Frequently Asked Questions

Common warning signs can include mud or shelter tubes, damaged or hollow-sounding timber, discarded wings, unusual changes to doors or flooring and other evidence of concealed timber damage. However, these signs can have other causes. A professional termite inspection is the best way to investigate suspected termite activity.

Termites are present throughout Western Australia, and termite damage is a recognised property-management issue. The level of risk can vary depending on factors such as location, property construction, environmental conditions, moisture and access to susceptible timber.

Termites are generally small, soft-bodied insects that may appear pale or creamy-white. Different termite castes have different appearances, while winged reproductive termites have wings. Because termites can resemble other insects, professional identification may be required.

Yes. "White ants" is an inaccurate colloquial term sometimes used to describe termites. However, termites are not ants and belong to a different insect group.

Yes. Termites can remain concealed in soil, timber, wall cavities and other protected areas. This is one reason regular inspections and awareness of warning signs are important.

No. Termite activity can occur in properties of different ages. The age of a property alone does not determine whether it is at risk.

No. Termite management systems are designed to reduce the risk of undetected termite ingress and assist with detection or management. They are not an absolute guarantee that termites cannot enter a building.

The appropriate inspection frequency depends on factors such as the property's construction, location, environmental conditions, previous termite activity and existing management measures. If you notice warning signs or have a history of termite activity, arrange an assessment rather than waiting for a routine inspection.

It is better not to unnecessarily disturb suspected termite workings before professional assessment. Take photographs of the area and arrange an inspection so the evidence can be assessed properly.

DIY products may not address the underlying colony or the way termites are accessing the property. Because termite management can involve concealed activity and property-specific factors, professional assessment is recommended when termites are suspected.

Yes. Treatment does not guarantee that a property will never experience termite activity again. Ongoing property maintenance, monitoring and inspections can form an important part of long-term termite risk management.

Yes. Termites can attack susceptible timber structures and items, not just the main structure of a house. Decks, pergolas, sheds, fences and other timber elements should also be considered when assessing termite risk.

Don't panic and don't rely on a DIY surface treatment. Take photographs of the evidence, avoid unnecessarily disturbing the area and arrange a professional termite assessment.

A sudden increase in cockroach activity can be associated with changes in food availability, moisture, weather conditions, building conditions or access points. Cockroaches may also enter through gaps, plumbing areas and other openings.

Cockroaches are commonly more active at night. If you're regularly seeing cockroaches after dark, particularly in the same areas, it may indicate ongoing activity.

Cleanliness can help reduce available food sources, but cockroaches can still enter from outside or adjoining areas. Moisture, warmth and access points can also contribute to activity.

Not necessarily. A single cockroach may have entered from outside. Repeated sightings, juvenile cockroaches, egg cases or other evidence are more concerning and may warrant investigation.

Small cockroaches may be juvenile cockroaches. Repeatedly finding them can indicate breeding activity nearby, although correct pest identification is important. Regular sightings of small cockroaches especially adjacent to areas surrounding appliances that emit heat such as microwaves, ovens, fridges, dishwashers, televisions and modems may indicate the presence of a German cockroach infestation. German cockroach infestations require a more targeted treatment approach that also involves an extensive preparation procedure in order to carry out a safe and thorough treatment.

Cockroaches may be associated with plumbing and drainage areas, although the exact source depends on the property and species involved. Plumbing penetrations and damp areas can provide access and shelter.

They potentially can move between adjoining areas through gaps, plumbing penetrations, service ducts and other building pathways. In multi-unit properties, coordinated pest management may sometimes be necessary.

The time required depends on the property, pest species, level of activity and treatment approach. Bees Knees can advise you about the expected process after assessing the property.

Treatment requirements vary depending on the products and methods used. Your pest professional will provide any required preparation and re-entry instructions. Always follow the instructions provided after treatment.

Preparation requirements depend on the treatment being carried out. Bees Knees can provide specific preparation instructions based on the property and treatment approach.

Reduce food and water sources, keep areas clean, fix leaks, reduce clutter, seal obvious entry points and address conditions around the property that may attract pests. If activity continues, professional assessment may be appropriate.

Common signs include droppings, scratching noises, gnaw marks, nesting material, damaged food packaging, unusual smells and sightings of rodents. If you're noticing several of these signs, it is worth having the problem investigated.

