Other Pests

Biting midges (often referred to as “sandflies”) are small biting flies about the size of a pin-head belonging to the Ceratopogonidae family. They are especially prolific in coastal areas of tropical and subtropical Australia where some species can cause significant pest problems. They make up for their small size with the large numbers in which they can occur and their painful bite.

Bird mites are not insects as some of the public may think as they have eight legs and two body parts. The most common mite associated with bird nests is the “Starling mite” or “Tropical fowl mite”

Feral cats are the same species as domestic cats, however they live and reproduce in the wild and survive by hunting or scavenging. They are found all over Australia in all habitats, including forests, woodlands, grasslands, wetlands and arid areas. The map illustrates the estimated abundance of feral cats across the country.

Foxes are small, active canids with a reddish-brown coat above, with white underparts except for a black tipped nose and lower legs. They also have a large, very noticeable, bushy tail that is white tipped.

Fleas are small, wingless insects and species range in size from 1 – 10 millimetres. They are easily recognised by the majority of the world’s population, especially those who own cats or dogs.

Although there are a number of different species of carpet beetle, the most common species is the Variegated Carpet Beetle. (All the species have similar behaviours and appearance, although the colour of the adult beetle may differ).