Department of Health

Common pests in Victoria

Common pests in Victoria include ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, fleas, rodents, spiders and termites.

Effective pest control involves correct species identification, and understanding the pest’s life cycle, habitat and morphology.

Ants - pest control

Ants are considered a pest when they infest buildings and surrounds. Pest ants can be controlled with good food hygiene, sprays, dusts and baits.

Bedbugs - pest control

Bedbugs are a relatively common pest in Australia. A combination of non-chemical and chemical treatments is typically needed to control bedbugs.

Cockroaches - pest control

Several species of cockroach are common in Victoria. Species identification will help you decide select methods of inspection and control.

European wasps - pest control

European wasps are a pest in Australia because they are far more aggressive than other wasps. In the urban setting methods to discourage wasps can be used as well as chemical treatment of wasp nests located near homes.

Fleas - pest control

The cat flea is the most common flea in Australia. The stage of the flea’s life cycle may determine which pest control method to use.

Rodents - pest control

Common rodent species that often need pest control in Victoria include the Norway rat, the roof rat and the house mouse.

Spiders - pest control

The best spider control method is to keep them from entering the home. If chemicals are used for control they must be suitable for the domestic situation and appropriate for the treatment of spiders.

Pest control - termites

Termites need food (wood) and water to stay alive. By removing access to these needs, the risk of termite attack can be reduced.

Reviewed 10 December 2021

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Contact details

Phone hours are: 9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday. Direct all other enquiries to the pest control email address.

Pesticide Safety Program

Phone 1300 767 469
Fax 1300 769 274
pesticidesafety@health.vic.gov.au
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