FAQs

If you want the job done – and done right the first time – call Spiderman SE.

Established in October 2014, we've built our small business from the ground up. Our people, our character, and our reputation mean everything to us. We pride ourselves on being a local, family-owned business, that provides top-quality service with attention to detail and a genuine, friendly approach.

Our Pest Management Technicians are locals. We live here, know our area, and we know our local conditions. We are fully qualified, licensed, and insured. We understand pest behaviour, know which products are safe to use in homes, commercial spaces, and food premises, and are technically skilled at offering suggestions on preventing further pest problems.

Our technicians are qualified, licensed, and insured pest management technicians in multiple states and territories in Australia.

In addition, they also hold White Cards and many other extra qualifications. As far as training, accreditations and compliance with Australian Codes of Practice and Standards go, we believe Spiderman SE is miles ahead of other Pest Control providers in our service area.

Spiderman SE is Workplace Health and Safety System Compliant. The team has been screened and background-checked by the Department of Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) / SAPOL screened and background checked. We're also members of the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association (AEPMA) and are PestCert Accredited.

We also carry $20 million in public liability insurance and $1 million in professional indemnity insurance, so you can rest easy knowing that we’re fully covered. Maintaining this level of coverage isn’t cheap, but it’s crucial for protecting both you and us​.

At Spiderman SE, we don't have any formal guarantee in place, but to be honest, we don't need to!  Our policy is, "We're not happy unless you are"!

If you've adhered to the Preparation and After-Care instructions particular to the treatment provided (i.e. Flea and Bed Bug Treatments have different preparation requirements to GITs) and checked out our Terms and Conditions but you're still dealing with more pests than expected after our treatment, don't hesitate to reach out.

We take your concerns seriously, and your technician will be more than happy to get in touch, discuss potential reasons, and work on finding the best solutions.

Preparation and After-Care Instructions for our General Insect and Spider Treatments (GIT) are available on our website here.  Failure to follow these instructions will void any guarantee Spiderman SE Eco Pest Management provides.

Spiderman SE is based in Mount Gambier but services a large area across the Green Triangle and Limestone Coast regions, including southeast South Australia and southwest Victoria.

Key Service Area Information

• We generally travel up to 150km from Mount Gambier for jobs, with exceptions for regular commercial clients.
• Key locations we visit:
  • Fortnightly: Penola, Naracoorte, and Millicent.
  • Monthly: Bordertown, Kingston SE, Robe, Beachport, Naracoorte, and Keith.
  • Quarterly: Portland.

Travel Charges

Travel costs are calculated based on the return distance from Mount Gambier:

• Free travel: The first 60km return trip is free of charge.
• Shared travel cost: $0.30 per kilometre (when costs are split across multiple jobs in the same area). Shared travel cost applies to every job, regardless of how many jobs we complete in the trip.
• Full travel cost: $1.00 per kilometre (for single bookings or when sharing is not possible, such as termite-related services provided exclusively by Michael).

Scheduling Jobs Outside Mount Gambier

• The number of jobs we can complete per day in these areas ranges from 3–6, depending on:
  • Distance.
  • The number of technicians required.
  • The type of service provided.
• Overnight stays are common for areas like Bordertown and Naracoorte, due to the high demand in these regions.

Important Notes About Termite Work

• While all technicians are qualified to perform termite work, Michael is the only technician assigned to complex termite tasks, such as:
  • Active termite baiting.
  • Standard timber pest inspections.
  • Pre-purchase timber pest inspections.
• Other technicians can assist with termite-related tasks, such as installing termite management systems.
• Due to the complexity and time-intensive nature of Michael’s work, shared travel costs for termite-related services are generally not possible.

Pricing Consistency

• Once on-site, service pricing is the same as in Mount Gambier, and any applicable discounts will also apply. Ensure this is communicated clearly to customers if they ask.

Our General Insect Treatment (GIT) controls all common household insects and spiders. If you've got a particular problem with stubborn Ants, Cockroaches, etc, our technicians may suggest adding specialised services to your treatment to ensure the problem pest is targeted.

Other specialty treatments include Bed Bugs, Bird Mites, Carpet Beetles, Clothes Moths, Fleas, Flies, Mosquitoes, Silverfish, and Stored-Product Pests.

Our services also include Rodent control and ongoing baiting programs, Pre-Purchase Pest inspections, Termite and Timber Pest Inspections, and Termite Prevention and Treatments.

In addition to residential properties, Spiderman SE treats all commercial sites, including bakeries, cafes, pubs, restaurants, childcare centres, kindies, schools, hotels, motels, B&Bs, rental properties, sporting clubs, storage sheds, supermarkets, vineyards and wineries, etc.

Spiderman SE uses AQIS-approved products and can provide a commercial pest control service for any business or industrial premise in the southeast of SA or southwest of VIC. Whether you have a problem with cockroaches, spiders, ants, or rodents or simply require a pest control treatment to comply with your industry standards, we can tailor a service to meet your individual needs.

Here at Spiderman SE, we understand that customers come first for any business, so we are happy to complete our treatment outside your regular business hours to minimise any disruption to your general work day.

We tailor all treatments to the specific needs of each client. All of our pest control services are suitable for any type of property, whether residential, a restaurant, office, retail store, warehouse or industrial business.

Our phone lines are open Monday-Friday: 8.30am-4.00pm.

If you phone out-of-hours, you can leave a voice message for us so that we can get back to you as soon as possible!  Alternatively, you can submit an Online Booking 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Booking Process

• We will process your booking request and contact you via SMS with a proposed booking as soon as possible.
• If your jobsite is further than 30km from Mount Gambier, your booking request will be placed in our Work Pool, and we will contact you once we have enough bookings to schedule a day in your area.

