WHY USE A LICENSED PEST CONTROLLER? Read more/less
A licensed pest controller is TAFE trained in pest identification, breeding habits and biology. The qualification provides the knowledge and ability to identify and use a range of proven methods to stop pest activity and reduce the risk of future infestations including the safe use of chemicals.
They know how and where to check for breeding areas and entry points. Trained Pest Controllers are experienced at detecting pest activity and recognising conditions that are conducive to infestation. Once they know the extent of the problem, they will select the most appropriate treatment.
All chemical treatments used have to be approved and registered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and applied only at the rates and strengths stipulated on the approved label. Labels are available for the chemicals we use by request.
CAN I DO THE PEST CONTROL MYSELF? Read more/less
Whilst it is possible to use do-it-yourself methods, the likelihood of recurrence is significant. The chemicals and methods we use are more effective and thorough. Additionally, some pests, eg. Bed bugs and Termites definitely require professional treatment.
HOW DO I KNOW YOU WILL DO THE JOB PROPERLY? Read more/less
We offer a warranty which means that if your pest experience continues within the warranty period for that service, we will come back for free to fix the problem. We don’t want this to happen, so our aim is to do it once and do it right.
WHAT IF IT’S RAINING OR TOO WINDY? Read more/less
If the service booked includes working outside, our Technician will make a decision on the day whether we can effectively complete our service and give you a call. We would rather postpone the service and complete the treatment on a fine day than risk the result of the job because the chemicals can be diluted.
WILL I SEE INSECTS AFTER THE TREATMENT? Read more/less
Yes, it’s not unusual for pests to move about after a treatment. You will see a strong reduction in some insect immediately, whilst others can take up to 10-14 days depending on the pest to be eliminated. Insects may come inside after an outside treatment, however, they will die soon after they cross the chemical barrier that we have sprayed.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO PRIOR TO THE PEST CONTROL TREATMENT? Read more/less
Access to room edges is necessary to spray along skirting boards. Therefore clothing articles, magazines, toys etc. should be moved off the ground. All food items should be cleared from bench and table tops.
IS IT SAFE TO STAY IN MY PREMISES WHILE YOU SPRAY? Read more/less
Yes, it is safe to remain in the premises during the service. The chemicals we apply are registered to be used in hospitals, schools and public places.
WHAT IF I TOUCH AREAS THAT HAVE BEEN SPRAYED? Read more/less
Sprayed areas are of some concern while still wet. But once the carrier, which is water from the tap, has evaporated, the active constituent adheres to the surfaces and will not contaminate or harm you. Should you get in contact while it’s still wet though, wash with soap and plenty of water as soon as possible.
MY CHILD SUFFERS FROM ASTHMA. IS IT SAFE TO STAY? Read more/less
To avoid triggering an asthma attack, we recommend that if he/she is highly sensitive it may be necessary not to be present whilst the service is being carried out.
ARE MY PETS SAFE? Read more/less
There is no concern to the safety of animals since the amount of active constituent that they may take in, either by contact while it’s wet or by ingesting it orally, is very small. We recommend all of the animals to be put outside while we work inside, then bring them inside while we complete the exterior. Dogs can be restrained until the treatment has dried (approx. 2 hours). Cats will generally stay away from the treatment. Fish tanks and bird cages should be covered with a sheet or towel.
I AM THINKING OF HAVING MY CARPETS CLEANED, WILL THE SPRAY YOU USE STAIN MY CARPET? Read more/less
No, the emulsion we spray does not stain. It’s a water based residual spray that doesn’t contain strong solvents which might affect colouring or finishes.
I’M PLANNING TO HAVE MY CARPET CLEANED. WILL THAT AFFECT THE PEST CONTROL TREATMENT? Read more/less
It’s best to do the pest control after carpets have been cleaned or vacuumed.
I’M RENOVATING. WHEN IS IT BEST TO DO THE PEST CONTROL? Read more/less
We suggest that the pest control is completed after all trades people have completed their jobs (painting, carpet laying, landscaping and final clean up). Preferably one or two days prior to moving in.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE A PEST CONTROL TREATMENT? Read more/less
Regularly at intervals of no more than 12 months. Shorter period may be recommended according to environment conditions.
IS THE SERVICE GUARANTEED? Read more/less
No, it’s not guaranteed, but a 3 month warranty is given on Spiders and Cockroaches, with a 1 month warranty on Rodent Services and a limited warranty on Ants.
WHAT PAYMENT METHODS ARE AVAILABLE? Read more/less
We accept Cash, Cheque, Online Direct Deposits, Visa.
DO I NEED TO EMPTY MY KITCHEN CUPBOARDS? Read more/less
No, it’s not necessary to empty cupboards as we apply a gel to areas where cockroaches nest or harbour. No liquid sprays are applied to these areas during a General Cockroach Service, however, an aerosol may be used during a German Cockroach Service.
