as, rats feeding in school premises may enter adjoining properties during the school holidays. Rats are commonly a problem where a building is located near waterways, creeks and canals or other places where ready water supply is available.

Professional knowledge of the rodents habits is essential to eradicate a problem, for example, rats avoid bait touched by human hand - they have an acute sense of smell "cunning as a rat".

Pest control options may include the use of sticky straps, mechanical traps and the selective use of latest generation rat baits. Any rat baiting program should use safety dispensers placed in areas and is secure from access by children and pets - such as in a roof void and sealed sub-floor and/or storage rooms.
Ring the Experts for any baiting program to obtain essential rapid control using the latest safer technology. Some of the older style rat baits are in effective as the rodents have built up immunity due to the widespread use of such baits during the past 30 years.

Rodent proofing: As a preventive measure, we recommend that all potential rodent entry points into the building be sealed to physically exclude rats and mice from entering the building. In some cases, this can be carried out by the home owner or a handy man. In more complicated domestic and commercial environments, the pest controller can provide specifications and carry out rodent proofing of the premises.

Sanitation / Housekeeping: Rodent pests thrive where food and water is readily available. All food stuffs should be kept in sealed containers or rooms. Garbage and refuse should be similarly stored. Water and food bowls for the pets or otherwise should not be left out at night as this will encourage a rodent infestation in the building.

The cost of obtaining professional rodent control will vary depending on the size of the premises and the severity of the infestation as several visits may be necessary to monitor and replenish the bait stations. Applicable service warranties may also vary depending on the circumstances.

Termites Information

Subterranean termites are a highly destructive timber pest, causing major structural timber damage to domestic and commercial buildings in Queensland. Recent industry surveys suggest that about one third of all unprotected properties are subject to attack by termites. Severe termite damage to Australian homes is on the increase due to recent changes in the type of chemicals allowed to be used, building construction materials and designs that encourage hidden termite entry and infestation.
DESTRUCTIVE TERMITE RISK ASSESSMENT *

* Based upon CSIRO data and APCA national survey
Termites live in the ground and can eat Your house down ! Termites are known to destroy the wall and roofing timbers of a home within 3 months of construction.
Termites cause more damage to homes in Australia than fire, floods, storms and tempest, combined.
Home insurance does NOT cover the repair costs of damage caused by termites to a home or commercial building.
Termites occur throughout Queensland, with a high incidence of attack in virtually all urban areas.
Termites are small in size (about half the size of match-head) and soft bodied insects. They build a central colony nest from which they construct underground tunnels that radiate in a 100 metre radius from a central colony nest in search of a timber (cellulose) food source.
Termites can build a sub-nest in a wall cavity of a home .Termites often build above ground nests, where moisture collects in the wall cavity, from leaking pipes, showers etc.

Termites travel in mud shelter tubes as protection from predators, sun-burn and dehydration. Termites maintain a high humidity environment which is essential for their survival. Termites are highly secretive, preferring to enter a building through areas inaccessible to inspection, such as, through in-fill patios, fire heaths, expansion joints and cracks in concrete slab (on-ground) flooring.Termites can pass through a 2 mm crack or an expansion joint (eating through the rubber compound) between adjoining concrete on ground flooring. They can also travel under parquetry and floor tiles to get to the wall framing timbers.

The symbiotic digestive system that can destroy your home

Only the worker termite caste can digest timber by the use of symbiotic protozoa in their gut. Worker termites feed their partly digested semi-liquid food, regurgitated from their mouth or passing from their anus, to the other termites, a process known as trophallaxis.
Termites have a well ordered social system with amazing engineering capabilities and an acute survival instinct; they obtain moisture from the soil and moist decaying timber, and communicate using pheromone signals. The mutual feeding, constant grooming and close social habits of termites are used to advantage in modern termite control baiting systems.

Certain hi-tech termite baits recently introduced on the Australian market from the USA have a delayed lethal effect on termites which readily pass on the bait to other termites in the central colony nest during the mutual grooming and feeding.

Subterranean termites need to maintain a high level of humidity and temperature (25 to 35c) in their central colony nest. Termites eat through the centre of susceptible timbers leaving nothing but a thin veneer of timber and/or paint. They will pack mud in cracks and joints in timber to prevent loss of humidity and resultant dehydration.

The Biology of Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites or & white ants" as they are often called are not ants at all. They are in fact related to cockroaches with a similar two hundred million year history. Within a termite nest there are members of different castes, each with a different role to perform. These include the queen, king, the winged reproductive (young kings and queens), soldiers and workers.

The King and Queen with worker termites

Close-up picture of worker termites

The queen following her hazardous flight and after mating becomes an egg laying machine; her body becomes hugely enlarged; she can live more than 25 years producing more that 2,000 eggs a day.

