FAQ
Frequently asked questions about pest control
Is Canberra too cold for termites?
No. Canberra has a high number of termites, because they can regulate the temperature and humidity in their nests.
Are termites really that bad?
Yes. There are many different species of termites, with the most common in Canberra being wood destroying termites. These little creatures can form huge colonies that eat away at the structure of your home, leaving you with tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
Will insurance cover termites?
General insurance does not cover termites. Without a yearly inspection for termites, these little critters can remain undetected and cause extreme damage to the physical structure of your home, resulting in costly repairs.
I have just had a general pest treatment. Why am I am still seeing pests?
The repellent used for spraying will flush out the pests from cracks and crevices. This means you will see a high number of pests for a few weeks after treatment.
Will I not see any pests again?
The pesticide can take up to 5 days to kill the pests. Once they have come into contact with the chemical, the pest needs time to ingest it.
Does pest control kill all spiders?
Unfortunately not all spiders will die after a pest control treatment. For example, a Redback spider can balloon (throw their threads into the air and let the wind take them) from their shelter, avoiding dragging their body through the chemical.
Are ants always controlled with general pest spray?
A bad infestation of ants may require a non-repellent chemical treatment – one which allows a slow release to enable transfer to other ants to kill off the colony. We can advise the best course of action once we determine the extent of the infestation.
Are chemicals harmful to people and/or pets?
We try to use only environmentally friendly chemicals. The general spray chemicals are only toxic to humans and pests while the chemical is wet. It is best to keep small children and pets away from the area for 2-3 hours while it dries.
Does regular pest control keep my business compliant?
This depends on what business you’re in. Some industries, such as food businesses, are required to have regular pest control treatments, with receipts kept for auditing. You can find more information through ACT Health, or the NSW Food Authority.
Regardless of what type of business you run, regular pest control is recommended to ensure the personal safety of you, your staff and customers, and the financial safety of your business.
Can you spray in kitchens and around food?
Yes. Food must be properly sealed and stored (chemicals cannot get onto the food), however we use specific chemicals for areas such as kitchens and laundries that have low toxicity to humans.
How often should I get a preventative treatment done?
Our work comes with a 3 month warranty (Terms and Conditions apply), and you’re welcome to have us back when the seasons change, or we will automatically follow up after 12 months so you can be confident knowing you’re protected all year round.
Do you have a warranty? What are the Terms and Conditions?
Yes. Our work comes with a 3 month warranty. However, our warranty does not cover (or becomes void if):
- Recommended action is not taken (i.e.: at the time of service, the technician tells you to clean the property of debris to stop infestation and this is not done)
- The return of a small number of insects (we only cover a repeat infestation)
- Pest occurrences within 5 days of the treatment (as pests can take up to 5 days to die off)
- Termites
- Wasps
- Ants (unless Termidor is used, which is a slightly more expensive treatment but more effective)
Please note bed bugs carry a 28 day warranty only.
I’ve found a wasp nest. What should I do?
Wasps, including European wasps,can be very dangerous. Please keep away for your safety and contact a professional to remove the nest.
What happens if it rains on the day of the treatment? Will it still work?
Services may still be able to continue in wet weather. If it is raining during the time of service, the treatment may be postponed. If rain has passed and the area is sufficiently dry, the service can still go ahead.
If we treat mice/rats in the roof will they die there?
There is a possibility, though most of the time they will seek water once poisoned and leave the roof space before dying.
How do I know if it’s a possum or a rat in my roof?
A rat will sound like a dog or cat in the roof. A possum will sound like a person. Also, faecal matter from rats/mice are 5-15mm in size, whereas possum droppings are about 20mm. This is not a rule though, as sometimes rat droppings can look (and be the same size as) possum droppings.
Is there any way to tell if termites are in my home?
Spotting termites can be very difficult, and they can live undetected in hollow doors and wall voids for many years. Occasionally, you may be able to spot floor damage (blistering or sagging in the floor), unexplained cracks in the walls or ceiling, sticking windows or doors, or weakened hollow-sounding wood.
Generally, the older your home, the more likely you are to be prone to termites as they were built before termite-resistant frames and termite barriers during pre-construction became standard for new homes.
The best way to avoid termite infestation is to have a professional assess your home on a yearly basis.
Do we have to leave the house while you spray?
Only if you have health problems, suffer from asthma, or are sensitive to smells. We ask that pets be kept clear of the area (to avoid them ingesting or coming in direct contact with the poison while it’s wet). After 2-3 hours, the area is safe for everyone.
How long does the treatment take?
Generally,a pest spray will take 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the house/commercial property.
Do you spray inside the house or just outside?
We spray internally and externally, unless a different plan is discussed.
Do I need to prepare anything before you come?
It can be helpful to movesome items away from walls, and place cutlery, plates, toothbrushes, and so on inside drawers or cupboards.
Do your chemicals smell?
Yes the chemical can have a slight smell. If you are sensitive to smells or have breathing problems, it may be best to leave the property for 2-3 hours just to be safe.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept EFT, cash and cheque.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
Because we are very tightly booked, we require 24 hours’ notice of a cancellation or a $100 call out fee will apply.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes – we offer a 10% discount to those who hold an ACT Senior’s Card.
What should I do if I come into contact with wet pest control chemicals?
Please call the Poison Information Centre ASAP. Their number is 131 126.
What should I do if I have a swarm of bees in or around my property?
Bees are very important so in the first instance please contact a beekeeper. A list of beekeepers in the Canberra region can be found at Swarm List .
Once it is determined that pest control services are required please contact us for further advice.
Get protected now
To book a Bugalugs Pest Control specialist, or for a friendly obligation-free quote, please call John on 0428 425 847
