Find a trusted pest controller in Canberra

Termites in a cold climate

Canberra’s cold winters slow termites down, but they don’t keep them out. Subterranean termites, mainly Coptotermes and Nasutitermes species, cause most of the damage to homes here. Houses close to established gum trees, nature reserves, or timber in contact with the soil, such as old sleeper retaining walls and fence posts, carry more risk.

A lot of older Canberra houses stand on timber bearers and joists over a subfloor, so a proper inspection checks underneath as well as the roof void and the outside walls. Ask for a written report done to AS 3660.2, the standard for termite management in existing buildings. The usual advice is to have one at least once a year.

The ACT also has its own wrinkle at sale time. Once a house or townhouse is on the market, the seller has to have a pest inspection report ready for buyers. That keeps Canberra’s timber pest inspectors busy, and many buyers commission a second, independent inspection before they sign.

Wasps, spiders and mice through the seasons

Pest work in Canberra follows the weather. As spring warms up, ants and spiders come out, and a general treatment in late spring sets you up for summer. European wasps are a well-known Canberra nuisance: nests grow through summer, and the busy season runs from late summer into autumn. Nests turn up in wall cavities, roof voids, the ground and dense shrubs.

When the nights get cold, mice and rats look for somewhere warm, and roof spaces are a favourite. Scratching overhead in May or June is a common reason to call. If it turns out to be a possum, remember they’re protected native animals, so moving one out has to follow ACT wildlife rules.

Checking a pest controller’s ACT authorisation

In the ACT, anyone doing commercial pest control needs an Environmental Authorisation from the ACT Environment Protection Authority. You can search the pest and weed control operators register on Access Canberra, and ask the business for its authorisation number. Ask which products they’ll use and how long kids and pets should stay out afterwards. For other registers, see our ACT licence checks page.

Pest control prices in Canberra

Prices here generally sit above the middle of the national ranges. A general treatment for a house is typically around $180 to $400, rodent baiting $200 to $400, and a termite inspection $200 to $400. Our pest control price guide covers more treatments. They’re a guide, not a quote, so ask what the warranty covers for each pest.

Getting matched with a Canberra pest controller

You won’t get a list of names from us, and we won’t pass your number to a handful of companies. Tell us what’s bugging you and where you are, and we’ll match you with one Canberra pest controller whose authorisation, insurance and reviews we’ve checked. Get a free quote, see pest control in other cities, or find other Canberra tradies.