Rats are generally larger than mice and can have different behaviours and preferred hiding places. Mice are much smaller and can enter through very small gaps. Correct identification is important because the appropriate control strategy can vary depending on the pest.

Rats and mice are often active at night, and roof spaces can provide shelter and warmth. Scratching or scurrying sounds may indicate rodent activity, although other animals can also enter roof spaces. An inspection can help identify the cause.

Rodents can enter through gaps around doors, roofs, pipes, vents, utility penetrations and other openings. Mice can fit through particularly small gaps because of their size.

Yes. Roof spaces can provide shelter, warmth and protection, making them attractive nesting areas for rodents. If you regularly hear movement above your ceiling, professional assessment can help identify the cause.

If fresh droppings continue appearing after cleaning, rodents may still be active in the area or accessing it from another location. Identifying and addressing the source is important.

Yes. Rodents can gnaw on a range of materials, including electrical wiring. If you discover damaged electrical wiring, have it assessed by a suitably qualified electrician.

Rodents can contaminate food and surfaces and may cause property damage through gnawing and nesting. If you discover ongoing rodent activity, it is best to address it promptly.

DIY measures may help in some situations, but they may not address the underlying source of the problem. If rodents continue to return, professional assessment can help identify access points and other contributing conditions.

The time required depends on the property, type of rodent, level of activity, access points and control approach. Bees Knees can advise you about the expected process after assessing the property.

Reduce access to food and water, secure rubbish, reduce clutter, maintain outdoor areas and address potential entry points. If rodents continue to return, professional assessment may be needed.

Yes. Bees Knees Pest Management provides professional rat and mice control for residential and commercial properties across Perth and surrounding WA service areas.

Yes. Bees Knees provides pest-management solutions for commercial properties experiencing rodent activity. Commercial properties can benefit from an approach that considers the building, surrounding environment, food sources, access points and ongoing prevention.

Spiders may be attracted by a combination of food, shelter and suitable web-building areas. A high number of insects around your property can provide spiders with a reliable food source.

Common factors include insects, outdoor lighting, vegetation, clutter, sheltered areas and gaps around the building.

Repeated webs may indicate that an area provides suitable shelter and access to insects. Removing webs may provide temporary relief, but spiders can return if the underlying conditions remain.

Outdoor lights can attract flying insects. Spiders may then be attracted to areas where insects gather because they provide a potential food source.

No. Spiders are part of the natural environment and can occur around clean and well-maintained properties. Their presence is not necessarily an indication of poor hygiene.

Reduce insect activity, maintain vegetation, remove unnecessary clutter, manage outdoor lighting, seal potential entry points and keep outdoor areas maintained.

Spiders may enter through gaps and openings while looking for food or shelter. Other insects inside the property may also provide a food source.

Yes. Spiders are a normal part of the environment in Perth and throughout Western Australia. The types and levels of activity can vary depending on location, season and property conditions.

No, a pest-control treatment cannot guarantee that a property will remain completely free of spiders indefinitely. Outdoor environments continually provide opportunities for spiders and their prey. Professional treatment can help reduce activity when combined with appropriate property maintenance and prevention.

The duration of control can vary depending on the property, environmental conditions, pest pressure and treatment approach. Bees Knees can provide advice based on the specific circumstances of your property.

Yes. Bees Knees Pest Management provides spider treatment services for residential and commercial properties across Perth and surrounding WA service areas.

Keep your distance and do not disturb the nest. Keep children and pets away from the area and arrange professional pest control if the nest is creating a risk or is difficult to manage safely.

It is generally safer not to attempt removal yourself. Disturbing an established nest can cause wasps to become defensive and increase the risk of being stung.

Household insect sprays are not necessarily suitable for treating an established wasp nest. Approaching the nest to spray it can also increase your risk of being stung. Professional assessment is recommended.

Blocking an entrance yourself may disturb the colony and cause wasps to seek another route. Don't block suspected nest entrances. Have the situation professionally assessed.

Wasps may build nests in sheltered locations including eaves, roof spaces, sheds, garages, wall cavities, trees and other outdoor structures.

Wasps can be attracted to food, sugary drinks, rubbish, insects, water and sheltered locations suitable for nesting.

Wasps and bees can look different and construct different types of nests, but identification from a distance can sometimes be difficult. Don't disturb the nest if you're unsure. Professional identification can help determine what you're dealing with.

