The Ultimate Guide to Aussie Pests.
Understand the pests in your backyard. Explore our expert guides on possums, spiders, wasps, and more—all tailored for Aussies.
Meet Your (Unwanted) Neighbours
Possums
Noisy at night? It’s likely a possum. While native, these marsupials can cause damage to your roof and garden. They’re legally protected, so removal is tricky.
Learn more about possums…Wasps
The European Wasp is an aggressive, invasive pest in Australia. A single nest can house thousands, and unlike bees, they can sting multiple times.
Learn more about wasps…Bed Bugs
These tiny pests are expert hitchhikers, often coming home in your luggage. They are notoriously difficult to get rid of without professional knowledge.
Learn more about bed bugs…Spiders
Australia is famous for spiders, from the harmless Huntsman to the dangerous Redback and Funnel-Web. Identifying them is key to staying safe.
Learn more about spiders…Rodents
Rats and mice seek shelter and food in our homes, spreading disease and chewing through electrical wires, which can pose a serious fire risk.
Learn more about rodents…Featured Pest: The Silent Invader
Australia’s $1 Billion Problem: Termites
They are known as “white ants,” but they aren’t ants at all. Termites are a destructive force that can eat the timber structure of your home from the inside out, often without you knowing until it’s too late. It’s estimated that 1 in 3 Australian homes will be affected by termites at some point.
Understanding their behaviour, identifying the signs (like mud tubes, hollow-sounding timber, and discarded wings), and knowing the risk factors for your home is the first step in prevention.
Go to our Complete Termite Guide…Your Year-Round Pest Guide
Summer
The heat brings them out! This is peak season for…
Pests to watch: Wasps, ants, flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches.
Autumn
As it cools, pests look for a warm place to stay. That means your home!
Pests to watch: Rodents, spiders, and possums.
Winter
Many pests are dormant, but some are just getting started.
Pests to watch: Rodents seeking shelter, bed bugs (all year).
Spring
Breeding season! Everything wakes up and gets active.
Pests to watch: Spiders, ants, bees, and termites.
Aussie DIY Prevention Tips
In the Kitchen
- Wipe down counters and benches nightly.
- Store all food (especially cereals, flour, sugar) in airtight containers.
- Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
- Fix any leaking taps under the sink.
In the Backyard
- Keep firewood and timber piles raised off the ground and away from the house.
- Trim back trees and bushes so they don’t touch the walls or roof.
- Clear out gutters regularly to prevent water build-up.
- Ensure garden taps aren’t dripping.
Around the House
- Seal up any cracks and gaps around pipes and windows.
- Install fly screens on windows and doors.
- Keep sub-floor (under-house) ventilation clear and open.
- Don’t store cardboard boxes in damp sheds or garages.
Pest Myths: Fact vs. Furphy
MYTH
“Cheese is the best bait for mice.”
FURPHY!
Mice actually prefer foods high in sugar and fat. Peanut butter or chocolate spread is far more effective in a trap!
MYTH
“Possums are just big rats.”
FURPHY!
Not at all! Possums are native marsupials (like kangaroos) and are heavily protected by law in Australia. Rodents are invasive, placental mammals.
MYTH
“You only get bed bugs if your house is dirty.”
FURPHY!
A huge myth! Bed bugs are not attracted to dirt; they are attracted to warmth, blood, and carbon dioxide. Even luxury hotels get them. They are hitchhikers, not a sign of poor hygiene.
Spider Guide: Dangerous or Just a Nuisance?
e.g., Redback & Funnel-Web
These spiders are medically significant, and their bites can be extremely painful or, in rare cases (especially with Funnel-Webs), life-threatening.
Where: Redbacks love dark, dry spots (sheds, mailboxes, under steps). Funnel-Webs prefer moist, sheltered areas (under rocks, in burrows).
Do not handle. Seek medical attention if bitten.
e.g., Huntsman Spider
The classic “oh-my-god-it’s-on-the-wall” spider. Huntsmans are large, fast, and look terrifying, but they are not considered dangerous to humans.
Why they’re good: They are excellent pest controllers, eating cockroaches and other insects. Their bite is not dangerous, just locally painful.
Our tip: Gently guide them outside with a container and a piece of paper. They’re good neighbours!