Few places in the world rival Australia for its natural diversity. A quick glance at the animals that form part of our national identity—the kangaroo, the koala, the emu, echidna, and platypus—attests to this fact. But for all the brilliant diversity we celebrate in nature, there’s another brand of diversity we’d rather forget: pests. If a pest exists that can disrupt our daily life, you can bet Australia has it, in abundance. Especially if you happen to live in one of Australia’s major cities. 

The mere thought of pests in the home can make most of us squeamish. Not that they should. With the right preparation, you can keep them at bay. But first, let’s examine the top pest control issues for Australia’s major cities. 

Termites 

For pure destruction alone, termites deserve to be on this list. If you own a home, especially in a climate like Melbourne’s, termite treatment in Melbourne isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential. While most pests are capable of causing damage to health and home, none can destroy the structure of your home like termites. It’s a cold, hard fact that termites cause more damage to Australian homes each year than all the storms, fires, and floods combined. No small feat for such a small, silent creature.

Their silence is part of what makes termites so damaging. Rats in your roof cavity make noise; they simply can’t help it. Meanwhile, termites will go about their business and you’ll be none the wiser. That’s why it’s critical you call termite professionals the moment you see a single termite near your home. 

They’re everywhere, too, termites. Every major city. They like conditions to be warm and wet, so make sure your home is as moisture-free as possible. Your best defence is routine inspections. In between visits from the experts, be on the lookout for mud tubes, stuck windows, and hollow-sounding wood frames in your home. Dead giveaways. 

Cockroaches

Few pests persist the way cockroaches do. There isn’t an attic, basement, or pantry shelf they won’t lay siege to, if given the chance. A leaky tap, a slightly open Tupperware container filled with Anzac biscuits, plenty of darkness, it doesn’t take much for cockroaches to arrive in hoards. 

Believe it or not, many of the cockroach species found in Australia are native, especially in cities like Brisbane and Sydney that experience warm, humid summers. That said, you don’t want to roll out the welcome mat for them. All the usual measures help prevent and control cockroach infestations: a clean kitchen at night, drains and vents that are sealed water-tight, and a garage void of moisture. If you notice the odd one scampering under a table, set a few traps. If you see a lot more than the odd one, call the pros. 

Rodents

If only rats and mice were like in the movies, acting cute and cooking brilliant meals, instead of chewing cables and spoiling meals. They’re the classic pest, destined to follow us wherever we live, no matter what. They tick all the boxes to be a top pest: an impressive ability to infiltrate every nook, an even more impressive ability to multiply overnight, and a refusal to give up. 

Like cockroaches, rodents thrive when you give them neglected junk to hide amongst, so be sure to declutter your garden shed and vermin-proof or ember seal the edges. Again, set traps if you catch one roaming; if you see more, you know who to call. 

Ants

Unlike termites, ants won’t chew you out of trusses. They will, however, try to chew you out of everything else, including your patience. There’s something about these seemingly innocuous insects that gets under our skin, but why?

For one, ants will feast on anything sweet, no matter how small the portion. And while most are harmless, particularly the tiny black ones that will reside uninvited in your kitchen, some deliver painful bites, so be vigilant. Wipe benches, keep everything in air-tight containers, and seal anything—and we mean anything—that looks like an entry door. Ants are not to be underestimated. 

Spiders

Finally, from the annoying to the arachnid. No pest has the power to creep us out like spiders. They can have the kitchen, as long as they aren’t watching over us in our sleep. Even if you’re not particularly bothered by them, they’re still worth keeping an eye on, especially if you live somewhere like Sydney, which is a known spot for the worst kind, the Funnelweb. 

Common household species like the Huntsmen and the Daddy Long Legs are usually harmless, and can even help out with other pests. If you notice redbacks and white tips, though, it’s best to get help, as they will bite and will make you ill. Just clear webs around the house regularly, and always check your garden gloves before putting them on. 

Possums

They might look adorable with their big eyes and fluffy tails, but possums can be a real headache for homeowners, especially in the eastern states like New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, where they’re particularly common.

Possums love to nest in roof cavities and wall spaces, often causing damage to insulation, wiring, and even plaster. Outside, they can tear through gardens, rummage through basements, and make a mess of storage areas — potentially ruining the ultimate backyard for Australian family gatherings. While they’re nocturnal by nature, they’re not exactly quiet — so if you hear bumps and thumps in the night, it might not be your imagination (or your kids!). In fact, many pets will pick up on possum activity and alert you before you even realise there’s a problem.

One tricky thing about possums is that they’re highly territorial. Once they move in, they don’t like to leave, and because they’re a protected species, removal must be done safely, legally, and humanely. Poison is not only illegal for possums, but it can also harm children, pets, and native wildlife. If you suspect a possum has taken up residence in your home, it’s best to act quickly and call in a professional who understands local laws and humane removal practices.

Stubborn Pests Meet Smart Prevention

The biggest tip we can offer? Don’t panic. Instead, be prepared. Regular inspections (especially for termites), sealing up cracks and crevices, storing food in airtight containers, and managing moisture in and around the home are all simple steps that make a big difference. Most of all, don’t wait until the damage is done; get professional help early, especially in pest-prone areas.

Pests are an inevitable challenge in every home, in every city. That said, you don’t have to accept them as part of the deal. It’s your home, not theirs, and it will stay that way if you remain on top of your pest control measures.