How to keep common pests out of your house: termites, rodents, cockroaches and more

According to the Victorian Building Authority, termites can cause serious damage to Australian homes – more than fire, flood, and storms combined. 

Damp homes are paradise for termites, which need both wood and water to thrive. They eat through timber, and can cause major structural and economic damage to homes. Signs of termite damage include sagging floors, damaged walls, and even power failures.

There are several ways you can prevent a termite infestation:

• Fix any leaks, and make sure drainage flows away from your home.
• Keep garden beds away from exterior walls to help prevent damp.
• Remove wood mulch and firewood stored underneath or up against your house.
• Remove cardboard boxes, newspapers and magazines, and stacks of scrap paper near the house.

What do I do if I suspect termites in my home?

Contact a licensed pest control operator who's been authorised to deal with timber pests such as termites. They can help detect the full scope of the infestation and provide effective options for extermination. 

Act as soon as you notice signs of termite damage - the longer termites are left unchecked, the more damage they will do and the more costly it will be to fix.

Cockroaches are insects that are highly efficient at transmitting infections from their faeces and saliva using their feet, legs, bodies, and mouths.

Cockroaches need a daily drink to survive, so your first step should be to remove any extraneous water sources, such as pooling at the bottom of your shower, or in leftover dishes by the sink. Reducing the humidity in your home can also help deter some roach species.

At night, cockroaches will search for food in kitchens, bins and drains. They'll feed on almost any animal or vegetable matter, as well as materials like paper and leather. Make sure you dispose of food scraps, keep bin lids secure and seal any cracks so cockroaches can't get inside.

Making your home inhospitable to cockroaches (e.g. removing food scraps and standing water) goes a long way to preventing them in your home. Commercial products can also be bought that can assist with small infestations (always use as directed). Contact a qualified pest controller for cockroach problems that don't respond to removing food, water and the use of commercial products.

Scratching inside your walls and small black droppings are tell-tale signs of a rodent problem. Scratch and chew marks, strange smells, nests and tracks can also be signs of rats or mice in your home.

Rodents can spread more than 35 diseases and can cause costly damage to your property - especially if they gnaw through your home's electrical wiring. These vermin have even been known to take up residence in cars and cause massive damage.

To prevent a rodent infestation, remove or securely cover all sources of food, water and shelter like compost scraps, pipes, overflowing bins or recycling and any excess foliage. Any food sources, including pet food, should be stored in airtight containers.

Mice can squeeze into gaps as small as 8mm, so be vigilant about filling even the tiniest cracks and holes in your foundations, walls and roof with caulk or filler. 

Cut back any trees, bushes or vegetation that touches your home, as this can be used by rats and mice as an entry point.

If you do end up with a rodent problem, traps and baits can help you to control it.  Put any traps in areas where you have seen signs of rodent activity, such as along the walls where the rodents travel. Place the bait end facing the wall, so the rodents are tempted to explore them. 

House flies are one of the most common insects across the globe - and probably one of the most annoying, too. House flies gather wherever humans do, and make themselves at home in our waste, feeding and breeding in garbage, animal droppings, and rotting food scraps.

To deter flies, create an indoor barrier by checking that all screens and seals on windows and doors are intact. Poorly managed compost bins are goldmines for fly larvae, so seal them, so it's too hot for flies to breed, or turn the compost frequently. 

Pet waste is an ideal breeding environment for flies - and they may visit droppings before landing on your food. Ensure that you cover your food both indoors and outdoors, and always clean up after your pets. 

Mosquitoes are small flies that can bite and transmit disease. They are attracted to water, especially still or stagnant water, with even a modest puddle doubling as a breeding ground. Here are some tips for dealing with these common pests:

• Keep your surroundings as dry as possible by draining the sink after you've done the dishes.
• Consider installing an ornamental pond with larvae-eating fish.
• If you have a swimming pool, run the filter for a few hours each day. 
• Clear gutters of leaves and debris that collect water.
• Change your pet's drinking bowls regularly.
• Check the integrity of your flyscreens, especially before summer.

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