Availability

• Many of our trips outside of Mount Gambier are scheduled around commercial accounts with fixed days and dates, so flexibility with days and times is limited.
• If your jobsite is is further than 30km from Mount Gambier and you require a specific day or time or sooner than our next schedued visit, you can help organise a group booking with family, friends, or neighbours. With 3–4 bookings in your area, we can arrange an extra trip (subject to availability). Alternatively, a special trip can be scheduled at Full Travel Costs (subject to availability).
• If the area is rarely serviced or your booking request is for Termite and Timber Pest services, it’s likely that Full Travel Costs will apply to make an extra trip viable.

Important Reminders

• Please check your phone regularly and reply to the SMS promptly to secure your booking. Delays in responding can cause scheduling issues and a backlog in the Work Pool.
• Our SMS number is 0481 607 743.  If you call this number, you’ll be redirected to our office. You can text this number anytime. The number is MMS compatible and able to send and receive photos and attachments.

Asking how much a pest management service will cost is a perfectly reasonable question. However, as with many general questions, the answer always begins with, “It depends...”

The price of a particular service will generally depend on the type of service (and which pests are involved), the size of the property, and the level of infestation.

Visit our blog for more information.

Ballpark figures for our Residential General Insect and Spider Treatment (GIT) Packages are available here.

If you require a specific or extensive quote, don't hesitate to contact our office.

Spiderman SE is based in Mount Gambier but services a large area across the Green Triangle and Limestone Coast regions, including southeast South Australia and southwest Victoria.

Key Service Area Information

• We generally travel up to 150km from Mount Gambier for jobs, with exceptions for regular commercial clients.
• Key locations we visit:
  • Fortnightly: Penola, Naracoorte, and Millicent.
  • Monthly: Bordertown, Kingston SE, Robe, Beachport, Naracoorte, and Keith.
  • Quarterly: Portland.

Travel Charges

Travel costs are calculated based on the return distance from Mount Gambier:

• Free travel: The first 60km return trip is free of charge.
• Shared travel cost: $0.30 per kilometre (when costs are split across multiple jobs in the same area). Shared travel cost applies to every job, regardless of how many jobs we complete in the trip.
• Full travel cost: $1.00 per kilometre (for single bookings or when sharing is not possible, such as termite-related services provided exclusively by Michael).

Scheduling Jobs Outside Mount Gambier

• The number of jobs we can complete per day in these areas ranges from 3–6, depending on:
  • Distance.
  • The number of technicians required.
  • The type of service provided.
• Overnight stays are common for areas like Bordertown and Naracoorte, due to the high demand in these regions.

Important Notes About Termite Work

• While all technicians are qualified to perform termite work, Michael is the only technician assigned to complex termite tasks, such as:
  • Active termite baiting.
  • Standard timber pest inspections.
  • Pre-purchase timber pest inspections.
• Other technicians can assist with termite-related tasks, such as installing termite management systems.
• Due to the complexity and time-intensive nature of Michael’s work, shared travel costs for termite-related services are generally not possible.

Pricing Consistency

• Once on-site, service pricing is the same as in Mount Gambier, and any applicable discounts will also apply. Ensure this is communicated clearly to customers if they ask.

Payment for our Services must be made within seven (7) days of the technician performing the Services.

Services provided by Spiderman SE Eco Pest Management are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

Direct Deposit
BSB: 065-504
AC #: 1036 2625
AC Name: Spiderman SE

Credit or Debit Card
Please use the secure link sent to you via email or SMS along with your Invoice.  We take your privacy seriously and can't securely accept credit card payments over the phone, as our calls are recorded for training and monitoring purposes.

Cash
Visit your nearest Commonwealth Bank branch and deposit your payment into our account:
BSB: 065-504
AC #: 1036 2625
AC Name: Spiderman SE

Cheque
Post to PO Box 2884, Mount Gambier SA 5290
or
Visit your nearest Commonwealth Bank branch and deposit your payment into our account:
BSB: 065-504
AC #: 1036 2625
AC Name: Spiderman SE

Our Technicians don't carry cash or change and cannot accept payment on the day of your service.

Unfortunately, no. We take your privacy seriously and can't securely take credit card payments over the phone, as our calls are recorded for training and monitoring purposes.

When we send your account via email or SMS, we will include a secure link that will enable you to pay your account securely online via credit or debit card.

Unfortunately, no. Our Technicians don't carry cash or change and cannot accept payment on the day of your service.

Our Admin Team double-checks all service information in the evening or the days following your service. We'll then send an account and service report via email or SMS.

We are happy to issue invoices via post for those who'd prefer a paper account.

Payment for our Services must be made within seven (7) days of the technician performing the Services.

Services provided by Spiderman SE Eco Pest Management are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

Direct Deposit
BSB: 065-504
AC #: 1036 2625
AC Name: Spiderman SE

Credit or Debit Card
Please use the secure link sent to you via email or SMS along with your Invoice.  We take your privacy seriously and can't securely accept credit card payments over the phone, as our calls are recorded for training and monitoring purposes.

Cash
Visit your nearest Commonwealth Bank branch and deposit your payment into our account:
BSB: 065-504
AC #: 1036 2625
AC Name: Spiderman SE

Cheque
Post to PO Box 2884, Mount Gambier SA 5290
or
Visit your nearest Commonwealth Bank branch and deposit your payment into our account:
BSB: 065-504
AC #: 1036 2625
AC Name: Spiderman SE

Our Technicians don't carry cash or change and cannot accept payment on the day of your service.

At Spiderman SE Eco Pest Management, we believe in delivering the best service, not the cheapest. Our pricing reflects the quality of our work, the expertise of our fully trained and licensed technicians, and the top-tier Australian-made products we use. We invest in ongoing training, state-of-the-art equipment, and comprehensive insurance coverage (including $20 million public liability and $1 million professional indemnity insurance), so you know you're getting reliable, skilled pest control every time.

We’re also proud to be the only PestCert-accredited business in our area, and Michael is the only local AEPMA-registered timber pest manager. These qualifications set us apart and ensure you receive the highest level of service.

