The Queensland Pest Control Guide

The Queensland Pest Control Guide

Queensland is located in the North East of Australia and is the second largest and third most populous state. There is a difference of climate across the state, it ranges from hot and humid to cool.

There is usually no extremely cold or freezing weather. With the weather differences in the state, it is a good place to explore as a tourist.

This topic will be presented as follows: • • • • • •

Introduction and importance of pest control Overview of pests, prevalence in Queensland and control DIY and Eco-Friendly Pest Control Tips What to know about Pest Management Licenses in Queensland?

Finding a good exterminator Conclusion

INTRODUCTION The humid climate gives room for pests to thrive in Queensland and pests can cause permanent damage in many cases. The Pest Management Act of 2001 and the Pest Management Regulation of 2003 guide activities and regulations on licensing.

Pest inspection to any building in Queensland before activities is a wise thing to do. It saves the user/investor the trouble of putting resources into a faulty property.

Structural faults caused by pests are usually difficult to fix especially those caused by termites.

Pests are carriers of diseases and do not only pose health hazards but also cause damage to property. Having a plan to control them is important as this prevents further infiltration where it already exists. Where pests are not present, a control plan prevents an infestation from happening.

OVERVIEW OF PEST PREVALENCE IN QUEENSLAND AND CONTROL Pests such as rodents, insects and birds can damage crop and reduce land fertility.

Some of these pests transmit diseases such as Hendra Virus, Brucellosis, and Ringworm to farm animals which can also be transmitted to human beings. This can become a health epidemic if not detected early.

Some of the pests that can be found in Queensland are:

1. Rodents People instantly think of rats and mice when it comes to rodents. There are other rodents that are prevalent in Queensland such as moles, beavers, lemmings, squirrels, among others.

However, the focus here will be limited to rats and mice.

• Rats have a gestation period of nineteen days so reproduction happens quickly where there is constant food supply.

• Rats are generally found in homes, rubbish areas and areas where cooking constantly takes place such as restaurants.

• These rodents also cause damage to crops and plants, reducing food supply from agricultural produce. They eat plant parts especially the part that contains starch.

• Rodents are carriers of ticks, mites and fleas that carry disease such as lyme disease and sometimes malaria. These diseases can cause a break out of plagues to both people and animals resulting to death if not detected quickly.

• Rodents pose a problem not just to health, but also to property and agricultural products as they can reduce land fertility. In Queensland alone, there are up to twenty-four native species of rodents but three are known to be prevalent, the brown rat, roof rat and house mouse.

Control One way to know that rodents are present is when their droppings are seen. There are various rodenticides that can be used to get rid of rodents, some are toxic and should only be used once. Examples of rodenticides are hypercalcemia and metal phosphides.

Others might require repeated usage. When rodenticides are used, it is advisable for occupants to stay away and keep all edible items properly sealed and locked away in cupboards. In farms or where it might be unsafe to use chemicals, poison baits could be used as this targets the rodents specifically.

2. Ticks and fleas spread rapidly • • • • •

Flea bites are a source of discomfort and cause itching and inflammation.

Following the scratching, the skin might be left prone to infections.

Murine typhus is a disease transmitted to human beings by fleas.

As fleas feed, they defecate which causes itching on the victim’s skin.

When scratched and the skin breaks, feces from the fleas get into the body causing allergies.

• Tick bites can also cause allergies and diseases to animals. The worst-case scenarios of this could lead to paralysis.

• When these two insects invade an animal, they can lead to the animal’s death. The blood is constantly sucked which leaves it anemic.

Control Whether in Queensland or anywhere in the world, such health risks can be prevented or treated by practicing safe pest control. Rodents which are mostly carriers of ticks and fleas should be prevented. Nevertheless, if these pests already exist, especially on pets, residents in Queensland are advised to call a veterinary doctor.

3. Silver Fish Sliver Fish move in a squirming way as fish do, and have a silvery blue colour, explaining the name.

• Silverfish can be as damaging as termites, the difference is that the damage they cause can be spotted early, before it is irreparable.

• They thrive in humid places or around dampness.

• They are referred to as paper enemies in Queensland so it is easy to see that they are not found only in homes but also in offices.

Control They feed on cellulose, sugar and starch which is in food items, fabrics and paintings. The best way to keep silverfish away would be to keep places dry and properly ventilated.

Calling a pest control agency is the best way to have an outbreak of silverfish managed.

4. Cockroaches Cockroaches can easily be found around rubbish, food droppings, and bathrooms, damp and warm places.

• Due to the kind of places cockroaches are found, they have germs on them and when they walk over items that people use, they leave deposits of these germs.

• Some of the common diseases that result from these germs are salmonellosis and gastroenteritis.

Control Keeping places dry, properly ventilated and storing food appropriately in air tight containers. Low toxicity insecticide can be used every now and then in possible places where cockroaches might be to keep them away or eliminate them. But if there is an outbreak, a pest control agency will be required to deal with the situation.

5. Bed Bugs Bed bugs are little insects that are believed to be carried around by people who might have travelled to other states, countries or places.

• Bed bugs attach themselves to luggage, bedsheets or pillowcases. Once these are taken out of a suitcase, they wait for the opportunity to bite.

• They are active while people are asleep.

• They can infest a place quite quickly and is difficult to treat.

• Bed bugs draw blood and the bites leave the skin swollen and red with an itchy dark centre.

