Jimboomba, by the river
Black flies after big rain
Logan City Council says black flies live around streams and rivers, and usually aren't present in large numbers in Logan. After heavy rain and flooding that can change, with adults commonly emerging in large numbers 10 to 14 days later.
When they bite
They're active only by day, peaking from sunrise to mid-morning, then again from late afternoon until sunset. The council says treating the larvae doesn't work in running water, so this one's repellent and long sleeves, not a pest business.
Ponds, pools and dams
The Logan River passes Lions Riverside Park, and the council lists ponds, pools and dams among the breeding sources to check at home. Queensland's rule is that you must prevent mosquitoes breeding on your property. Native fish help in ponds and dams, and the council can provide 6 a year.
Termites and timber on the block
Logan City Council says termites will forage up to 80 metres from their nest. If your block has old stumps, sleepers, fence posts or a wood heap, each one is worth a look, even well away from the house.
When you replace a fence, the council suggests termite-resistant and preservative-treated timber. Keep firewood off the walls of the house and garage, and check second-hand timber before it comes inside.
Damaged wood is the sign most people find first, then mud tubes. Don't disturb either: leave them for the inspector, who'll want to see what's active. Termite work here needs a QBCC licence as well as a pest management licence.
If you back onto bush or long grass
Snakes are protected in Queensland, and it's an offence to kill or injure one. The state's advice is to keep a licensed snake catcher's number on hand and never interfere. If one's inside, close internal doors, open external doors and give it a chance to leave.
NSW Health says ticks are common in bushland and long grass, and the paralysis tick is found along the east coast. It's most likely to be met in its most dangerous adult form from September to December, so check kids and dogs after time in the grass.
One call that isn't ours
A suspected fire ant nest goes to Biosecurity Queensland, within 24 hours, because Queensland law says so. Keep animals and kids away. It doesn't matter how far out you are: report it, and don't wait for a pest business.
What we'd do about pests in Jimboomba
Walk the block for timber touching the ground, then get a termite inspection if it's been more than a year. Black flies pass as the flood water recedes, so we'd save your money for the jobs that stay.
Want someone to look at it?
Tell us what you've seen and your postcode, and a local pest business that handles exactly that calls you to talk it through.