WILL THE GEL/PASTE THAT IS APPLIED TO THE INSIDE OF CUPBOARDS CONTIMINATE MY FOOD? Read more/less
No, it will not. The gel/paste is only applied to areas where insects congregate or harbour, like cracks, crevices or hinges.
DO I NEED TO WASH EVERYTHING AFTER THE TREATMENT? Read more/less
There is no need to wash utensils or surfaces once the treatment is carried out.
WILL I SEE COCKROACHES, SPIDERS OR ANTS AFTER THE TREATMENT? Read more/less
Yes, it’s possible that insects may wonder in from outside. Chances are that they will have crossed treated areas and will die shortly after.
WHY ARE COCKROACHES SO HARD TO GET RID OF? Read more/less
Cockroaches hide in small cracks and crevices. They also eat anything and reproduce every 30 days and can have between 30-50 nymphs.
WHICH AREAS WILL BE TREATED? Read more/less
A Cockroach Service is generally an internal service treating skirting boards, gel to kitchen cupboards, sticky boards under kitchen appliances, roof void and subfloor (where applicable).
RODENTS
HOW DO YOU TREAT RODENTS? Read more/less
Gosford City Pest Control uses a baiting system. Our Technician will place Rodent Baits in the roof void and subfloor (where applicable) and any areas of concern. It can be necessary to strategically locate lockable bait boxes around the home where necessary for the protection of children and pets from the baits. Should a pet consume some bait, a Vet can treat the animal with Vitamin K1.
HOW DO I STOP RODENTS FROM ENTERING MY HOME? Read more/less
This can be difficult because rats/mice can squeeze through relatively small gaps. Removing clutter, rubbish and store items, trim back trees, shrubs and bushes away from the home to prevent easy access. Also, 10-14 days after the treatment block up an existing holes to prevent re-entry.
WILL ANY RATS/MICE DIE INSIDE MY HOUSE? Read more/less
The Rodent Baits we use once consumed will leave the rodent seeking water. Consequently, the majority of the time the rodent will leave the house in search of water before it dies. However, on rare occasions a rodent may die in a roof void, sub-floor or even a wall cavity.
WHAT DO I DO IF A RODENT DIES INSIDE MY HOME? Read more/less
Dispose of the Rodent if it is accessible. The smell of a dead rodent can last around 10 days. We suggest you open all windows to air the house. The smell of vanilla can also mask the smell.
DO I HAVE TO VACATE MY HOUSE WHILST A RODENT SERVICE IS CARRIED OUT? Read more/less
No, it is not necessary.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE A RODENT SERVICE COMPLETED AT MY HOME? Read more/less
This can depend on environmental issues, location and severity of the problem. If your home is prone to rodent problems, we would recommend regular treatments of 3 monthly, 6 monthly or annually. Rodents like to harbour in roof voids especially during winter, where it is warm, therefore, many of our clients prefer an annual service at the beginning of the cooler weather and often another at the end.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR THE BAIT TO TAKE EFFECT? Read more/less
Rodent activity should have completely ceased around 2-3 weeks, however, we suggest to allow up to 4 weeks for the baits to take full effect. If after a period of ceased activity, you notice further activity, we would suggest you allow a further 1-2 weeks for the problem to subside again. The bait installed by our Technician at his original service will control a second invasion.
WHY SHOULD I HAVE A TERMITE INSPECTION BY A PEST CONTROLLER? Read more/less
A trained Technician knows where to look, what to look for and have had experience with eradicating infestations to enable to detection and identification of Termites and provide effective eradication alternatives depending on the situation, severity, location and species.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE A TERMITE INSPECTION? Read more/less
We recommend, and many of our clients prefer, 12 monthly inspections, however, environmental conditions, location and construction of some homes require more frequent inspections. Regular inspections are the most cost effective method of protecting your home.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FIND ACTIVE TERMITES? Read more/less
Do not disturb them. Call us to enable our Technician to carry out a full Termite Inspection and determine the method of management and the cost involved. Disturbing the Termites may cause them to withdraw from the area and hinder their effective eradication. Any damage should only be repaired/replaced after the Termites have been eradicated.
HOW MUCH DOES A TERMITE TREATMENT COST? Read more/less
Costs vary, depending on the home, environment, location, species and severity of the infestation, as well as the method of eradication required to most effectively treat the problem. At the time of our Termite Inspection our Technician will give an obligation-free quote.
IS THE TREATMENT SAFE FOR MY FAMILY AND PETS? Read more/less
Yes, the termiticides used by Gosford City Pest Control are safe, however, instructions from our trained Technician should be followed.
