Pest Control

Pest management involves much more than catching, baiting and spraying.



Bear Bottom Pest Control's technicians have a detailed knowledge of the conditions that these pests seek.

We will introduce an Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM), in consultation with the owners/occupants, to ensure we bring the pest problem under control.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest control or pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

Bear Bottom Pest Control are experts in controlling the following pests-


Rodents- Rats and Mice

The three major pest species of rodents are the Norway rat, the roof rat, and the house mouse. These three rodents are known as commensal pests, which describes their ability to successfully cohabit with man. They are common in the main population centres in Australia and most countries throughout the world. Since early times, rodents have been responsible for the loss and contamination of feed from the crop stage through to the storage of processed food in both domestic and commercial premises. Rodents have been associated with the transmission of disease organisms, the most notable being the occurrence of Bubonic Plague in Europe, causing the loss of 25 million lives.

Warning Signs

~Droppings.
~Damaged stock and damage to fabric of premises.
~Nesting material - shredded insulation, cardboard, etc..
~Chewing marks on wires

Risks associated with fly infestation

~Rodents are known to spread infections such as Salmonella and Weil's disease.
~Damage to stock and buildings.
~Contamination of foodstuffs and goods.


Spiders

Although spiders don't pose a direct threat to humans in Australia, many species are venomous, and if disturbed, will inflict a painful and possibly fatal bite. Perceived undesirability in living or working spaces and webs are considered untidy, messy and dirty. Many people also suffer from a fear of spiders (arachnophobia)

Treatment method depends on activity levels and environment, but generally a residual insecticide would be a suitable treatment.

Warning Signs

~Live or dead insects.
~Cobwebs

Risks associated with Spider infestation

~Some species have toxic bites to humans and pets.


Cockroaches

The cockroach is believed to spread a range of disease-producing organisms to humans including salmonella, staphylococcus and streptococcus. The cockroach can also harbour viruses such as the polio virus.

Like the household fly, the cockroach will eat virtually anything ranging from food spills on a kitchen floor to faecal matter. Ingested bacteria can survive in the cockroach's digestive system, sometimes for months or even years, and are passed in its droppings. Cockroaches will vomit and defecate on food and it is thought that disease may be transmitted to humans when humans eat food contaminated by cockroaches.

Warning Signs

~Live insects. A sighting of cockroaches in your home/workplace usually means you have an infestation.
~Droppings and smear marks.
~Dead insects, egg cases, cast skins.

Risks associated with cockroach infestation

Cockroaches on the premises can:
~Spread diseases such as Salmonella.
~Contaminate foodstuffs.
~Damage goods, leather, books, pictures etc - cockroaches will eat almost anything.


Wasps & Bees

Being stung by a wasp or bee is a painful experience and can be life threatening to anyone who may be allergic to stings.

However, it is possible to reduce these risks by taking sensible precautions when outdoors and ensuring that wasp or bee nests are properly managed.

Warning Signs

~Live or dead insects.
~Nests — under the eaves, in lofts, in bushes or trees, etc.
~Noise — constant buzzing or humming.

Risks associated with Wasp & Bee infestation

Untreated infestations can cause:
~Contamination of foodstuffs.
~Threat of stings — some particularly susceptible individuals can even be killed by wasp stings.


Ants

Ants cause problems primarily when they forage in buildings for food or water and when they construct nests in buildings and gardens. When searching for food, they can be attracted to a wide range of products with different species preferring sweets, meats, fats or oils. They will also search indoors for water during dry periods. When desirable items are found many species will recruit fellow nest mates to help gather the food and return it to the nest. This can result in large numbers of ants appearing over a short period of time.

Warning Signs

~Live insects.
~Ant pathways in and out of your premises.
~Small heaps of earth or dirt indicating nest sites.

Risks associated with Ant infestation

Ants on the premises can:
~Infest and contaminate foodstuffs.
~Contaminate sterile areas.
~Invade hospitals.


Flies

There are many bacteria and parasites that infest the fly, making flies a major factor in spreading many diseases by touching surfaces with their legs or their saliva. After walking on excrement, flies may carry up to as many as 6 million bacteria on their feet.

Warning Signs

~Live insects and dead insects.
~Fly spots or droppings.
~Maggots — flies in their larval stage.

Risks associated with fly infestation

Fly infestation on the premises can:
~Spread diseases.
~Contaminate foodstuffs.
~Bite people.


Fleas

There are around 90 species of fleas in Australia. They are small and parasitic insects considered as blood suckers, feeding on mammals. Bites can cause irritation and even transmit disease. Fleas are most prevalent in your home during summer, as high humidity is good for the development of larvae. Adult fleas can jump onto their hosts and start feeding instantly. Most flea bites occur around the lower legs and ankles, with irritation and itchiness persisting for days. Most commonly fleas are spread from household pets, such as dogs or cats.

Warning Signs

~Itchy skin.
~Pets constantly scratching.
~Human & pet skin irritations
~Patchy loss of hair in pets.

Risks associated with Fleas infestation

~Inflammation of skin.
~Infected areas of skin.


Mosquitos

Mosquitoes are blood sucking insects that are responsible for the transmission of many diseases throughout the human and animal populations of the world. Within Australia there are more than 300 different species of mosquito but only a small number are of major concern. Several important human diseases are transmitted throughout Australia by these insects including Dengue fever, Australian encephalitis, Ross River virus disease and Barmah Forest virus disease; malaria has been transmitted locally in Australia only rarely in recent decades. In addition to being disease vectors, mosquitoes can cause major disruptions, through their persistent biting, to occupational, recreational and social activities.

Warning Signs

~Mosquitoes tend to bite in the early morning or evening.
~Bites can cause itching and a red swelling.
~Mosquitoes in flight emit a distinctive high-pitched buzz, which can interrupt sleep.
~Floating black substance on stagnant water.
Risks associated with Mosquito infestation
~Most species of mosquito can carry the viral diseases, yellow fever, dengue fever, West Nile virus and Malaria.


Stored Food Insects

Insects infesting stored foods are one of the most common household insect problems and are often referred to as 'pantry pests.' They contaminate more food than they consume, and most people find them when food is already spoiled.

Contact Bear Bottom Pest Control for any further information you need about our Melbourne pest control service.