Cockroaches have been present on earth for over 300 million years. They are the most common pest of houses and restaurants throughout Australia. Over the years certain species of cockroaches have co-habitated with humans in many area such as homes, ships, food production and storage facilities. Some species of cockroaches inhabit sewer systems, drains and compost used for the garden. Contamination of food and equipment has occurred. Some pest species of cockroaches have contact with animal and human faeces as well as contaminated food, they transfer these organisms on their bodies and in their faeces  to food which is being prepared for human consumption. many human diseases have been found in and on bodies of cockroaches. These include organisms which cause food poisoning, gastroenteritis, dysentery, hepatitis and tuberculosis. The pest species of cockroaches eat a wide range of food so that most domestic situations are attractive to them. Crumbs, dried liquids on carpets, hair and even starchy bindings of books ensure their survival. While some species of cockroaches can fly, most dispersal occurs through the transport of food, food cartons and other goods.

An understanding of the habitat and life cycles of fleas is important in their prevention and control.

Ants are considered nuisance pests in the home as they enter from outside in the garden and make their way to the food handling facilities. depending on the species of ant their nests can be made under paths, in pot plants, wall cavities, subfloor areas and in roof voids. Ants can also carry disease organisms. Certain speicies are attracted to dog droppings, and to other waste products in garbage containing organisms which cause dysentery or pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella.

The Bed Bug has been a pest of humans for thousands of years, but since the 1940's when DDT was used in their control its numbers have decreased significantly. The improvement in hygiene in many countries has also contributed to the decline of the insect.

Although the adult and immature stages are blood suckers, bed bugs have not been linked with diseases of man. The developing nymphs and adults have piercing and sucking mouthparts often causing server irritation as a result of the bites. Infestations have been more prevalent in hotels, motels and buildings where sleeping facilities exist.

Most homes are visited by spiders, but unfortunately their presence usually ends up in their death. Even when spiders are located in the garden their role in the control of pests of plants is not realised by the homeowners. Spiders play a very useful role in our environment by controlling other pests that they prey upon and should be regarded with respect.

Because the male funnelweb and female redback spiders are poisonous, most other spiders are regarded as toxic and aggressive, but this is not so for they are important components of the environment. Most other spiders are not aggressive.

There are many species of ticks, but the species which are most often encountered along the east coast of Australian paralysis tick and the brown dog tick. Both ticks can occur on many different animals, as well as on humans. The Australian paralysis tick causes the death of animals, particularly dogs and cats, and illness in humans. Whenever illness of humans and animals is suspected, the cases should be referred to the relevant medical or vetinary surgery.

Head, body and crab lice are widely distributed throughout the world. When they infest humans the condition is known as 'pediculosis'. In Australia the head louse and crab louse are of common occurrence, but the body louse is seldom encountered.

Carpet beetles are common pests of articles of animal origin in homes. The larvae feed on carpets, underfelt, fur products, wool, silk and hair. They will also feed on dried meat products, cereals and dried insects. The black carpet beetle may even be found in roof cavities where rodents and possums have died.

Usually there is only one generation a year. The eggs are laid near a food source. The young then pass through larval and pupal stages, which may take 9-12 months, before becoming adult beetles. The beetle then leaves the larval site to feed on pollen and nectar of flowers. It is then that the beetles enter the houses on flowers or fly inside to lay eggs near a food source for their larvae.

Silverfish are primitive insects which belong to the insects Order Thysanura. Several species enter houses and infest areas where starchy materials such as paper, books and fabric are stored. They also occur in roof voids. They cannot climb smooth surfaces.

They are covered with small scales and are somewhat flattened. Silverfish may live for up to four years. All stages moult, including adults.

Papernest Wasps are social insects with female, male and worker castes living in a papery nest, which is often found under the eaves of a house attached to the surface by a small strong stalk. The adults prey on other insects, but if disturbed can sting several times.

If the nests of paper nest wasps are to be removed it is safest to do so at night. Cover the nest with plastic then cut the stalk attachment.

Rats and mice are mamals of the Order Rodentia (or rodents). There are three rodent pests of houses in Australia, all introduced species. They are the Norway rat, the roof rat and the house mouse.

Rats and mice require food and shelter like most animals, and these are provided in buildings, particularly during late autumn and winter when they enter houses. These conditions also complement their breeding. Once inside buildings they often make their nests in wall and roof cavities. The nests are usually composed of paper and other soft materials such as insulation batts. In the case of rats, particularly the Norway rat, burrows are made in soil often near buildings and garbage disposal areas. Rats and mice are also very good climbers, being able to ascend rough walls, pipes, trees and vines, and walk across cables from one structure to another.