While we don’t negotiate on our prices, we do offer discounts where it makes sense. Our residential pest control packages are already heavily discounted, and we also offer a 10% discount for Pensioner Concession Card holders (please note, this is only for Pensioner Concession Cards issued by Services Australia, not Seniors Cards). Additionally, we discount travel fees when multiple services are scheduled in the same area on the same day.

When you hire us, you’re paying for peace of mind, quality results, and the confidence that the job will be done right the first time - without compromising on safety or effectiveness.

We understand that the safety and well-being of your family and pets are a top priority. Rest assured that our products have a great safety profile for mammals, including cats and dogs. However, it's important to take some precautions:

PESTICIDE LABELS ARE LAW

Every pesticide requires that people and pets avoid treated surfaces until dry. This rule is specified on the labels of all pesticides. As licensed pest managers, we are mandated to adhere to these labels to ensure the safety of our customers, their families, and their pets.

VACATING YOUR PROPERTY

Your technician will ask you to vacate the property whilst the GIT is being performed inside. Allowing 1.5-2 hours gives us plenty of time to get in and out and allows the product sufficient drying time before you return. Following the instructions on pesticide labels, it is safe to return to the treated area once the treatment has dried.

PETS

• We kindly request that you remove, restrain, or confine your furry, feathery, or scaley friends to a separate area during our pest treatment. This precaution prevents accidental contact and allows our technicians to carry out their work safely and efficiently, aligning with the requirements outlined on pesticide labels. Your pets' well-being is important to us; taking this extra step ensures a secure environment for everyone involved.
• If you have any aquatic pets, such as fish or crustaceans, please cover their tanks or ponds and inform our technicians of their location before the treatment. While our products are safe for mammals, they can have an impact on aquatic life.
• Some Oriental or purebred cats can be sensitive to pyrethroids, a group of pesticides. If your cat falls into this category, please let us know. We have alternative products available that may be more suitable for your furry companion.

At Spiderman SE, we are 100% committed to providing our clients with the most effective treatment possible while at the same time ensuring the safety of our environment.

There are so many environmental benefits of the products and application methods we use at Spiderman SE, but here are just a few:

• Spiderman SE technicians apply our surface sprays using hand-pumped or battery-operated backpacks. This method ensures peace and quiet and requires no fuels or emission-producing power sources. We don't use smelly, noisy generators or bring messy hoses through your property.
• Our surface sprays are 100% safe, biodegradable and they dry completely clear. They are non-irritant and don’t smell.
• We never use fumigants or gasses in our treatments.
• The products we spray go exactly where they're meant to go! We will absolutely not leave run-off streaming down your walls, paths, drains, etc.
• The Spiderman SE team acknowledges just how essential honey bees are to our environment. We have invested hundreds of hours and tens of thousands of dollars to have two of our technicians trained as beekeepers, enabling us to relocate swarms, rather than exterminate them.  In fact, we have our very own apiary located at Spiderman HQ!
• In addition to our treatments, our office is also keeping with our eco-friendly business model. As of March 2017, the majority of our operational systems at Spiderman SE are paper-free. Adopting a brand-new software application means we're electronic all the way!

Our record-keeping is online, and written correspondence with clients (apart from those who still prefer snail mail) is via email and text. The adoption of this new system has seen a massive reduction in the use and waste of paper at Spiderman SE, resulting in more efficient administration and a much better experience for our clients.

We understand that the safety and well-being of your family and pets are a top priority. Rest assured that our products have a great safety profile for mammals, including cats and dogs. However, it's important to take some precautions:

PESTICIDE LABELS ARE LAW

Every pesticide requires that people and pets avoid treated surfaces until dry. This rule is specified on the labels of all pesticides. As licensed pest managers, we are mandated to adhere to these labels to ensure the safety of our customers, their families, and their pets.

VACATING YOUR PROPERTY

Your technician will ask you to vacate the property whilst the GIT is being performed inside. Allowing 1.5-2 hours gives us plenty of time to get in and out and allows the product sufficient drying time before you return. Following the instructions on pesticide labels, it is safe to return to the treated area once the treatment has dried.

PETS

• We kindly request that you remove, restrain, or confine your furry, feathery, or scaley friends to a separate area during our pest treatment. This precaution prevents accidental contact and allows our technicians to carry out their work safely and efficiently, aligning with the requirements outlined on pesticide labels. Your pets' well-being is important to us; taking this extra step ensures a secure environment for everyone involved.
• If you have any aquatic pets, such as fish or crustaceans, please cover their tanks or ponds and inform our technicians of their location before the treatment. While our products are safe for mammals, they can have an impact on aquatic life.
• Some Oriental or purebred cats can be sensitive to pyrethroids, a group of pesticides. If your cat falls into this category, please let us know. We have alternative products available that may be more suitable for your furry companion.

At Spiderman SE, we never use cheap, generic (eg. home brand) chemicals. All of the products we use are the safest, highest quality, brand-name chemicals that money can buy - the vast majority are Australian Made and Owned.

Our technicians always carry product Safety Data Sheets (SDS) with them. We know the products we use inside out. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

As with the chemicals we use, the equipment we use to apply them is of the highest quality. This enables us to provide you with the most effective treatment possible while at the same time ensuring the safety of people, pets, and our environment. Our technicians pre-mix the chemical and apply it using a backpack sprayer and the best industry-specific equipment and nozzles that money can buy.

There are so many benefits of the products and application methods we use at Spiderman SE, but here are just a few:

• Our products are 100% safe, colourless, odourless and eco-friendly. They dry completely clear, so you won't even know they're there!
• The product we're spraying goes exactly where it's meant to go!
• While there's always the possibility of a little over-spray landing on glass areas due to weather conditions (ie. breeze), we will absolutely not leave your windows requiring cleaning or run-off streaming down your walls!
• We don't use smelly, noisy generators or bring messy hoses through your property!