Wasp stings can be painful, and some people can experience serious allergic reactions. Avoid deliberately approaching or disturbing nests. If someone experiences a severe reaction following a sting, seek appropriate medical assistance.

Yes. Wasp activity may sometimes occur in concealed areas such as wall cavities or roof spaces. If wasps are repeatedly entering a small opening, don't attempt to open the wall or block the entrance yourself.

The treatment time and approach depend on the location, size and accessibility of the nest and the type of wasp involved. Bees Knees can advise you after assessing the situation.

Wasp activity can recur if conditions remain suitable for nesting. Property maintenance and monitoring can help identify new nests early.

Yes. Bees Knees Pest Management provides professional wasp control for residential and commercial properties across Perth and surrounding WA service areas.

Bees Knees can assess the nest and determine the appropriate treatment and management approach based on its location, accessibility and the type of pest involved.

Not necessarily. Responsibility can depend on the circumstances of the pest problem and the terms of your tenancy agreement. Check your agreement and discuss the issue with your property manager before arranging treatment.

Not necessarily. Cleaning and pest control are separate services. If pest treatment is required, confirm this with your property manager.

Not necessarily. If your property manager has specifically requested treatment, ask what treatment is required and why before booking.

Responsibility for flea treatment can depend on the circumstances, including whether pets have been kept at the property and the terms of the tenancy. Check your tenancy agreement and discuss the requirement with your property manager.

If you've had a pet, flea treatment may be requested as part of the end-of-lease process. Ask your property manager whether specific treatment is required and what documentation they need.

Document what you've found and notify your property manager. If treatment is required, a professional pest-control service can assess the activity and recommend an appropriate treatment.

Document the signs and notify your property manager. Rodents can enter through building openings and other access points, so identifying the source is important.

This depends on what is required for your particular tenancy. Ask your property manager whether they require an invoice, receipt, treatment report or other documentation.

It's best to arrange treatment early enough to allow for any required preparation, treatment and follow-up before your final inspection. If you have a specific move-out date, mention it when requesting a quote.

This depends on the treatment method and products being used. The pest professional will provide any required preparation and re-entry instructions.

Some minor pest issues may be manageable with basic prevention, but DIY treatment may not satisfy a property manager's requirements. If professional treatment has been requested, confirm this before relying on DIY products.

Yes. Bees Knees Pest Management provides residential pest-control services across Perth and surrounding WA service areas.

Where applicable, Bees Knees can provide treatment documentation or an invoice. If your property manager requires a specific document, confirm the requirement when booking.

Common household pests can include termites, cockroaches, ants, spiders, rats, mice, wasps, fleas, bed bugs and silverfish. The type and level of pest activity can vary depending on the property, season and surrounding environment.

Changes in weather, food availability, moisture, vegetation or access points can influence pest activity. Seasonal changes can also affect when certain pests become more noticeable.

Yes. Pest activity does not necessarily mean a property is dirty. Pests can enter well-maintained homes through small gaps or be attracted by environmental conditions around the property.

Repeated sightings, droppings, nests, egg cases, property damage, mud tubes, gnaw marks or other ongoing signs can indicate a pest problem. If you're unsure, professional assessment can help determine what is happening.

Persistent or increasing activity, property damage, rodents, termites, wasp nests or significant numbers of pests should be investigated. The appropriate response depends on the type of pest and circumstances.

You cannot completely eliminate the possibility of pests entering a property, but you can reduce potential attractants by securing food, managing rubbish, reducing moisture, maintaining gardens, reducing clutter and addressing obvious entry points.

Some pests may become more noticeable during warmer periods, but activity varies depending on the species and environmental conditions. Weather, food sources and breeding cycles can all influence pest activity.

Preventative pest management may be useful for some properties, particularly where there is a history of pest activity or specific risks. The appropriate frequency depends on the property, pest risks and type of service required.

Some minor pest issues may be manageable with DIY products, but persistent problems may require professional assessment. Always follow product labels and safety instructions.

Don't disturb or attempt to treat suspected termite activity yourself. Arrange a professional termite inspection to determine whether termites are present and assess the extent of activity.

Keep your distance, keep children and pets away and don't disturb the nest. Arrange professional pest control if the nest is creating a risk.

Yes. Bees Knees Pest Management provides pest-management services for residential and commercial properties across Perth and surrounding WA service areas.