The king and queen live in a central chamber and are tended by the workers.

The workers are by far the largest cast in the termite colony and

the one that does the damage; they are a creamy translucent colour, soft bodied and carry out all work in the nest, including gathering food (timber and other cellulose); constructing tunnels; repairing and enlarging the colony nest; grooming each other and feeding the soldiers, the king, queen and also caring for the young nymphs until mature.

Worker termites are 3 mm to 4 mm long, have no wings, are sterile and blind; work 24 hours a day for several years life span in some species.

The soldiers commonly have an orange coloured armoured head.

with mandibulate pinchers which they use to crush an attacker, such as ants; some have hard pointed snout which eject a white sticky latex to ensnare their enemies.

The soldier termite is usually the first to be seen in large numbers by the home owner when the termite workings (shelter tubes or damaged timber) are opened and the soldiers rush out to guard the opening whilst the workers repair the damage.

The swarmers (reproductives) are called alates

and are commonly seen when they swarm on a hot humid summer evening around dusk; they have eyes; are poor fliers but are swept along by the wind; they land, drop their wings, find a mate to become king and queen of a new termite colony.

The swarmers are emitted in their thousands when a mature termite nest is large and well established. They land , shed their wings and attract a mate by pheromone chemical signal. If you find swarming termites, it is a sure DANGER sign that a large termite colony nest is close by and thorough inspection of the property by a a termite control expert is essential.

The Life Cycle of Subterranean Termites

THE MAIN SPECIES TYPES

It is essential for your termite control professional to properly identify the species of termite found in your property. Some species of termites found in trees, for example, will not attack dry seasoned timbers in a building, whilst others can be are highly destructive to such buildings in a short amount of time.

Coptotermes acinaciformis

Commonly found throughout Queensland particularly in urban areas or where eucalypt gum trees are highly prevalent.

Nest location - Coptotermes acinaciformis are a very secretive termite species; they build their nest out of sight, often within the base of eucalyptus or other susceptible trees, or completely under the ground; often within an enclosed patio or under concrete (on ground) flooring which is ideal for moisture retention, temperature and humidity control within the termite colony nest. This species often build subsidiary nests away from the main colony nest. A subsidiary nest can be contained in a wall cavity of a building where there is a reliable moisture source, for example, from a leaking shower recess or faulty guttering or rusted down pipes.

HIGHLY destructive nature - Coptotermes acinaciformis are highly destructive to buildings and other timber structures. They are the most widely distributed and destructive timber pest in Australia. A single colony may consist of more than one million termites. A most voracious timber pest ... one to be taken seriously.

Schedorhinotermes intermedius

Commonly found in south east Queensland, a major termite species in the Brisbane and coastal region extending up to the Bundaberg region.

Nest location - Schedorhinotermes intermedius commonly build their nest in tree stumps; in the root crown of the living, dead and debilitated trees; under houses or within enclosed patios or other areas where timber has been buried or stored in contact with the soil.

Identification - Schedorhinotermes intermedius species tend to "gouge" the affected timber and has a fetish around nails used in construction. When you first find them, you will often see a major soldier (6mm in length) and a minor soldier (4mm in length).

HIGHLY destructive nature - Schedorhinotermes intermedius are highly destructive to buildings and other timber structures. If mostly major (larger) soldiers are sighted, then they will most likely be a large colony with the potential to cause severe and rapid damage to structural timbers of a building or other timber structures.

Nasutitermes exitiosus

Commonly found in southern Queensland particularly in urban areas or where eucalypt gum trees are highly prevalent.

Nest location - Nasutitermes exitiosus build a mound nest which protrudes 30cm to 75cm above the ground. Control can be as easy as knocking the top off the nest and a follow up insecticide treatment inside the nest.

Destructive nature - Nasutitermes exitiosus are destructive to buildings and other timber structures. Sometimes severe damage may occur, but not so commonly as the other species listed above.

Coptotermes lacteus

Commonly found in south east Queensland, a major termite species in the Brisbane and coastal region extending to the Rockhampton region.

Nest location - Coptotermes lacteus most will often build their nest as a mound up to 2 metres above ground level, with hard clay walls.

Destructive nature - Coptotermes lacteus attacks stumps, dead trees, timber fences, poles and other timber structures that are in contact with the soil, being softened by weathering or decay. These termites are also known to attack such timber in damp sub-floor areas.

Nasutitermes walkeri

Commonly found along eastern Queensland particularly prevalent in coastal and mountain areas from the Cairns region down to the Queensland NSW border.

Nest location - Nasutitermes walkeri build their nest in trees on the main trunk or in the fork of a large branch.

Destructive nature - Nasutitermes walkeri can be destructive to damp timbers often a serious problem where the sub-floor of a building is damp and ventilation is poor with resulting wood decay or fungal growth.

