Pests We Treat
Identify your pest, understand the risk, and see exactly how Universal Pest Control deals with it. Some pests are included in our General Pest Treatment — others require specialist care.
Included in General Pest Treatment
Covered by your general spray
No extra charge — these are all part of the General Pest Treatment.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are among the most resilient and unwelcome household pests in Australia. They spread bacteria, trigger allergies and multiply fast — so the sooner they're dealt with, the better.
German Cockroaches
German cockroaches are the ultimate indoor survivor — small, fast-breeding and notoriously difficult to fully eliminate without professional treatment. Professional German cockroach control targets harbourage zones with gel baits and crack-and-crevice treatment, not surface spraying alone. A single female and her offspring can produce thousands within months.
Ants
Ants might seem harmless, but a trail of thousands marching through your kitchen or nesting in your walls is another story entirely. Some species can damage electrical wiring and timber.
Spiders
Australia is home to some of the most venomous spiders in the world. While most are harmless and even beneficial, redbacks and other dangerous species around your home are a genuine safety concern — especially for children and pets.
Silverfish
Silverfish are nocturnal, fast-moving insects that feed on starchy materials — books, paper, glue, fabrics and even photos. They thrive in damp, undisturbed areas.
Earwigs
Earwigs are harmless but unsightly insects that invade homes in large numbers, particularly in damp conditions. They're a nuisance rather than a danger, but you still don't want them inside.
Millipedes
Millipedes are another moisture-loving invader. While harmless to people, they can appear in huge numbers after rain, swarming into homes and garages.
Specialist Treatments
Pests requiring specialist care
These are NOT included in the standard General Pest Spray. Each has its own dedicated treatment and pricing.
Fleas
Fleas don't just make pets miserable — they bite humans, infest carpets and can persist for months. A single treatment often isn't enough because eggs, larvae and pupae continue developing after adults are killed.
Termites
Termites cause more damage to Australian homes than fire, flood and storms combined. They work silently and relentlessly, and by the time you see them, the damage may already be significant. This is not a pest to tackle yourself.
Timber Borers
Timber borers are wood-eating beetles whose larvae tunnel through structural and decorative timber. Left untreated, they can seriously weaken floors, beams and furniture over years.
Bees
Bees are essential to our environment and food supply. But when a swarm or nest establishes inside a wall cavity, chimney or roof void of your home, it becomes a genuine safety issue — especially for anyone allergic to stings.
Wasps
Wasps are aggressive defenders of their nests. A single disturbance can trigger multiple stings, and unlike bees, a wasp can sting repeatedly. Paper wasps and European wasps both pose real dangers around homes.
Rats & Mice
Rats and mice are more than a nuisance — they chew wiring (a leading cause of house fires), contaminate food, damage insulation and spread disease. They breed at an alarming rate, so quick action matters.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes turn your backyard into a no-go zone. Beyond the itchy bites, they can transmit diseases and make outdoor entertaining miserable for your family and guests.
Ticks
Ticks are a serious concern for families with pets and young children. They latch onto skin, can cause allergic reactions and transmit diseases including tick typhus and Lyme-like illness.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are the ultimate nightmare pest — they hide in mattresses and furniture, feed on you while you sleep, and are notoriously resistant to DIY treatment. They spread easily via luggage, clothing and second-hand furniture.
Bird Mites
Bird mites are tiny parasites that live on birds but will bite humans in large numbers when their host leaves a nest. The result is intense, relentless itching from thousands of bites.
Bird Control
Birds cause real problems around homes and commercial buildings — fouling, nesting in roof voids, damaging solar panels and spreading mites. Effective bird control is always site-specific.
Possums
Possums in your roof mean sleepless nights, stained ceilings and damaged wiring. But possums are protected native wildlife in NSW — they must be removed and managed lawfully and humanely. Universal provides compliant possum removal and control, using exclusion and proofing so possums can leave but not re-enter.
Stored Product Pests
Stored product pests infest dry goods — flour, rice, cereal, grains, nuts, spices and pet food. They contaminate pantries and commercial kitchens, causing waste and, in food businesses, potential compliance issues.
FAQ
Pests we treat — your questions answered
What pests do you treat?+
We treat a wide range of household and commercial pests — from common crawling insects like cockroaches, spiders and ants through to specialist pests like termites, bed bugs, fleas, rodents, bees, wasps, possums and birds. Browse our full pest library on this page.
What's the difference between included and specialist pests?+
Included pests are covered by our General Pest Treatment at no extra charge — cockroaches, spiders, ants (internal), silverfish and more. Specialist pests need targeted treatments and separate pricing because they require different methods, like termites, bed bugs and rodents.
What pests are included in the general pest treatment?+
The General Pest Treatment covers cockroaches, spiders, ants (internal only), silverfish, earwigs, millipedes and other common household crawling insects in a single inside-and-out visit.
What pests require specialist treatment?+
Termites, German cockroaches (active infestations), bed bugs, fleas, rodents, bees, wasps, possums, birds and bird mites all require specialist treatments with dedicated methods and pricing — they're not included in the standard General Pest Spray.
How do I know which pest I have?+
Use our Pest Identification Guide to narrow it down based on what you're seeing, or browse the pest library for detailed descriptions and photos. If you're still unsure, call us — we can identify almost any pest over the phone or onsite.
Are all pests dangerous?+
Not all pests are dangerous, but many can damage your property, contaminate food, trigger allergies or pose health risks. Termites cause catastrophic structural damage, rodents spread disease, and stinging insects can be life-threatening for allergy sufferers. Don't ignore a pest problem.
Can I treat pests myself?+
Some minor pest issues can be managed with good hygiene and exclusion, but most infestations need professional treatment to eliminate properly. Store-bought sprays often don't reach the source and can make problems worse — especially with termites, which should never be disturbed.
How much does specialist pest treatment cost?+
Specialist treatment pricing depends on the pest, the extent of the infestation and your property. Use our quote wizard for an indicative price, or call us for a quote. Some specialist treatments require an inspection before a final price can be given.
Which pests are most common in Newcastle?+
Cockroaches, spiders and ants are common year-round in Newcastle. Termites are a major risk due to our coastal humidity. Rodents increase in cooler months, and bees and wasps peak in spring and summer. Our local experience means we know what's active when.
Do you treat termites?+
Yes. We offer comprehensive termite inspections and specialist treatment including chemical soil barriers and baiting systems. Termites are the most destructive pest in Australia — if you suspect activity, don't disturb it and call us immediately.
What should I do if I see a pest?+
Note where and when you saw it, don't disturb it (especially if it could be termites or a bee nest), and use our identification guide or pest library to narrow it down. Then call us or book online for a professional treatment.
How do I book treatment for a specific pest?+
Find your pest in the library above, click through to its dedicated page for treatment details, then book online or call us. Our quote wizard can also recommend the right treatment based on the pest you select.
Send Unwanted Guests Packing.
Found something crawling around that shouldn't be there? We'll identify the problem, explain the options and recommend the right treatment.