Bees Knees provides pest-management solutions for a range of common pests, including termites, cockroaches, ants, spiders, rats, mice, wasps, fleas, bed bugs and other household and commercial pests. Need Help With Pests Around Your Home? Whether you've found termites in your timber, cockroaches in the kitchen, spiders around your home or rodents in the roof, identifying the problem early can help you determine the right solution. Bees Knees Pest Management can assess your pest problem and recommend an appropriate treatment for your Perth or WA property. Need Pest Control in Perth or WA?

Common signs include fleas on pets, flea dirt, itchy bites, excessive pet scratching and fleas appearing in carpets or around pet bedding.

Yes. Flea eggs and immature stages can be present in carpets and other soft furnishings, particularly in areas where pets spend time.

Yes. Flea stages can remain in the environment after pets have left. Fleas can also be associated with other animals.

Treating the pet may not eliminate flea stages already present in the environment. Environmental treatment and ongoing pet prevention may both be necessary.

If fleas are established within the home, treating the environment may be necessary as well as treating the pet. Speak with your veterinarian about pet treatment and a pest professional about environmental treatment.

The treatment process depends on the property, level of activity and treatment approach. Flea infestations can require ongoing monitoring because different stages of the flea life cycle may be present.

Regular vacuuming can help remove flea eggs, larvae and debris from carpets and other areas, but vacuuming alone may not eliminate an established infestation.

New fleas may emerge after treatment because flea eggs and pupae can be present in the environment. Follow any post-treatment instructions provided by your pest professional.

Yes. Regularly washing pet bedding can form part of an overall flea-management strategy. Follow the manufacturer's washing instructions.

Fleas can bite humans, although they generally prefer animal hosts. If you're experiencing repeated unexplained bites, investigate the environment for possible flea activity.

No. Fleas can occur in clean and well-maintained homes. They can be introduced by pets, other animals or contaminated environments.

If your pet has fleas, appropriate treatment of the animal is an important part of flea management. Speak with your veterinarian about the safest and most appropriate treatment for your pet.

Yes. Bees Knees provides professional flea treatment for residential properties, including rental and end-of-lease properties, across Perth and surrounding WA service areas.

Yes. If your property manager requires professional flea treatment before moving out, Bees Knees can provide a treatment service where appropriate. Confirm any specific documentation requirements when booking.

Look for a combination of signs such as live insects, dark spots around mattress seams, blood spots on bedding, shed skins, eggs or repeated activity around sleeping areas. Bites alone cannot confirm that you have bed bugs.

Bed bugs are small, flattened, brownish insects. They can be difficult to see and often hide in mattress seams, bed frames, furniture and other cracks.

They commonly hide around mattresses, bed frames, headboards, bed bases, furniture, skirting boards and other cracks or crevices close to where people sleep.

Yes. Mattress seams and edges can provide hiding places. However, bed bugs can also live in the surrounding bed frame, furniture and other areas.

No. Bed bugs can affect clean and well-maintained properties. They can be introduced through luggage, clothing, furniture and other belongings.

They potentially can, particularly in multi-unit buildings where there are shared walls, cracks, service areas or other pathways.

Not necessarily. Throwing away a mattress may not solve the problem because bed bugs can also be present in the bed frame and surrounding areas. Seek professional advice before disposing of furniture.

Moving to another room can potentially spread bed bugs to another area. Seek professional advice rather than automatically changing sleeping arrangements.

Bed bugs can be difficult to eliminate because they hide in small areas and have multiple life stages. DIY treatment may not address the entire infestation. Professional assessment is recommended where bed bugs are suspected.

The treatment process depends on the level of infestation, property size, affected areas and treatment method. Some infestations may require follow-up treatment or monitoring.

Not necessarily. Laundering and appropriately handling clothing and bedding can form part of an overall bed bug-management plan. Follow the advice provided by your pest professional.

Bed bugs can survive for periods without feeding, which is one reason simply leaving a room unused may not eliminate an infestation.

Yes. Bed bugs can potentially be transported in luggage, clothing and personal belongings. Inspect luggage and belongings after travelling, particularly if you notice signs of bed bugs while away.

Yes. Bees Knees Pest Management provides professional pest-management services for residential and commercial properties across Perth and surrounding WA service areas.

Yes. Bees Knees can provide professional bed bug treatment for residential properties, including rental properties, subject to assessment of the infestation.