This pest spotlight features the pest we know as the fly. While Aussies are generally used to the presence of flies, and while this might make it seem like they are an innocuous nuisance, this is not the case. When it comes to flies, a household infestation is more than just a frustration. A fly problem can bring with it health problems like disease, and flies have the potential to contaminate surfaces and food. Flies can be a problem year-round, which is why it is important to be aware of them and to know where to go for pest control services when you need them.

What are Flies?

Flies are a type of insect, and they are of the order Diptera, a word of Greek derivation that loosely translates to “two wings”. This is because insects of the Diptera order fly using one pair of highly developed wings. This order is extremely large, with approximately 1 million different species of fly.

Flies have large eyes, a mobile head, and mouths that are designed for either piercing and sucking, or lapping and sucking, depending on the type of fly. In addition to this, flies possess pads on their feet as well as claws which both enable them to land on and cling to surfaces that are smooth. No doubt, the greatest asset of the fly is the feature they were named for – their wings. These wings have evolved for optimum maneuverability when they are flying, and due to this, they can fly at high speeds and rotate in the air with ease.

Flies are found all across the world, and on each continent except for Antarctica. While there are about 1 million different species, approximately 125,000-150,000 have been formally described. This means that while up to 150,000 species have been investigated intensively, there remain many different species that have yet to be formally studied.

What is the Life Cycle of a Fly?

The life cycle of flies is actually quite complex and is separated into four life stages. First is the egg stage, which is generally very brief. Most female flies lay eggs in any number from 1 to 250, and some lay further successive batches of eggs.

This is usually followed quickly by the larva stage, with eggs hatching into larvae after days, or in some cases, just a few hours. This stage is usually relatively long compared to the adult life of a fly. Most larvae develop in an environment that provides protection, such as fruit and vegetable matter and fungi, or else in a totally aquatic environment.

Next is the pupa stage, when pupae take on various different forms depending on their particular grouping. Pupae possess all of the external adult features of flies, such as their legs, wings, and antennae. However, in this stage, the pupae may be encased in some form of a cocoon, or in some cases, another type of matter like silk, or soil.

Later, an adult fly will emerge from the pupa. In this stage, the fly is born with colourless skin, and in taking its first breaths, it expands which begins to force blood around its body. The adult life of a fly is short, and during this time its only function is to mate, carrying on the circle of life.

When are Flies Considered a Pest?

Flies are considered a pest because they have the ability to carry and transmit disease and infection. This is both due to the fact that their bodies are covered with hair and because they frequently fly between areas of dirt and waste and places associated with food, like kitchens. Unfortunately, flies can transmit diseases such as dysentery and hepatitis, as well as salmonella. This is why the fly is actually a dangerous pest, as opposed to just an irritating nuisance.

How Can I Prevent a Fly Infestation?

The key to preventing a household fly infestation is the same as preventing infestations of ants, rats, and many other types of pests: cleanliness. Keeping a clean and tidy environment is critical for keeping pests like flies away because as shown by their life cycle, they are attracted to waste and dirt. Ensuring that your house is clean at all times can help with preventing a fly problem.

Further, making sure that you don’t leave doors or windows open, and that there are no holes in your flyscreens can help to keep flies out of your home. In addition, keeping food properly covered and stored away at all times can help to prevent flies from landing on and contaminating food.

When you do have a fly infestation, it is critical to contact the experts in pest control. That way, you can rest assured that your fly problem will be taken care of in the most professional, safe, and effective way possible.

Do You Need Pest Control Services?

Look no further than Infinity Pest Solutions. As a family-owned business, we can offer you professional pest control services, alongside exceptional customer service. We have a team of fully trained and licensed pest controllers, and they are ready to help with all your pest problems.

If you find that you have a fly infestation or a problem with another type of pest, then call us at 0402 945 187 or fill out our online contact form to get a free quote.

When you have a pest problem, it’s important to call in pest control experts. Whether you have an issue with ants, rats, bedbugs, or another type of pest, you may have a number of questions about what the service will entail, or about the professionals themselves and their methods. When you ask these questions before you make use of pest control services, you can rest assured that you will be satisfied with the experience and that the treatment will be efficient and effective. Keep reading to find out the most important questions to ask a pest control professional.

Are You Licensed?