At Spiderman SE, we use lockable bait stations to house our rodent bait, keeping pets and children safe from the bait inside.

Should you have a dog who chews things to pieces (eg. eats the bait station and all), the bait we use is not deadly to pets in the quantity we set; a healthy 7kg dog would have to consume around 7 kg of product (that's 350 x 20g blocks) to receive a potentially lethal dose.

Secondary poisoning (when an animal eats a mouse or rat that’s died from the bait) is also not a problem, as the amount ingested by the rat or mouse will not be enough to harm the animal feeding on it.

Should any animals eat a large quantity of the bait by mistake, we still recommend visiting the vet immediately, as they can carry out a complete assessment and administer Vitamin K1 as an antidote if required.

Today’s pest control products are designed to be much safer for humans, pets, and the environment. Spiderman SE uses products that are just as effective as previous toxic pesticides. However, due to their safer compounds, they do require more frequent application to maintain their effectiveness. In our opinion, given what we know about the negative effects of the hard-core pesticides of old, it’s a compromise we’ve gladly made.

After 2019, Spiderman SE made the switch to Antagonist Pro for our outdoor pest control treatments because the products used previously had a high irritation factor and didn’t cover as wide a range of pests as Antagonist Pro. Antagonist Pro is also Australian-made and owned. Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi!

Indoors, we use Temprid 75, which has a safer profile for pets, specifically cats, which can be sensitive to more commonly used products. In fact, it uses the same active ingredient as the spot-on flea treatments we use on our pets. We don’t use Temprid 75 outside because it is not as rain-fast or effective as Antagonist Pro, and it can be harmful to bees if sprayed irresponsibly outdoors. And we love our bees - just ask Sarah!

Modern products comply with very strict environmental and health regulations, so they are very safe to use, provided they are used how they are meant to be used. For example, our outdoor treatment, Antagonist Pro, is HACCP International certified, giving you peace of mind knowing that your pest problems are being handled in an environmentally safe manner. As pest control treatment professionals, it’s our job to assess your situation and provide you with the right pest control treatment using the right pest control products.

The products we use for our GIT and some of our specialty treatments are surface sprays/residual insecticides, which means they must be ingested, inhaled or absorbed by the pest to be effective. Once the pest comes into contact with a treated surface, they will become affected and die.

The more surfaces we're able to treat at your property, the more chance the pest has to come into contact with a treated area. Whilst we will make recommendations to deliver optimal performance, please consider this factor when requesting an "Inside Only" or "Outside Only" treatment. We also ask that you keep this in mind when preparing your property for us to visit. If surface areas are not accessible due to clutter or household objects blocking the way, then our technicians will not be able to spray them. Similarly, if you're planning on renovating anytime soon after treatment, please consider rescheduling your booking! If you paint over the top of our treatment, it won't be there anymore!

One of the most important things to remember is that the treatment is not a repellent. This is especially important to remember in the case of flying insects, such as flies and mosquitoes. It is possible that insects will enter your home from outside (eg. in washing, through open windows/doors etc.). However, the chances are that any crawling insect found in the house will have crossed treated areas and will die shortly after.

Once affected, the time it takes for the pest to die will depend on its size (ie. a large spider can remain active significantly longer than a mosquito or fly). If you do see a live pest, often you'll know it has been affected if it's slow, groggy-looking and/or is starting to curl up.

This depends on the size of the property and the weather conditions, but if you allow 1.5-2 hours, this gives us plenty of time to get in and out and allows the product sufficient drying time before you return.

We pride ourselves on taking the time to discuss our clients' individual requirements, specific issues, and recommended treatment options with them.

Our treatments are thorough, precise and targeted, and we never take shortcuts!

This depends on the size of the property and the weather conditions, but if you allow 1.5-2 hours, this gives us plenty of time to get in and out and allows the product sufficient drying time before you return.

Once the treatment is dry, it is safe to re-enter.

Whilst we like to think we’re pretty good at our job, effective pest control can only be achieved when we work together with our customers.

Before our team arrives, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure the best results.

Pack up!

• Clear clutter from affected areas both indoors and outdoors.  If surface areas aren’t accessible due to items blocking the way, then our technicians cannot spray them.
• Remove any objects or obstacles that may interfere with the treatment or cause tripping hazards. This includes toys, clothing, and other items lying around.
• Ensure there are no clothes or items hanging on the clothesline.

Cover up!

• Items that come into direct contact with skin, such as pillows, soap, toothbrushes, etc., should be stored away.
• Safely store all uncovered food items in airtight containers or the refrigerator, including fruits, vegetables, and pet food.
• Clear away utensils and appliances. Cups, glasses, and cutlery used to drink and eat should be stored away. This includes pets’ food and water bowls.

Clean up!

• Clean and tidy all affected areas. Pest control applications should be applied to clean areas and be allowed to remain for some time afterwards. This helps to eliminate any existing pest attractants and allows for better treatment coverage.
• Clean up after your pets. Ensure all areas are clear of pet faeces.

By following these steps, you are helping our technicians provide a thorough treatment and maximising the effectiveness of the GIT.

It’s essential that our clients work with us both before and after the treatment in order for it to be effective.

It is also important to take charge of any infestation as soon as it is noticed; an untreated infestation does not simply go away; the problem gets bigger.

Our Flea Treatment page has more details.

It’s essential that our clients work with us both before and after the treatment in order for it to be effective.

It is also important to take charge of any infestation as soon as it is noticed; an untreated infestation does not simply go away; the problem just gets bigger.

If you're having your property treated for Bed Bugs, you will receive an Eradication Management Plan after an Initial Inspection.  This will include a checklist of your preparation and after-care client obligations.

Our Bed Bug Treatment page has more details.

One of the most common questions we get asked about our treatment is, "Should I wash my windows before or after you've sprayed?"  The answer is, it's completely up to you when you choose to wash your windows!