Heterotermes ferox

Commonly found in southeastern Queensland - particularly in urban areas or where eucalypt gum trees are highly prevalent.

Nest Location - Heterotermes ferox often build their colony nest next to stumps, logs, or other timber in direct contact with the soil where some wood decay or rotting is prevalent.

Destructive Nature - Heterotermes ferox are be destructive to damp timbers and are usually found attacking fences, poles and other timber structures subject to wood decay from weathering or from being in contact with the soil. This species is often confused with the more aggressive and destructive Coptotermes acinaciformis species. Correct identification is essential.

Mastotermes darwiniensis

Commonly found in tropical Queensland generally north of the tropic of Capricorn.

Nest location Mastotermes darwiniensis build their nest (secretively) totally below the soil surface; or in the trunks and root crowns of trees and stumps. Once a nest is mature (over 100,000 or much higher) they can split off to form other nests over a wide ranging area. These sub nests are formed constantly and can sustain life for along period of time without contact to the original nest.

HIGHLY destructive Nature Mastotermes darwiniensis is one of the worlds most destructive termite species, often causing severe damage to houses, buildings, bridges, posts, poles, and many other plant and animal products. It is also an agricultural pest, responsible for ring-barking and killing living trees, shrubs, fruit, vegetable crops, sugarcane and rubber trees. It is reported to attack rubber tyres on tractors and cause damage to leather, hide, plastic or lead-sheathed cables, bitumen, bagged salt, flour, glass and various metals. Mastotermes darwiniensis is the most ancient of all the termites in the world they occur only in Queensland a termite to be feared.

Dampwood termites - form small independent nests which often attack sick or dead trees, decaying stumps or mouldy timber in the ground; they are seldom found in dry timbers in buildings.

Drywood termites - occur mostly in tropical areas, where the atmospheric humidity is constantly above 75 percent. The introduced and highly destructive West Indian drywood termite, Cryptotermes brevis, is rarely located, most recently in Brisbane and Maryborough. Specialist eradication procedures involve wrapping the entire building in plastic and using methyl bromide fumigation.

If you find termites do NOT disturb them

CONSUMER NOTE: certain termite species if left uncontrolled can cause a severe amount of damage to a building in a short amount of time. If you find termites in or around your property, it is essential that you do NOT disturb them and promptly contact us for a termite specialist to inspect the property and advise on the protective measures available.

Subterranean Termites...
Mother Nature's most prolific builders
This picture shows a large above ground termite nest found in the Northern Territory of Australia. In cooler climates, most of the destructive termite species build their nest completely below ground level.

A large colony in an urban environment is most often unseen, being totally below ground level with a nest containing more than a million termites - secretly eating the inside of your timbers leaving you an empty shell.

Spiders

Female Redback spider

The Redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti) is a potentially dangerous spider native to Australia. It resembles a Black widow spider. It is a member of the genus Latrodectus or the widow family of spiders, which are found throughout the world. The female is easily recognisable by its black body with prominent red stripe on its abdomen. Females have a body length of about a centimetre while the male is smaller, being only 3 to 4 millimetres long. The Redback spider is one of few animals which display sexual cannibalism while mating.

Redbacks are considered one of the most dangerous spiders in Australia.[ The Redback spider has a neurotoxic venom which is toxic to humans with bites causing severe pain. There is an antivenom for Redback bites which is commercially available.

Huntsman spider

Huntsman spider is a common name given to the family Sparassidae (formerly Heteropodidae). Venom toxicity - the bite of Huntsman Spiders is of low risk (non toxic) to humans. They are a non-aggressive group of spiders. However, a large individual can give a painful bite. Beware in summer when the female Huntsman Spider is guarding her egg sacs or young. Spider Identification - an adult varies greatly around 1/2" in body length - has long legs - the diameter of an adult including legs may reach 2" - the first 2 pairs of legs are longer than rear two - it is hairy - buff to beige brown in color, with dark patches on the body. Habitat - a hunter that prefers to live under the flaking bark of trees, under flat rocks and under eaves or within roof spaces of buildings. The Huntsman Spider often wanders into homes and is found perched on a wall. It is a shy, timid spider that can move sideways at lighting-fast speed when disturbed.

St Andrew Cross Spider

Venom toxicity - the bite of the St Andrews Cross is of low risk (non-toxic) to humans. They are a non-aggressive group of spiders. Spider Identification - adult 1/4" to 1/2" in body length - abdomen striped yellow and brown - as illustrated. The St Andrews Cross Spider usually sits, upside down, in the middle of its web forming a cross - as illustrated. Habitat - this spider is a web-weaver usually found in summer in garden areas around the home. It is considered beneficial as it spins a large web to snare flying insects, such as flies and mosquitoes.