When looking to hire a pest control operator, it is essential that you ensure that they have a license. Pest Control Licenses ensure that those who use operate pest control businesses have the correct training and knowledge to use pesticides. This is due to the potential risks that come with using these pesticides. To ensure your safety, it is important to know that the pest controller you choose has a license to safely use, handle, and store these pesticides.

What Pests Do You Specialise in?

Different pest control operators can specialise in different types of pests. Some may be more knowledgeable and specialised in the area of certain pests than others. That’s why it is important to choose a pest expert whose expertise can really target the kind of pest you are having an issue with.

What Are Your Pest Control Methods?

If your pest problem is in or around your home, it may be important for you to know and understand the methods of pest control that your chosen pest control operator uses. Will they use a method of chemical control, which means the use of pesticides and insecticides? Or will they employ physical control methods, which means the use of tools, equipment, or machinery to capture or destroy pest animals? Your chosen expert will be able to give you all the knowledge you need to understand why they use the methods that they do.

Do You Offer a Warranty or a Guarantee?

You want to be sure that the pest controller you choose can well and truly take care of your pest problem, so look for a pest control operator that provides a warranty or a guarantee.

How Can I Prepare My Home For Pest Treatment?

Before your pest treatment occurs, it’s important to ask your pest controller how you can prepare your home for the treatment. They can best guide you as to the steps you can take to make sure your house, pets, and family are ready for the experts to come in and do their job. This could include removing food from all benchtops and workspaces, or ensuring that all food is covered, including pet food outside the house. It may also involve closing all the windows in the house before the treatment starts, and ensuring that the workers have access to all necessary areas of the home, for instance, roof spaces and garage spaces.

Are Your Methods of Pest Control Safe?

You might have concerns about whether the use of pesticides in or around your home is safe for you, your pets, or your children. That’s where it’s important to consult the experts and ask the question of your chosen, licensed pest control operator. They have the knowledge and the expertise, as well as the license to safely use pesticides needed to treat your pest infestation. These experts will be able to answer all your safety questions and put your mind at ease regarding the safety of you, your family, and your pets.

What is Your Advice for Avoiding Future Pest Problems?

After completing your pest control treatment, you may have additional questions regarding how to prevent future pest problems. Your pest controller will have the advice and information you are looking for to help keep your home pest-free. For instance, they may give you tips about keeping your kitchen sparkling clean and food covered and put away safely to avoid opportunistic critters like ants or cockroaches. Or they might be able to teach you about warning signs like gnaw marks on skirting boards on furniture that may signal a rat problem very nearby.

Do You Need Professional Pest Control Services?

Look no further than Infinity Pest Solutions. We are here to help with all your pest needs, providing professional pest control services in the Melbourne area. As a proud family-owned business, we specialise in a number of common pests and provide exceptional pest control and management. Our team of pest controllers is fully licensed and trained to keep up to date with all the latest industry developments, standards, and regulations. We also provide a warranty on our pest solutions because we pride ourselves on customer service and the satisfaction of all our customers.

So when you need pest control, call us at 0402 945 187, or fill out our online contact form to get a free quote.

This month’s pest spotlight features the rodent known as the rat. Just reading or hearing the name rat might make you shudder, especially at the thought of one or more of them in your home. Rats might be one of those creatures that you just want to put out of your mind, but the truth is, the more informed you are about them, the better prepared you are if you do need to deal with them in or around your home. With temperatures dropping and winter on the approach, many critters including rats, will go in search of warmth and shelter. So keep reading to find out the answer to some of the most common rat questions, plus where to go when you need professional pest control services for all your pest needs.

What is a Rat?

Rats are characterised as medium-sized, long-tailed rodents. Distinguishable from mice mainly by their size, there are 56 species of rat in the world. Some well-known species are the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the black rat (Rattus rattus). A group of rats is known as mischief, and as a species, they are known as opportunistic survivors, often living near, or with human beings. Unfortunately, wild rats are capable of carrying many pathogens which are known as zoonotic, which means that they are capable of being transferred between a non-human (the rat) to humans, and vice versa.

A major characteristic of most rats is their long tail, which is believed to serve important functions for the rat, among which is thermoregulation, the process of regulating body temperature. Their long tails can also be a relatively easy way to identify a rat if you are unsure.

When are Rats Considered a Pest?

Rats have long been considered a pest, and this is largely due to the fact that they are vectors in the spread of diseases, such as Lassa fever and leptospirosis. Many urban areas have a rat problem that they have to try and keep at bay. For instance, in America, New York, Washington DC, and Boston are all known to have rat infestations.