Spiderman SE technicians use the best industry-specific equipment and nozzles that money can buy.  What this means is that they can ensure the product they're spraying goes exactly where it's meant to go!  When we say we'll spray your window frames as part of our treatment, that's exactly what we spray - your window frames - not your beautiful, clear glass windows!

While there's always the possibility of a little over-spray landing on glass areas due to weather conditions (ie. breeze), we will absolutely not leave your windows requiring cleaning after we've finished treating your property!

However, it's important not to wash the insecticide away when cleaning the window. You will need to be precise. If you use a hose, it is very likely you will wash the treatment away from around the window.

We recommend waiting until you've finished your renovations before having a Treatment at your property.

The products we use for our GIT and specialty treatments are surface sprays. Once the pest comes into contact with a treated surface, they will become affected and die.

Essentially, if you're completely removing or painting over the top of any areas we've treated at your place, our surface spray won't be there anymore and you will no longer have an effective treatment in place.

Yes!

There are some very important steps to follow to ensure your treatment lasts as long as possible! After Treatment, we ask that you:

• Please watch your step when returning – some floors may become slippery!
• Wipe down any food preparation surfaces prior to use.
• If possible, leave any existing spider webs for 2-3 weeks after treatment before brushing them down. This allows the spider to enter the web and treatment to take effect.
• Avoid washing it off! Our product is biodegradable and will break down faster outside due to natural elements such as wind, rain, sun, dust etc.
• Don't paint over it! If you're planning on painting anytime soon after treatment, please consider re-scheduling your booking! If you paint over the top of our treatment, it won't be there anymore!
• Mop approximately 5cm from skirting boards (if possible) when washing floors, as detergent will neutralise the treatment. When cleaning windows, try to avoid washing product from window frames.
• Try to keep run-off to a minimum when watering. Avoid use of high-pressure hoses to wash down treated areas.
• Be vigilant! Many insects will be on the move immediately after a treatment. The fact that insects are fleeing means that they have been affected by the treatment and will die soon after. It may take a week or so for the insect traffic to settle after treatment.

Yes!

As much as many of us would love to have a forcefield installed around our properties or wipe out the spider and insect population altogether, the team at Spiderman SE are not keen on taking on Mother Nature! Many of our creepy crawlies have a purpose within our ecosystem, and we don't want to wipe them out entirely; we just want to control their presence in your particular space!

While our GIT is highly effective, it's important to note its limitations. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

RESIDUAL EFFECT

After the initial flush-out and knockdown effect, our GIT leaves a residual barrier on surfaces we've treated. Once a pest encounters a treated surface, it will become affected and die. It may take some time for the product to take effect on larger insects and spiders.  It may also take some time for any flying insects to settle on a treated surface and become affected.

REINFESTATION

External factors such as neighbouring properties or new pest introductions can lead to re-infestation. Continuous monitoring and regular maintenance are necessary to prevent future pest problems.  This is especially important to remember in the case of flying insects, such as flies and mosquitoes. It is possible that insects will enter your home from outside (eg. in washing, through open windows/doors etc.).

HYGIENE AND HOUSEKEEPING

The ongoing effectiveness of your GIT depends on you implementing hygiene, housekeeping, and property maintenance procedures. Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is a crucial and proactive measure to reduce pest attractants and potential breeding grounds. Simple steps like proper waste disposal, regular cleaning, and sealing entry points make a significant difference.

SPECIFIC PESTS

Please note that our GIT is a preventative maintenance treatment for common household insects and spiders. If you have a specific pest issue, such as termites, fleas, ants, bed bugs, etc., we offer additional, specialised treatments to address those concerns.

PEST CONTROL VS ELIMINATION

The role of a pest manager is to reduce the number of pests in your home or business. As much as we dislike having unwanted pests and bugs inside our homes, we cannot eliminate the environment of all pests.
 
WEBBING VS. HUNTING SPIDERS

Our General Insect Treatment addresses hunting spiders such as Wolf, Huntsman, and Whitetails through specialised techniques. We implement thorough treatments specifically targeting insects and web-building spiders, which are the main food source for these species. If hunting spiders are a concern for you, having both inside, outside, and roof void treatments are essential. Occasional sightings of hunting spiders post-treatment are to be expected.

One of the most common questions we get asked about our treatment is, "Should I wash my windows before or after you've sprayed?"  The answer is, it's completely up to you when you choose to wash your windows!

Spiderman SE technicians use the best industry-specific equipment and nozzles that money can buy.  What this means is that they can ensure the product they're spraying goes exactly where it's meant to go!  When we say we'll spray your window frames as part of our treatment, that's exactly what we spray - your window frames - not your beautiful, clear glass windows!

While there's always the possibility of a little over-spray landing on glass areas due to weather conditions (ie. breeze), we will absolutely not leave your windows requiring cleaning after we've finished treating your property!

However, it's important not to wash the insecticide away when cleaning the window. You will need to be precise. If you use a hose, it is very likely you will wash the treatment away from around the window.

We recommend waiting until you've finished your renovations before having a Treatment at your property.

The products we use for our GIT and specialty treatments are surface sprays. Once the pest comes into contact with a treated surface, they will become affected and die.

Essentially, if you're completely removing or painting over the top of any areas we've treated at your place, our surface spray won't be there anymore and you will no longer have an effective treatment in place.

In order to adhere to surfaces properly, our product requires surface areas to be dry prior to treatment. Therefore, our General Insect Treatment (GIT) cannot be applied to external areas during very rainy weather.

Similarly, if it is very windy we are not able to spray outdoors as we cannot control where the spray may land.

If the weather turns bad the day of your treatment booking, we will contact you. We may still be able to service indoors and arrange another time to treat the outside. Alternatively, we can reschedule the whole appointment.