• One of the dangers of these bites is an allergic reaction.

Control Insecticides can be used but sometimes this is not sufficient, it has to be combined with steam. The reason is that insecticide does not kill the eggs, steam does.

Professional extermination has to be employed for this and it is recommended that when they are found in a house, all areas should be treated. The bites can be treated for infections with anti-itch or antiseptic cream, but if it persists, seeking media attention is advised.

6. Termites Termites are small insects that tend to live in groups.

• There are different species of them but they cause permanent damage.

• The damage is mostly noticed when it has already been done.

• Sometimes damage starts to manifest and can be controlled.

Control In Queensland, they are considered to be the most destructive pests. There are laws for timber pest inspection every year but even more regularly in higher risk areas.

It is generally advised to refrain from spraying them when detected. Once they spread, they cause serious damage even in a few hours. Instead, it is best to call on the Housing Services Centre.

There are ways to determine whether there might be termites and how to avoid them in the following link: https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/public-communityhousing/termites/

7. Fire Ants Fire Ants are popularly called red ants and unlike other ants, they bite then sting, injecting a toxic alkaloid venom.

• The bite is a painful sting that can be likened to a fire burn.

• This bite could be deadly to sensitive people as it causes severe allergic reactions or excessive swelling.

• These ants build large mounds in open areas and feed on young plants and seeds.

• They are dangerous to small animals as once they attack, they can kill them.

They are also quite aggressive with insects.

• Fire ants are destructive to small ground fauna in Queensland and could endanger some of Australia’s exclusive native ground fauna. This conclusion was drawn when fire ants infested a bushland in Brisbane.

• These small but powerful insects can cause huge damage to farm produce.

They eat up the roots and stems of young plants and seeds, preventing them from developing.

• Fire ants can cause an inhibition to outdoor activities as people tend to avoid areas where these ants can be found.

• Where they form mounds in open areas of recreation, they can destroy public property and equipment.

Control In Queensland, the government-imposed movement restrictions in areas where fire ants were detected. This means also that commercial operators cannot move materials as they could carry fire ants with them.

Another way to eliminate them would be to pour liquid insecticides (chemicals) into the mounds. This eliminates the mounds quite fast although a residue is left behind.

DIY AND ECO-FRIENDLY PEST CONTROL TIPS There are times when reaching a professional immediately might not be possible.

At times like that, taking action might be necessary. Here are some tips: • Rodents - traps could be used such as glue traps and poison baits.

• Fleas - infested clothes should be boiled then left for five days to a week before use.

• Fire ants - pour boiling water over mounds but this has only a 60% rate of success. Some fire ants might make it away to another location.

• Cayenne pepper, lemon juice and vinegar also drive ants away. So this can be used in their path to keep them away.

• In general, attention to good hygienic practices saves many of any possible pest infection. Store food in sealed containers. Keep rubbish bins closed.

Keep the gutters and the environment clean. Repair leakages around sinks or pipeline once there are any.

• In the walls, seal all cracks where these pests could live and lay eggs.

• These DIY methods have little or no toxic materials and are eco-friendly pest control methods. That way, everyone is rest assured that he/she has not contributed to anything that can cause damage to the environment.

PEST MANAGEMENT LICENCES As Queensland is concerned with the safety of all citizens, there are guidelines indicating the procedures to obtain a license. Here is some information to bear in mind: • A license will only be granted to an individual and not a business, and may not be transferred.

• Only a Pest Management Technician or a trainee being supervised by the latter can carry out pest management. Otherwise, a penalty will apply.

• Physical ability, skills and mental capacity of the individual are taken into consideration before a license is granted • Conditions of the license must be adhered to. Only activities stated in the license should be carried out. Fumigants or pesticides must not be used in violation to the Chemical Usage Control Act 1988.

• A photographic license card must be carried by the user at all times.

To apply for a license, certain conditions need to be met and the application can be made along with the required fee, supporting documents and information using this link: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/industry

FINDING A GOOD EXTERMINATOR With all the information available on the government’s website, finding an exterminator will not be difficult. There is also a number to call where guidance will be given and recommendations will be made as necessary. Otherwise, there are a few exterminators who are recommended such as www.propestcontrolgoldcoast.com.au

CONCLUSION In conclusion, pests can cause social, health, economic, agricultural, environmental and financial damage. Having prevention measures in place or ways to manage a pest infestation if it arises helps to eliminate concerns.

The risk of destruction that could be caused will also be significantly reduced.

Pests might not be completely eliminated but if the risk is kept remarkably low, it will be in everyone’s best interest.

REFERENCES • https://www.health.qld.gov.au/public-health/industry-environment/pestmanagement • https://www.qld.gov.au/gov/control-pests • http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/environment/rodents-4092.html • http://www.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/ohpenhealth-manual-atsi-cnt-l~ohp-enhealth-manual-atsi-cnt-l-ch5~ohpenhealth-manual-atsi-cnt-l-ch5.3 • http://www.propestcontrolbrisbane.com.au/ultimate-queensland-pestcontrol-guide/

• https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishingforestry/agriculture/land-management/health-pests-weedsdiseases/pests/fire-ants-qld/impacts

This Document is managed by: • Pro Pest Control Gold Coast • Address: 1/21-23 Ereton Drive, Arundel, Qld 4214 • Website: https://www.propestcontrolgoldcoast.com.au/