Rats are also considered pests because of their opportunistic nature; they will infest any area that is sheltered and provides easy and regular access to food and water. This includes inside the walls of homes, under sinks, in cabinets, and any place that is near garbage or rubbish.

How Do I Know If I Have a Rat Problem?

There are quite a few ways to identify the presence of rats in the home or a possible infestation. One of the easy to notice signs that rats leave behind is droppings. These can often be found near a source of food, like in cupboards or in the pantry. While not the most pleasant topic, it is important to know how to identify rat droppings in case you come across them in your home. Droppings from rats will be shiny and black in colour, and can be from 12mm to 18mm in length dependant on the species.

Another tell-tale sign of rats in your home is evidence of gnawing. Rats commonly gnaw on skirting boards, furniture, and walls to sharpen their teeth. This is not only an irritating destructive behaviour, but it can be very dangerous as well. If the rats begin to gnaw on plumbing, pipes, and electrical wires and cables, this can lead to very serious consequences, such as house fires.

Further signs of a rat infestation can also be found in any food with damaged packaging. If you find damaged food packaging, rats could be the cause of this – they will bite their way into any food they can find, with the sharp teeth mentioned above. Make sure to throw away any food with damaged packaging – the food will now be contaminated.

How Can I Prevent a Rat Infestation?

There are some general things that you can do in your home to keep rats away, and these tips might be familiar to you, as some of them apply to other types of pests. As mentioned above, rats are opportunistic so if they find a way to access a regular food source, such as your pantry, they will. That’s why it’s important to keep your kitchen exceptionally neat and tidy, and never leave food lying out. Also, keeping a generally clean and tidy home is helpful, as is keeping an eye on any potential rat hiding spaces. Make sure to patch up holes in walls or in the ceiling or roof in order to limit access points into your home that rats can use.

Do You Need Pest Control Services?

If you discover that you have a rat issue, then look no further than Infinity Pest Solutions. We are a proud family-owned business, and we offer you exceptional customer service, alongside professional pest control services. With a team of fully licensed and trained pest controllers, we are ready to help with any and all of your pest problems.

Whether you need a rat exterminator service, or another pest exterminator service, call us at 0402 945 187, or fill out our online contact form to get a free quote.

When you have a problem with pests, it’s never a fun time. In fact, it can be irritating, confusing, and even distressing. Maybe you have an ant infestation in your home, but you can’t find out where or how the ants are getting into your house. Perhaps you have recently been travelling, and have unwittingly brought bedbugs back with you. From bedbugs and ants to possums and cockroaches, these are serious problems that can not only take a toll on your health but on your peace of mind, too. If you have a pest problem, you might be wondering what the best way to take care of the issue is. The answer is simple: call in pest control experts. When you use professional pest control services, you can rest assured that a specialised and licensed expert will get rid of the problem for you. Keep reading to discover four reasons to choose pest control experts, and where you can find pest control professionals in Melbourne. 

Professionals have the Expertise

When you hire a licensed pest control operator, you can be guaranteed that they have the professional knowledge and expertise to do the job correctly. It might be tempting to head to the supermarket for a pest product or try to manage the problem yourself. However, the only way you can be guaranteed that the job is done the right way is by utilising the expert knowledge of professionals. These experts will be able to carry out tasks such as assessing the root of the problem by identifying where the habitat of the pest is. They will also have the expertise to come up with a personalised pest management plan for your particular situation, and carry out this plan using pesticides that they are trained to use. Using a professional for your pest issue means that you can rely on their training and expertise, giving you peace of mind and assurance that the job is done the right way.

It’s Safer

Using a licensed pest controller is also safer in many ways, than trying to tackle the problem on your own. When you have an issue like an infestation, the course of action to rectify this will typically involve pesticides. As we mentioned, experts in pest control are trained to use these pesticides safely, and that should be a critical consideration for anyone with a pest problem. Pesticides can be dangerous to humans and pets if not used or stored in the correct way, and that’s why we always recommend calling in the experts. They will be able to advise you of the best course of action to maintain safety, such as vacating your home during the treatment time, or removing or covering items like toothbrushes and towels (among other things) from the treatment area. Experts will also be able to answer your questions about the pesticide or pesticides they are using.