All treatments break down quicker in the sun than in the shade. However, since most insects hide and build their nests in shaded areas, you will still get many months protection from our treatments.

Although our treatments are rainfast, if exposed to downpours or hosed with water, it will wash some of the insecticide away and the duration of protection will be diminished. However, again since most pest hang outs are in sheltered areas (eg. under eaves), rain exposure is not a common issue.

Generally, we recommend treatment every 6-12 months. However, if the property has not been treated previously or there is a large, widespread or heavy infestation of one or more particular pests, we recommend maintenance treatments after a shorter period (i.e. quarterly), depending on the individual situation, environment and problem pest).

Because our product is biodegradable, its strength will weaken over time. Our product will break down faster outside due to natural elements such as wind, rain, sun, dust, etc. Indoors, our product will break down first in areas such as the kitchen and bathroom, as steam, moisture, and detergents increase the speed of biodegradation.

The return of spider webs indicates the treatment's biodegradation. Similarly, if the time insects take to die becomes excessive, further treatment may be necessary. Our technicians can advise you on further treatment programs, depending on the situation.

There are many environmental factors out of our control that can make the effectiveness of our treatments vary.

Because the severity of weather conditions varies from year to year, the length of effectiveness of treatment may also vary slightly from one treatment to the next.

Similarly, when we experience extended periods of warm, wet weather, insect-breeding conditions are ideal, which in turn supports spider-breeding conditions.

If you've adhered to the Preparation and After-Care instructions particular to the treatment provided (ie. Flea and Bed Bug Treatments have different preparation requirements to GITs), and checked out our Terms and Conditions, but you're still dealing with more pests than expected after our treatment, don't hesitate to reach out.

We take your concerns seriously, and your technician will be more than happy to get in touch, discuss potential reasons, and work on finding the best solutions.  We’re not happy unless you are!

Yes!

As much as many of us would love to have a forcefield installed around our properties or wipe out the spider and insect population altogether, the team at Spiderman SE are not keen on taking on Mother Nature! Many of our creepy crawlies have a purpose within our ecosystem, and we don't want to wipe them out entirely; we just want to control their presence in your particular space!

While our GIT is highly effective, it's important to note its limitations. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

RESIDUAL EFFECT

After the initial flush-out and knockdown effect, our GIT leaves a residual barrier on surfaces we've treated. Once a pest encounters a treated surface, it will become affected and die. It may take some time for the product to take effect on larger insects and spiders.  It may also take some time for any flying insects to settle on a treated surface and become affected.

REINFESTATION

External factors such as neighbouring properties or new pest introductions can lead to re-infestation. Continuous monitoring and regular maintenance are necessary to prevent future pest problems.  This is especially important to remember in the case of flying insects, such as flies and mosquitoes. It is possible that insects will enter your home from outside (eg. in washing, through open windows/doors etc.).

HYGIENE AND HOUSEKEEPING

The ongoing effectiveness of your GIT depends on you implementing hygiene, housekeeping, and property maintenance procedures. Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is a crucial and proactive measure to reduce pest attractants and potential breeding grounds. Simple steps like proper waste disposal, regular cleaning, and sealing entry points make a significant difference.

SPECIFIC PESTS

Please note that our GIT is a preventative maintenance treatment for common household insects and spiders. If you have a specific pest issue, such as termites, fleas, ants, bed bugs, etc., we offer additional, specialised treatments to address those concerns.

PEST CONTROL VS ELIMINATION

The role of a pest manager is to reduce the number of pests in your home or business. As much as we dislike having unwanted pests and bugs inside our homes, we cannot eliminate the environment of all pests.

WEBBING VS. HUNTING SPIDERS

Our General Insect Treatment addresses hunting spiders such as Wolf, Huntsman, and Whitetails through specialised techniques. We implement thorough treatments specifically targeting insects and web-building spiders, which are the main food source for these species. If hunting spiders are a concern for you, having both inside, outside, and roof void treatments are essential. Occasional sightings of hunting spiders post-treatment are to be expected.

Finding termites can be a shock and quite upsetting.  We have all heard horror stories of homes so damaged that they are structurally unstable and families devastated by colossal repair bills.

Prevention is the best cure, but if you have already found termites on your property, read through the following important information before you do anything.

Termite infestations are usually discovered by accident. Termites travel in "mud tubes" and keep themselves concealed between walls, roof and subfloor voids and occasionally in furniture. Signs of termites may include mud tubes, discoloured, flaking or bubbling paint, soft spots in the wall or door/window frames, swollen timbers, electrical connection problems and sometimes small piles of dirt, often hidden in the corners of cupboards.

Termites are often (incorrectly) called "white ants" because of their appearance. If you have found an area with the above signs and the presence of small white-looking 'ants', unfortunately, you may have found termites on your property.

The most important thing you can do is NOT disturb them any further.

You may be tempted to spray them with insect or surface spray and clean up the dirt and damage. Don't! We aim to eradicate termites from your home, and the best results are achieved by treating them by applying special products directly to the live termites and their workings. Disturbing them may cause them to retreat and block off the area from their tunnel network that leads back to the nest, making treatment much more difficult and much less successful.

Secondly, don't panic! If you have found termites, they have likely been there for some time and will not cause significant amounts of damage in a few days. Your first step is to have the property inspected by a qualified technician who is experienced in termite work. At Spiderman SE, our technicians are skilled, and accredited, and have extensive experience in all types of termite applications.

Again, don't panic.

Don't disturb them any further and arrange an inspection as soon as possible. There are still treatment options available if you have disturbed the termites, and we will be able to provide information on the suitable treatment options.

Finding termites is a good thing, as you can now take steps to eradicate them. Imagine the damage they could continue to cause if you had not found them.

No.  Spraying surfaces for termites does not work.  Spraying termites directly with pesticides will kill the ones you hit but will not kill the colony from which they came.

