Amazing Pest Facts: Household and Garden Pests in Australia

Pests. Most of us don’t like them and try to get rid of them as quickly as possible using pest control methods. But did you know that some pests actually play an important role in our ecosystems throughout their entire life? Or that others can do amazing things that would surprise you?

Here are some interesting and amazing facts about common household and garden pests in Australia that you may not know:

Ants Can Lift Objects 50 Times Their Own Body Weight

Ants are incredibly strong for their small size. On average, ants can carry objects that are up to 50 times their weight! This would be the equivalent of a 70 kg human lifting a 3,500 kg object. Their immense strength comes from their muscular legs, neck, and head. In Australia, species like the bull ant are known not only for their strength but also for their aggressive nature.

Mosquitoes Have 47 Teeth

Female mosquitoes are the ones that bite and feed on blood from their animal host. They use their long, pointed mouthparts called the “proboscis” to pierce skin and suck blood. This proboscis contains 47 sharp, serrated teeth that help them bite through skin and draw blood. These nasty little teeth are arranged in seven different stylets, making them super efficient at piercing skin quickly and sucking up large amounts of blood. No wonder mosquito bites are so itchy! Mosquitoes are a common pest in Australia, especially around stagnant water sources.

Bed Bugs Don’t Transmit Disease

As disgusting as it is to have bed bugs feeding on your blood at night, they don’t actually spread any diseases. They simply use their stealthy and sneaky behaviours to hide in bedding and furniture and come out at night for a meal. Still, it’s important to get rid of them quickly before populations explode, especially in a warm climate like Australia’s, where they can thrive.

Cobwebs Can Catch Prey Up to Threefold the Size of the Spider

You know those pesky cobwebs you find creeping around the house that look like dusty lace? Well, as unsightly as they may seem, cobwebs serve an important function for spiders. The silk strands allow them to catch prey much larger than themselves. In fact, cobwebs can catch insects and small animals up to threefold the size of the spider! This is because the silk strands are incredibly strong relative to their diameter. In Australia, spiders like the redback are known for their tough silk and are often found in household gardens.

Flies Vomit on Their Food Before Eating It

We all know flies can spread disease by landing on decaying things and then coming into contact with our food. What’s even nastier is that before they feast, flies actually vomit onto their meal first. The fly vomit contains enzymes that help break down and digest the food, making it easier for the fly to slurp it up. Absolutely disgusting! This is why it’s so important not to let flies hang around your kitchen or outdoor eating areas during summer BBQs in Australia.

The Cane Toad Problem

Cane toads are infamous in Australia. Originally introduced to control beetles, they quickly became one of the country’s most problematic pests. They have poisonous glands that can kill pets and native wildlife that try to eat them. Their rapid spread across Queensland and other states has caused a significant impact on the local ecosystem.

Huntsman Spiders Are More Helpful Than Harmful

Huntsman spiders, although frightening due to their size, are actually quite helpful around the house. They feed on pests like the German cockroach and flies, helping to control their populations. They are common throughout Australia, and while they may look intimidating, they are generally harmless to humans.

So there you have it, some strange and fascinating facts about some of the most common household bugs in Australia. Who knew such tiny creatures could do such impressive (or disgusting) things?

Which of these pests do you often see in your garden? Share your experiences in the comments below!