The Black House Spider

The black house spider (Badumna insignis) is a common species of Australian spider. It lives in most areas of Australia and it prefers urban habitat. Its web is a messy-looking construct of triangular sail-like shapes, usually stretched in the corner of the walls, windows etc. Somewhere in the web is a funnel-shaped entrance to the nest, where spider spends most of his time, waiting for prey. It is this feature that gets the black house spider confused with the very aggressive and venomous Sydney funnel-web spider. These two spiders do not have similar appearance, size or usual habitat (funnel webs live on the ground, house spiders high up), and the confusion is simply due to panic and ignorance.

The black house spider is venomous, but is not considered dangerous to humans, except for possible infection of the bite. They are quite shy, only coming out of the nest to capture their prey, then quickly retreat.

They seem to be quite attached to their location, and their webs look more and more untidy over time, as the spider adds to it and repairs it with different kinds of silk.

The black house spider is a favoured prey of the white-tailed spider.

White Tailed Spider

The white-tailed spider, (common species are Lampona cylindrata, Lampona murina) are medium-sized spiders from southern and eastern Australia, so named because of the whitish tips at the end of their abdomens. By comparison with other well-known Australian spiders, white-tailed spiders do not appear to be particularly numerous, but may be responsible for a disproportionately high number of spider-bites because of their habits. Unlike the black house spider and the redback which are often seen in or around dwellings in a web, the white-tailed spider wanders around and may be encountered unexpectedly. Of the 130 recently-monitored cases, several spiders had been picked up off the floor accidentally by short sighted persons thinking that they were something else. More than 60% of the victims had been bitten by spiders that had got into clothing, into folded towels and into beds. In several more cases they were in shoes.

Information on the white-tail species is limited as they are only found in Australia and New Zealand with only a limited number of researchers working in the field.

Golden Orb-Weaver

Fleas Pest Control

Fleas are a parasite which feed on the blood of warm blooded animals, including humans. They pierce the skin, inject an anti-coagulant chemical into the host to prevent blood clotting and suck out the blood some passing straight through their rectum in order to lay their eggs. A flea bite can cause acute irritation, infection and transfer of other parasites, such as, tapeworms.
Fleas often enter a building on dogs and cats, and are commonly deposited in carpeted areas, in the garden, yard and under the building. Flea eggs can take several weeks to more than 12 months to hatch - generally during hot humid weather causing an instant infestation of plague proportions.

It is essential for carpets to be thoroughly vacuumed especially in low traffic areas, under furniture, etc, before habitat areas are treated with a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide containing an insect growth regulator which inhibits development during the egg and larvae stage of their life cycle. To help prevent reinfestation the home owner should regularly vacuum carpets and wash your pet (dogs and cats) with shampoo containing a flea control product.
Restrict access of your dog and/or cat, to internal and sub-floor areas particularly during the summer months.
For flea control in residential premises, the price varies depending on the size home, garden area and ease of access to various areas of the house, using the safer (more expensive) effective flea control products. Due to the likelihood of a reinfestation from insects carried in on your pets, a recurring service program may be advisable.* It is important not to vaccum or mop for a period of 14 days after we've treated for the treatment to work.

Wasps Information

Paper Wasps can be very aggressive in hot weather and may cause severe pain from their sting. They are about 20 mm in length, and should be approached with caution.

The paper wasp has brown and orange stripes and is usually found in a small papery nest usually hanging from a horizontal surface, such as, on walls under ceilings, window sills, awnings, shrubs and similar locations.

A young paper wasp queen (Polistes dominula) starting a new colony

About Us

Welcome to Pestrid the Gold Coast's premier TERMITE and all general PEST Control Specialists.
Shane Crilly & Mark Randle have over 20 Years Termite & Commercial Pest control experience between them.

We pride ourselves on our knowledge of all pests in particular TERMITES, We only use the best and and safest chemicals with no residual smell, a thorough treatment is GUARANTEED with our methods used, with complete risk assessment carried out prior to any treatment, and for commercial premises a folder is left on site detailing what has been done along with all safety data information on chemicals used at the site

Pestrid has been servicing the Tweed and Gold Coast areas of Queensland (QLD) and New South Wales (NSW) in pest control since 1998.
Fully licensed with Qld, NSW and BSA Contractor licences and insured with Pacific International Insurance.

Major Contracts

OAKS CALYPSO PLAZA RESORT/SHOPS - COOLANGATTA
SOMERSET GARDENS RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX - REEDY CREEK
THE SURFERS MANHATTAN APARTMENT BUILDING
ACACIA CENTRE - ROBINA
THE WHARF APARTMENTS - ROBINA
AKUDOS HOMES
PIZZA HUT