Brisbane’s tropical houses, aka Queenslanders, are distinct to our architectural landscape and laid-back outdoor lifestyle.
These traditional timber buildings with their wide verandahs, gables and decorative character features date back to the 1930s and are popular renovation projects for homeowners wanting to bring them back to their original glory.
Queenslanders are also typically made of timber and have wooden interior features, which can pose a few issues with attracting pests. Here are five pests you may encounter if you own a Queenslander and what to do about them.
1. Termites
Termites, or ‘white ants’ as they’re also known, love the warm subtropical environment of Queensland, and they survive by eating and chewing on wet wood. Areas that hold moisture in Queenslander homes, such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundries are particularly at risk from termites, but they can also do damage to structural beams in walls and ceilings and sub-flooring. The problem with termites is that once they invade a home they can go unnoticed for a long time. By the time they are discovered, significant damage may have been caused.
The best way to deal with termites is to get regular, thorough inspections of your Queenslander home and property by a professional. This will stop a termite problem before it gets out of hand, prevent a future one and use treatment methods that are safe if you have children and pets.
2. Borer
Another wood related pest that is a problem in older Queensland homes is the borer beetle, more specifically the Queensland Pine Beetle. If you’ve found telltale holes in furniture, skirting and floorboards, it will mean you have a borer problem. This beetle tunnels into any wood it can find, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
Timber becomes weakened and will need replacing if the borer goes unchecked over a period of time. Rot and fungi can also set in as water can get in through the holes in the wood. Get a professional pest controller onto the problem, as regular treatments will need to be carried out to eliminate this pesky beetle.
3. Rats
Rats can be an issue in Queenslander homes, especially if they have small holes or entry points that allow vermin to enter. They can also be attracted to rubbish if it’s not properly bagged and stowed in secure bins. Rats carry diseases, they get into your food, gnaw walls and chew through electrical wiring.
If you spot evidence of a rat problem in the form of droppings, urine stains or grease marks along the walls and floorboards, then book a pest control inspection asap. This will deal with the current rodent problem as well as deter future ones.
4. Fleas
Fleas can be a nuisance in Queenslander homes, especially in summer because they hatch out and become active in warm weather. In winter they tend to be more dormant. If you have a pet then this is the host where the flea will spend the most time, as they seek warmth and a food source (i.e., blood), but they can also jump onto people, and set up home in carpets and upholstery.
Fleas can cause allergic reactions in humans, especially children, so getting your Queenslander treated professionally is the best way to ensure it is safe and flea-free.
5. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are a common household pest in Queenslanders, and they’re perfectly adapted to our warm, humid weather, using it as an opportunity to breed and fly to different locations. As well as being an unpleasant housemate to have around, cockroaches can also carry diseases contaminating your home with their faeces and regurgitation. One or two cockroaches can quickly become a bigger problem if left untreated.
So if they keep coming, no matter how many you kill, you could have an infestation. Call a pest controller for an effective, long-term solution for cockroaches.