It’s More Effective

You might still be tempted to attempt to tackle your pest problem on your own. You could go to the supermarket or the hardware store and buy a product off the shelf that will potentially kill the ants, cockroaches, flies, or spiders that you can see around your home. However, one thing to remember is that the root of the pest problem is not always visible, and to treat just the symptom (what you can see) of a problem is not fully treating it. Pest control professionals will be able to treat your pest issue from its root cause, which is more effective. Further, the chemical products on the shelves in retail stores are not necessarily the same ones that the experts have access to. Rather, professionals use pesticides that are more effective for infestations and pest problems because they have the training and license to use them. This means that when you hire a professional, you are getting an all-around more effective solution to your pest issue than if you tried to fix it on your own.

It’s More Convenient

When you hire a professional, you can rest assured that your pest problem with be dealt with properly, efficiently, and safely. What could be more convenient than that? There’s no trial and error on your part, no traipsing to the shops or attempting to deal with the creepy crawlies and critters on your own. Instead, you can leave it to the experts and rely on their professional knowledge and training to take care of the problem for you. In dealing with your pest issue, the experts will ensure your safety and that of your family and pets and will be able to advise you on what to do to minimise any disruption to everyday life. Convenient. Safe. Efficient. What more could you want?

Do You Need Pest Control Services?

Look no further than Infinity Pest Solutions. We are here to help with all your pest needs, providing professional pest control services in the Melbourne area. As a proud family-owned business, we provide exceptional pest control and management, alongside the best customer service. Our team of fully licensed and trained pest controllers is ready to assist with all your pest problems.

So, when you need pest control, call us at 0402 945 187, or fill out our online contact form to get a free quote.

Bedbugs: they are the insects that we all cringe at the thought of. You might have heard something about what they look like or how they spread, but these little insects are actually more complex than they might seem at first glance. It might surprise you to know that bedbugs feed on human blood, for instance. Or that getting an established infestation under control and eradicating it is not as simple as it seems. Keep reading to find out all about bedbugs, and where to go for professional pest control services for all your bedbug and other pest needs.

What are Bedbugs?

Bedbugs are tiny insects, without wings, that feed on human blood. They are nocturnal, so they are typically active at night, rather than during the day. Bedbugs are found all over the world, though there are two distinct species of insect. Cimex Lectularius is also known as the common bedbug, while Cimex Hemipterus is a type of bedbug that is usually found only in the tropics.

Bedbugs are generally about half a centimetre in length, have six legs, and have a large mouth. They are typically brown in colour, though they change to a rusty-red colour after they have eaten.

Feeding exclusively on blood, these insects are able to find hosts first by sensing carbon dioxide, and secondly by the warmth of the host. They need to feed every five to seven days, and they will leave the shelter of their hiding place to find food at night. If they are disturbed by light or if they do feed on blood, they then retreat back to the safety of their dark home.

Where Can They Be found?

Bedbugs love to hang out in dark hiding spaces such as cracks and seams in walls, the cracks between floorboards, and of course, the mattresses that they get their name from.

Other places you might find bedbugs are hiding underneath wallpaper that has become loose and started to peel away, in carpet, and of course, in other bedding like quilts, sheets, and blankets.

How Do Bedbugs Spread?

Unlike other pest infestations, such as the cockroach, a bedbug infestation is not generally a result of poor hygiene. Contrary to popular belief in fact, in most cases, it has little to do with hygiene or lack thereof. Rather, they are particularly common in places like hotels, motels, and hostels, as they have many guests coming and going frequently.

The bedbugs can then spread through eggs or insects travelling to another dwelling on clothes or luggage. This is why bedbugs can be such a problem during travel and are becoming increasingly common during airplane travel.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Bedbug Issue?

It is generally most easy to identify a bedbug issue from the signs and symptoms that may be on the human host or hosts. This is due to the fact that, due to their tiny size, the bedbugs themselves can be difficult to spot. Something that you can look out for on the bed is small red spots of blood on sheets that come from crushed bedbugs.

There are also some symptoms of bedbug bites that you can look out for, for instance, large red lesions or spots on the skin that mark the site of the bite. You can also be on the lookout for itching, a rash, or even hives.

How Can I Treat Bedbug Bites?

There are several things you can do to mitigate the effects of bites from bedbugs. These include using topical creams to stop any itching, such as calamine lotion, as well as attempting not to itch at all. In addition, if there is any swelling, you can apply an icepack in order to reduce this, and you can also wash the bites with antiseptic soap to try and help prevent infection.