Effective termite treatment consists of 4 key steps:

1. Carry out a comprehensive termite inspection.
2. Propose and agree to a termite treatment plan based on the inspection results.
3. Eliminate active termites from the building.
4. Install a termite management system to protect the home into the future.

When people ask how much a termite treatment costs, it is like asking, "How long is a piece of string"? Many variables are involved, and a professional quote can only be provided after an on-site inspection. You should be concerned about any company prepared to give a quote over the phone.

A termite treatment typically consists of two stages:

1. Eliminate active termites from the building.
2. Install a termite management system to protect the home into the future.

The price of Stage 1 will depend on the product used, the size of the infestation and the species present. But it is Stage 2 of the treatment which is the biggest cost component of a termite job. Here are some factors that come into play:

• Size of the house – the larger the house, the higher the cost (more area to treat).
• Construction type – Is the home on a concrete slab or does it have a sub-floor? Homes with a sub-floor have a larger area to treat.
  What type of soil is around the home? (Poor-quality / rocky soils may need to be replaced before applying the soil termiticide.)
• Does the area surrounding the house consist of soil, pavers or concrete? Soil has to be dug up, pavers have to be lifted and replaced, concrete has to be drilled and injected.
• What type of soil is around the home? If the soil is of poor quality and has a large number of stones, it may need to be replaced by quality loam soil before the treatment can be applied.

Because there is no room for shortcuts when it comes to termite management.

All our termite treatments are carried out according to Australian Standards 3660.2-2017 and follow the AEPMA Termite Treatment Industry Code of Practice.

The treatment follows 4 key steps:

1. Carry out a comprehensive termite inspection.
2. Propose and agree to a termite treatment plan based on the inspection results.
3. Eliminate active termites from the building.
4. Install a termite management system to protect the home into the future.

Following this robust process ensures the successful elimination of termite problems as quickly as possible, giving our customers the peace of mind that their homes are safe and protected from termites.

No.

Under-slab sprays were once a common solution for termite protection, involving the application of chemicals under the slab during construction. However, these chemicals break down over time, and once they do, they can’t be replenished. That means your termite barrier loses its effectiveness, leaving the building vulnerable to termite attack down the track.

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) now requires that chemical systems in concealed or hard-to-access areas must be replenishable, as per the 2014 revision of AS 3660.1. Under-slab sprays, by their nature, don’t allow for this replenishment without significant disruption to the structure.

Please visit our blog for more information.

Information for Builders is available on the HIA website here.

Signs of borers include small, round exit holes in the timber, fine powdery dust (known as frass) near the holes, and weakened or damaged wood. However, other timber pests like termites or wood decay fungi can cause similar damage, so a full Termite and Timber Pest Inspection is the best way to confirm the issue.

Yes, in severe cases. While some borer species only infest timber for a short period before emerging as adults, others can remain inside the wood for years, continuously weakening it. If left untreated, this can lead to structural damage, particularly in flooring, architraves, and roof timbers.

In most cases, replacing the affected timber is the best solution. If the infestation is localised, such as in a single floorboard or architrave, removing and replacing that timber will eliminate the problem. Small items can sometimes be treated with freezing or localised heat.

No, chemical treatments are generally ineffective. They don’t penetrate deep enough to reach borer larvae inside the wood. While insecticides may kill adult borers as they emerge, they won’t stop the existing infestation from continuing inside the timber.

No, fumigation is rarely necessary for residential properties. In most cases, replacing affected timber is the most effective and practical solution.

Borers are attracted to damp or untreated timber, so keeping your timber dry, well-ventilated, and properly sealed can help prevent infestations. Regular pest inspections can also catch any issues early before they become a bigger problem.

The first step is proper identification. We recommend booking a full Termite and Timber Pest Inspection so we can assess the situation and advise on the best course of action. Get in touch with us to arrange an inspection at a time that suits you.

Essentially, bees swarm when the colony outgrows its current space. The Queen leaves, and workers follow, or a new Queen may emerge in the bee nest, forcing the current one out.

They form a giant buzzing cloud of bees in the air, which you might have seen before - that's the swarm. While the bees wait for the scouts to find a suitable new location, like a hollow tree, they may settle on something inconvenient (to you), like your car or a tree close to your home. They're on the lookout for a new home, and they're not trying to be scary, but it's usually best to discourage them from staying - not by yourself, of course!

We don't recommend you remove bees yourself at all. Bees are not naturally aggressive, but upset and agitated bees can be extremely dangerous. You should always treat bee colonies and bees with care if you are not qualified to manage them.

We’re all for saving the bees, but here’s why we can’t offer free swarm collection:

First, we’ve invested in making sure our team is highly qualified. Over the past two years, we’ve sent two of our staff to Adelaide to complete specialised training through Bee Prepared, an RTO dedicated to safe and sustainable bee management. This ensures that when we handle bees, we do so with the utmost care and expertise.

We also carry $20 million in public liability insurance and $1 million in professional indemnity insurance, so you can rest easy knowing that we’re fully covered. Maintaining this level of cover isn’t cheap, but it’s crucial for protecting both you and us​.

In addition, we’re the only qualified bee keeper/pest management technician combo in our service area. We assess not just the bees, but also the overall safety of your property and any potential pest-related risks. As licensed professionals, we bring a high level of skill and responsibility to every job.

Our swarm collection fees cover our investment in training, insurance, equipment, and the time it takes to relocate the bees safely. We believe in providing a professional and safe service for you and the bees, and like any other service, that comes with associated costs.

You’re getting more than just a quick removal when you engage us. You’re getting a team invested in keeping you and the bees safe, backed by proper training, knowledge, and insurance.

If the swarm is on public property, such as a tree on a public footpath or at a park, you can call the council, who will arrange to deal with the bees.  However, if the swarm or nest is on your property, it's up to you to deal with them, so keep reading to see what you can do.

