Pest problems tend to come with a lot of questions, and not all of them get asked out loud. Whether you live in an older timber home near the Woronora River, a waterfront house in Sylvania or a new townhouse in Kirrawee, these are the questions that come up again and again, with straightforward answers.

How often should I get a termite inspection?

The Australian Standard AS 3660.2 recommends termite inspections at least once every 12 months, and more often in high-risk areas. In the Shire, homes backing onto bushland near the Royal National Park or Heathcote National Park, and properties with timber subfloors or damp sites, can fall into the higher-risk category. An inspector can advise on the right interval for your home.

Are pest treatments safe for kids and pets?

It depends on the product, how it's applied and where. A reputable technician should tell you what they're using, where they're applying it, and how long to keep children and pets away from treated areas. Typical precautions include keeping kids and pets off treated surfaces until they're dry, removing pet bowls and toys beforehand, and covering fish tanks. Always mention anyone in the house with allergies, asthma or other health concerns when you book.

Do I need to leave the house during a treatment?

Often not for the whole day, but it depends on the treatment. For some jobs you may be asked to stay out of certain rooms or the whole house for a few hours. Your technician should explain this before starting.

How do I prepare for a visit?

• Clear out the cupboards under the kitchen and bathroom sinks if cockroaches or ants are the issue.
• Make sure the technician can get to the roof void, the subfloor and any sheds or garages.
• Move furniture and stored items slightly away from the walls where possible.
• Put pets somewhere secure.
• Write down what you've seen, where and when. Photos help a lot.

Why am I seeing more cockroaches after a treatment?

For a short time after some cockroach treatments, it's common to see more activity as they come out of hiding. That usually settles down as the treatment works. If activity is still high after the timeframe your technician gave you, let them know.

Can I just use supermarket sprays?

For the odd insect, sure. The limitation is that most off-the-shelf sprays only kill what they touch. They don't reach nests in wall cavities, roof voids or the soil, and some can scatter colonies of ants or cockroaches and make the problem harder to fix. Persistent problems, and anything involving termites, rodents, bed bugs or stinging insects, are better handled professionally.

Is it termites or ants?

Winged ants and winged termites are often confused. Ants have a pinched waist, elbowed antennae and front wings that are longer than the back wings. Termites have a thick waist, straight antennae and four wings of roughly equal length. Termite workers are soft, pale and avoid light. If in doubt, take a photo and get it checked.

What's the difference between a pest inspection and a building inspection?

A building inspection looks at the general condition and structure of a property. A timber pest inspection focuses on termites, borers, timber decay and conditions that make the property attractive to termites. Home buyers often get both. Learn more about property pest inspections if you're buying or selling.

Do you work on commercial properties too?

Sutherland Shire Pest Control Pro handles both residential and commercial pest control, covering spiders, cockroaches, rats and mice, ants, termites, wasps and bees, bed bugs and property pest inspections.

Which suburbs are covered?

The team is based in Sutherland and services 35 suburbs across the Shire, including Cronulla, Miranda, Caringbah, Engadine, Menai, Sylvania, Jannali, Kirrawee, Gymea, Como, Illawong, Woronora, Kurnell, Loftus, Yowie Bay and Woolooware. You can check the full list of suburbs the team covers online.

What should I look for when choosing a pest controller?

Look for someone who knows local conditions, explains what they're doing in plain English, gives you clear information in writing, and answers your questions about products and safety without getting defensive. In NSW, pest management technicians need a licence issued by the NSW Environment Protection Authority, so it's reasonable to ask about that too. A Sutherland-based pest control service also has the advantage of knowing the Shire's mix of bushland, waterfront and older homes.

Still have a question?

If your question isn't here, ask. Sutherland Shire Pest Control Pro is happy to talk through what you're seeing. Call 02 8360 3033 or email info@sutherlandshirepestcontrolpro.com.au.