It is essential, however, to see your doctor immediately if the bites do become infected.

What is an Effective Treatment for Bedbugs?

If you have a bedbug infestation, especially an established one, it is often necessary to call in pest control experts. Washing sheets and bedding and vacuuming and cleaning mattresses can sometimes only take you so far, and that’s where the professionals step in.

Make sure you brush up on the governmental guidelines for pest control and then keep reading to discover where to go when you need professional pest control.

Do You Need Pest Control Services?

Whether you have a bedbug infestation or another pest issue, look no further than Infinity Pest Solutions. As a proud family-owned business, we provide fantastic customer service and exceptional pest management and control. Our team of fully licensed and trained pest controllers is ready to help with all your pest control problems. Rest assured, you will be more than satisfied with the results.

So, if you need pest control services, call us at 0402 945 187, or fill out our online contact form to get a free quote.

We all know that summer in Australia is a time for more hours of sunlight and sky-high temperatures. But did you know that it’s also a time when more pests find their way into homes all around the country? That’s right, certain pests love to make their way into our homes in the warmer months, and unfortunately, many also take this time to reproduce more too. So, what do you need to look out for? What are the signs and what should you do if you suspect that you have a pest problem or infestation? Keep reading to find out the answers to all your questions, and where to go for pest control services this season.

Cockroaches

Unfortunately, these nasty critters are more active in the summer months and are more likely to find their way into your home. They actually reproduce more during the warmer months, which contributes to the problem. Like other pests, a cockroach sighting is often a sign that there is a nest housing many more cockroaches somewhere within your home.

Cockroaches are generally attracted to food and rubbish, which means that the home can sometimes be like a great beacon, calling to them. Given the fact that we prepare, eat and store food in the home, it’s really essential to be mindful of foodstuff during the summertime. Leaving food out on the bench overnight, for example, is a bad idea that can attract cockroaches.

Similarly, keeping the kitchen area clean is a good way to keep cockroaches away and stop them from contaminating your surfaces. Check out our guide to cockroach extermination to find out why this is so important for your health and your home.

Ants

These pesky little creatures also come out in the summer due to the warmth and can make their way into homes in huge numbers. Like many other pests, ants are attracted to food in any form. That means keeping all rooms of the house free from crumbs, food scraps, and spills of any kind is essential.

Ants also reproduce more in the summer months, meaning they multiply in number and are more active. To protect against ants, you must limit their access to a food source, because if ants don’t have that within the house they cannot survive. You can also scout out potential entry points for ants within your home and attack the problem at its source. Make sure to read this Wikipedia page to find out more about ants in Australia.

If you do have an ant infestation, you will need help from professional pest control experts. Keep reading to find out where to find them.

Flies

Flies are a pest that can seem merely annoying, yet a fly infestation is nothing to be taken lightly. These winged critters are also known for reproducing during Summer when the temperatures make them more active.

Like most pests, flies are attracted to food because they need a food source, but that’s not the whole story when it comes to some types of flies. House flies, for instance, love rotting food, which is why it’s important to take care of your rubbish bin properly.

An important thing to note is that house flies are attracted to warm, damp areas, so limiting access to moisture is essential for controlling them. They prefer to lay their eggs and breed in these conditions, which is why proper ventilation in all areas of your house is important.

Spiders

Unfortunately for many arachnophobes, Summer can also signal the arrival of more spiders. No one really likes spiders, especially not in their home, so that’s why it is important to look out for obvious entry points where they may get in.

Summer can be a time when spiders enter the home more often due to extreme temperatures outside, which we often have during these months in Australia. They also enter the home to find a reliable food source, which means that if you have a problem with flies, then spiders may be soon to follow – or are already there.

It’s this circle-of-life relationship between flies and spiders that means the summer months are rife with both. Warmer temperatures mean more flies, which means more food for spiders and more spiders. It’s not an ideal situation for those who fear spiders, but rest assured, a professional pest control expert can save the day, and your nerves!

Need Pest Control Services?

Look no further than Infinity Pest Solutions! We are a family-owned business proud to provide you with fantastic customer service, and exceptional pest control and pest management. With a team of fully licensed and trained pest controllers ready to help with all your pest needs, you can rest assured that you will be satisfied with the results.

When you need pest control services, call us at 0402 945 187, or fill out our online contact form to get a free quote.