STAY CALM AND KEEP YOUR DISTANCE

Bees in a swarm are usually not looking to sting, but it’s best to keep children, pets, and anyone with allergies well away from the area.

AVOID TRYING TO REMOVE THE SWARM YOURSELF

Swarms can be unpredictable, and handling bees without the proper knowledge and equipment can be dangerous.  It’s best to leave the removal to professionals who know how to relocate them safely.

DON'T USE INSECTICIDES OR SPRAYS

Store-bought sprays or insecticides can harm bees, the environment, and potentially you.  In some areas, killing bees without a professional is also illegal, so it’s important to let us handle the situation safely and legally.

CONTACT US FOR PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE

At Spiderman SE Eco Pest Management, we’re fully trained and equipped to relocate bee swarms safely.  Call or email us, and we’ll assess the situation to provide the best solution, whether relocating the swarm or exterminating it if necessary.  You can help us by taking a few detailed photos and sending them to hello@spidermanse.com along with answers to the following questions:

1. How long have the bees been there?  i.e. hours, days, months, years?
2. How big is the swarm?  i.e. 20 bees trying to get into wall vents, a football-sized bunch, a basketball-sized bunch, or two basketballs?
3. How high are they?  i.e. below 2m, 5m in a tree?  (if higher than 3.6m, work from heights regulations require an EWP)
4. If a swarm, what are they attached to?  i.e. a wall, door, bush, tree, fence?
5. If an established hive, what are they going into?  i.e. an old speaker, chair, cupboard, wall, bird box?
6. Is it your property, or public land or a neighbour's?

We’re here to help keep you, your property, and the bees safe.  Whether the swarm can be relocated or needs to be exterminated, we’ll find the best solution for your situation.

A standard swarm collection usually involves at least two visits.  Sometimes, it can be straightforward to relocate the bee colony by finding the Queen bee and placing her inside a specially designed box called a nuc (nucleus hive) that allows the rest of the bees to enter.  They will follow where she goes, so they all relocate safely into the box over time, and we can return to collect the box after dusk.  We will quarantine the nuc at a separate site for at least two months to monitor the bees' health and check for pests and diseases before adding them to our very own apiary at Spiderman SE headquarters.

As a last resort, we can blow insecticide powder into the colony, killing the bees.  We always prefer not to do this if possible, but we understand that sometimes there is no other choice.

Whether the colony has been removed or destroyed, it is imperative that all wax combs are thoroughly removed or access to the location is blocked.  This proactive measure is essential to prevent the return of new bee swarms attracted by the scent of the comb.  If the bee nest is inside a wall cavity, your roof or some other hard-to-reach place, we suggest contacting a handyperson or decorator to advise how to reduce damage to your property.  We are happy to work alongside them, using our expertise to remove the comb and any workings while they use their expertise to take care of any repairs.

The time required for bee removal and treatment, as well as associated costs, can vary significantly based on the complexity and location of the bee infestation.  Factors such as the size of the nest, accessibility, and the overall complexity of the removal process may influence the duration and associated charges.

It’s a common misconception that European honey bees are endangered. While there are global concerns about declining bee populations, these concerns usually focus on native bees and wild pollinators, not European honey bees. In reality, European honey bees, which are most commonly found in swarms and hives, are not native to Australia and were introduced for agricultural purposes. Their populations are thriving.

In fact, European honey bees are bred and managed extensively by beekeepers for honey production and pollination services. Their population is stable, and in some cases, they can even outcompete native bee species and disrupt local ecosystems.

While we always aim to relocate bee swarms when possible, there are situations where extermination may be the only option. This could be due to safety concerns, such as when bees have made their way inside walls or roofs, or simply because relocation isn’t within the budget. If extermination is the best or only solution, rest assured it won’t negatively impact the overall bee population, especially since European honey bees aren’t endangered and are widely managed.

We prioritise responsible pest management and always strive to find a solution that balances environmental protection with safety. When relocation isn’t possible, extermination is a practical and responsible choice for your property and peace of mind.

Despite our preference for relocation, there are some situations where extermination is the safer, more responsible choice:

1. Safety Concerns: If a hive is in a high-traffic area or inside a structure, the risk to people - especially those with allergies - can be too great to safely relocate the bees​.
2. Disease Risks: Feral bees can carry dangerous diseases like AFB and EFB. Relocating an infected swarm risks spreading the infection to other managed colonies, which could devastate local bee populations.
3. Difficult Locations: If a hive is located inside a wall cavity or another hard-to-reach spot, removing the bees safely could cause significant damage to the property. In these cases, extermination may be the most practical option​.

While extermination is always a last resort, it’s sometimes the only way to protect both the bees and the broader community.

Ant baits consist of a food attractive to the ants and a slow-acting insecticide. Ants feed on the bait, take it back to the nest and pass it on to their nest mates and the queen.

It needs to be slow-acting to give the ants time to take it back to the nest and spread it throughout the colony, before they start to feel its effects. As such, it can take a week or more for a noticeable drop in ant activity.

The challenge in using baits is to choose the correct bait for the ant species present, as they all have different food preferences. Baits can be based on sugar, protein or fat and come in liquid, gel or granule formats. This is where the expertise of Spiderman SE kicks in and we can select the best bait for your situation.

Some ant species have multiple nests as part of one “super colony,” which also contains multiple queens. For such species, it is always a struggle for baits to reach all parts of the nest and kill all the queens. In such situations, we also use specialist ant sprays.

These specialist ant sprays are “non-repellent”. The ants cannot detect them and walk over the treated surfaces. The insecticide has a delayed effect, so over the next few hours, before the ant dies, it can spread the insecticide to its nest mates.

Our treatments are designed to make your home or lawn an ant-free zone. For many customers, a single treatment will do the job. However, if you’re in an ant-infested neighbourhood, there will always be ants in the neighbour’s yard waiting to move in! In such situations, it will be more likely that you will need regular ant treatments to keep the ants at bay.