NSW coastal humidity keeps the same pests in kitchens, eaves, meter boxes and sheds year-round. This page is the ID sheet. If you are not sure what you have, match the photo, then call 0410 890 387.
German cockroaches
Small, light brown, two stripes behind the head. They live in hinges, fridge motors and under-sink voids. Daylight sightings mean the population is already high. Gel and crack work beat a supermarket bomb.
Outdoor / sewer cockroaches
Bigger, darker, often around drains, meter boxes and the compost. Rain pushes them inside. Perimeter and drain work, not a kitchen gel job.
Huntsman spiders
Large, flat, fast. After rain they move onto brick, eaves and into cars. Harmless to most people, still a reason to treat eaves and window reveals.
Redbacks
The red stripe is the ID. They like meter boxes, BBQ cavities, play equipment and sheds. Do not put a hand in. Brad treats the harbourages and the web.
House ants
Trails on benches usually start at a nest under pavers, the slab edge or a wall cavity. Follow the line. Coastal brown ants on sandstone are common in Illawarra yards.
Subterranean termites
Mud tubes on the slab, bubbling paint, or hollow-sounding timber. Coastal NSW houses need regular timber pest inspections, especially before you buy.
Rats and mice
Scratching in the ceiling at night, droppings in the shed, chew on dog food. Close the gap, then bait in locked stations — not on a saucer where a pet can reach it.
Silverfish
Damp laundries, bathrooms and paper. They come with moisture. Fix the leak, then treat the skirtings.
Pest ID FAQ
What insect is in my Albion Park kitchen at night?
Small cockroaches in cupboards are usually German cockroaches. Larger ones near the back door after rain are usually outdoor species. Send a photo to Brad on 0410 890 387 if you are unsure.
Is a huntsman dangerous?
Huntsman bites are uncommon and they are not a medical-emergency spider in the way a redback is. Still treat eaves if they keep coming in after rain.
Where do redbacks live in the Illawarra?
Meter boxes, BBQ cabinets, under play equipment, around the shed and in stored timber. Wear gloves. Call a licensed technician — licence 5072681.
Do I have termites or just ants?
Ants are visible workers in a trail. Termites hide in mud tubes and timber. If you see a mud tube on the slab, stop breaking it and book a timber pest inspection.
What about rodents versus possums in the ceiling?
Night scratching plus droppings and gnaw marks is usually rats or mice. Possums are heavier and often seasonal. Brad will tell you on site.
Can I identify it from a photo?
Often yes. Text a clear photo to 0410 890 387 with the suburb. Do not delay a food-business cockroach or a mud tube while you wait.