Questions, answered
Pest control questions, answered.
The things Sydney customers ask us most, from what it costs and whether it is safe around the kids and pets, to termites, guarantees and how the commercial programs work. Still not sure? Call Mark on 1800 BUG GUY, the quote and the advice are free.
Getting started
The basics.
Do I really need professional pest control, or can I do it myself?
Shop-bought sprays deal with the pests you can see, but not the nests, harbourage points and entry routes behind them. A licensed treatment targets the source, covers the whole property inside and out, and comes with a guarantee. For recurring problems, or anything around food, strata or termites, it is worth doing properly.
How often should I have my home treated?
For most Sydney homes a general pest treatment once a year keeps things under control, with a termite inspection at least every twelve months. Homes backing onto bushland or with past problems may want them more often. Strata and commercial sites run on scheduled programs.
Are the treatments safe for children and pets?
The products are registered chemicals applied by a licensed technician: water-based, low odour, with no fumes once applied. Keep children and pets off treated surfaces until they are dry, usually 30 to 60 minutes. They are far safer than older chemistry, though still registered products rather than eco-friendly ones.
Do I need to leave the house during a treatment?
Not for a standard general pest treatment. You just keep children and pets off the wet surfaces until they dry. Mark will let you know if any area needs to be cleared for a particular job.
Pricing and quotes
What it costs.
How much does pest control cost?
General pest treatments start from $180 + GST and termite inspections from $280 + GST, shared up front. Termite treatments, strata and commercial work are quoted after a quick look, because the price depends on the property. Every quote is free. See our pricing page.
Is there a callout fee?
No. There is no callout fee on any job, and quotes are free.
Why do some jobs need a quote instead of a set price?
Termite treatments, larger properties, strata and commercial sites vary a lot in size, construction and how far the problem has spread, so Mark assesses them on site to quote the right approach rather than guess.
Termites
The one worth catching early.
What are the signs of termites?
Common signs are mud tubes or leads on walls and foundations, timber that sounds hollow or looks blistered, doors and windows that suddenly stick, and small discarded wings near windowsills. If you see any of these, do not disturb them, and book an inspection.
How often should I get a termite inspection?
At least once a year, in line with the Australian Standard (AS 3660). Termites can do significant damage before they are obvious, so an annual inspection is the cheapest protection you have.
What happens in a termite inspection?
Mark inspects the full property, the interior, subfloor, roof void, exterior, fences, gardens and moisture-prone areas, usually 60 to 90 minutes, and gives you a written report to AS 3660 with what he found and what he recommends.
I think I have termites, what should I do?
Do not spray or disturb them, as that can scatter the colony and make treatment harder. Call to book an inspection, and treatment by soil barriers or colony baiting is quoted from there. Mark is accredited in Termidor, Exterra and Termseal.
The visit and guarantee
What to expect on the day.
What happens during a general pest treatment?
One visit treats the whole property: the roof void, interior skirting, subfloor, and the exterior walls, fences, gardens, pool area, sheds and garage. It usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, and your invoice and report come by email.
Is the work guaranteed?
Standard general pest treatments are guaranteed for six months. If the targeted pests come back inside that window, so does Mark. German cockroaches are the one exclusion, as they need a dedicated program.
Will the pests disappear straight away?
You may see a little more activity for a few days as pests move through the treated areas, then a steady drop off. The treatment keeps working over the following weeks.
How do I prepare for the visit?
Clear easy access to the skirting, the subfloor entry and the roof access, put food and pets away, and let Mark know the rooms where you have seen the most activity. That is all that is needed.
Strata and commercial
For buildings and businesses.
Do you work with strata buildings and businesses?
Yes, it is a core focus. Mark runs scheduled recurring programs for offices, retail, hospitality, warehouses, schools, food premises and strata blocks, with treatments timed around trading hours. See strata and commercial.
Can you provide documentation for audits and food safety?
Yes. Every visit comes with a written report in a consistent format, which supports food safety obligations and audits for committees and managers.
What areas do you cover?
All of Sydney: north, south, east and west. Mark is based in Macquarie Park, central to the whole city. If your suburb is not listed on the areas page, a quick call confirms it.
Still have a question?
Call Mark direct. The quote and the advice are always free, with no callout fee.