The Australian dream of owning a home comes with its fair share of responsibilities, and one of those is keeping it free from pests. However, even the most diligent homeowner can be caught off guard by the stealthy invasion of unwanted critters, mainly when they’re hiding in places you’d least expect. A recent warning from a pest controller has shed light on a surprising and often overlooked hideout for pests.
Pest infestations are more than just a nuisance; they can lead to serious financial repercussions. The cost of damage and repairs from these invasions can be staggering, with estimates suggesting that Australian homeowners fork out over $600 million annually. And when you factor in the destruction caused by termites, that figure climbs even higher.
Christopher James, a pest controller who has earned the nickname ‘Roach Sniper’, has been responding to multiple call-outs only to discover outbreaks of suspected drugstore beetles nestled within the roof insulation. These beetles, which are known to infest pantry items like grains and oats, can wreak havoc if they’re not dealt with promptly.
‘It’s a bit of a common problem with new builds, for people who are getting fresh insulation installed. Sometimes it’s tainted from the warehouse, but there’s a range of reasons,’ James explained. The issue is that if the source of the infestation isn’t identified and eliminated, these pests can proliferate throughout the home.
James shared his experiences on social media, where he posted a video showing the beetles emerging from the insulation of a Sydney home. ‘They’re coming out of the insulation… Sometimes these insulation packages are coming from places where they’re tainted,’ he said in the video.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries notes that drugstore beetles, along with their relatives the tobacco or cigarette beetles, are prolific breeders, laying around 100 eggs over an average lifespan of 25 days. The signs of an infestation include irregular holes in foodstuff and packaging, as well as contamination from pupal cocoons and the dead bodies of the adults.
These pests are not just limited to food products; they can also be found in a variety of stored items, including dried herbs and spices. And as their name suggests, cigarette beetles are a particular menace to cured tobacco.
Australians are no strangers to pests like ants, booklice, bed bugs, soldier beetles, cockroaches, and the dreaded termite. These unwanted house guests can cause significant damage if not appropriately managed.
To protect your home from such invasions, it’s important to stay vigilant, particularly in less frequented areas like the roof cavity. If you’re installing new insulation, be sure to source it from a reputable supplier to avoid introducing pests. Regular inspections and early intervention can help prevent minor issues from turning into costly problems.
If you do encounter signs of an infestation, acting promptly by contacting a professional pest controller is the best way to manage the situation.
Have you ever discovered pests in surprising areas around your property? What steps do you take to prevent or manage household infestations? Share your stories and tips in the comments below—your insights could help a fellow homeowner in need.