CAN I PREVENT TERMITES FROM ENTERING MY HOME? Read more/less
The use of termite resistant materials around your home will help. Replace any that are not. Excess sources of moisture, ie. leaking bathrooms and guttering, faulty plumbing, poor drainage should be eliminated. Ensure your HWS drains away from the house. Any gardens and foliage against the house should be removed, including woodchip from garden beds. Use only Termite resistant mulch on gardens. Clutter, rubbish and any loose timber in direct soil contact should be removed. Weep holes and edges of concrete slabs should be exposed.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A TERMITE PROBLEM? Read more/less
Regular thorough Termite Inspections by a trained professional will ascertain if your home or business is at risk. Termite damage can go undetected for months…..even years.
MY HOME HAS BEEN TREATED, SO WHY DO I NEED TO HAVE AN ANNUAL INSPECTION COMPLETED? Read more/less
There is no 100% guarantee that following a treatment, termites will not return. If treated areas are disturbed this can lead to termites breaching the termiticide barrier which a trained inspector can detect before your home or business is severely affected. This is why it is essential that your property is inspected at least every 12 months or as recommended by your professional.
IS IT TRUE THAT I WON’T HAVE TERMITES IF A HAVE BLACK ANTS OUTSIDE MY HOME? Read more/less
While termites and black ants are known archenemies, one won’t necessarily keep the other away.
ARE TERMITES AND WHITE ANTS THE SAME? Read more/less
They are the same insect. Due to their colour Termites can often be referred to as white ants.
After assessing your ant problem, Gosford City Pest Control will use the most appropriate treatment to control ants at your home.
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO PRIOR TO AN ANT SERVICE? Read more/less
Prior to an Ant Service we suggest you clean up all food left in and around house, trim trees and shrubs away from your house. At the time of the service, we suggest you advise our Technician of any problem areas, ant nests you are aware of and cover fish tanks, fish ponds and food.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR THE TREATMENT TO WORK? Read more/less
The treatment can take up to 1-2 weeks to be fully effective. Not every Ant will be eliminated. However, the service will help control them.
WHY ARE THERE ANTS NEAR MY DISHWASHER? Read more/less
Dishwashers are a source of heat, moisture and food particles.
BEES/WASPS
CAN A BEE HIVE BE REMOVED FROM MY HOME WITH OUT KILLING THE BEES? Read more/less
If the hive is easily accessible i.e. hanging from a tree or other structure, an apiarist may be able to remove the hive without killing the bees.
CAN SWARMING BEES BE TREATED? Read more/less
Bees & wasps can be treated if the hive is located. Swarming bees often only swarm for a day or so and then move on.
WHAT ARE THESE WORMS IN MY KITCHEN? Read more/less
Worms on the ceiling are most likely the larval stage of the Indian Meal Moth. You could be seeing a small moth with wings half beige & half darker brown in your pantry or flying around in your kitchen. This could mean you have an infestation in one or more of your dry food ingredients, perhaps in the flour, cereal, nuts, etc in your pantry. Call us today!
Whilst Ticks can be treated, they can be hidden, so easily missed, therefore, the service can’t be warranted. More importantly, the area can be easily reinfected by animals laiden with ticks crossing into your yard, eg. rabbits, rodents, bandicoots, blue tongue lizards, etc. Therefore, a treatment can be ineffective.
WHEN ARE TICKS MOST ACTIVE? Read more/less
Ticks can be problematic during the warmer months with the humidity. They lay their eggs during Summer. They can lay up to 2500 eggs at once that will hatch within 40-60 days. Chemical sprays are only effective on live hatched Tick because their eggs have an impenetrable shell.
CAN TICKS ENTER MY HOUSE? Read more/less
Yes. If you do find a tick on you or your pet, use tweezers to remove it, being careful not to crush the tick and get the blood on your skin.
HOW TO PROTECT AGAINST TICKS? Read more/less
Keep turfed areas regularly mown.
Regularly control and remove weeds.
Create a buffer by removing weeds and vegetation adjacent to bushland areas.
Reduce humidity in the garden by regularly pruning and thinning garden shrubs/vegetation.
Remove any debris, mulch and piles leaf litter where ticks can inhabit near the home.
HOW DO I PREVENT TICKS FROM ENTERING MY HOUSE? Read more/less
Don’t walk your dog in long grass.
Thoroughly check pets before entering the home or keep them outside or keep them indoors at all times.
Wash pets bedding in hot water.
Regularly use a pet friendly tick & flea treatment.
Thoroughly check clothing, furniture, etc that has been brought in from outside.
Use a door seal or door snake at floor level to entry doors.
Where possible entry points such as vents, holes, cracks, gaps, etc should be repaired or covered with fine gauze.
If you have any further questions not covered above, please do not hesitate to contact us using this form:
