Spiders
Apart from several types of indigenous Australian spiders whose bites are often dangerous and occasionally life-threatening, most are relatively harmless. However, they sometimes bite humans who encroach on their habitat. Any spider bite should receive medical attention as blood poisoning or an infection could possibly result.

Apart from widespread and sometimes pathological fear of spiders, the most common reason for control is the elimination of unsightly webs.

Management
As with all pest management programs, an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach is an integral part of successful spider control. All control procedures are preceded by a thorough inspection of the entire premises to define the extent of the problem.

Precise application is favoured over 'blanket' spraying, and sometimes even changing the position or the colour of nearby lights can reduce the number of insects attracted to them and hence the spider population.

Cockroaches
Scavengers of the world, they eat almost anything, almost anywhere. They are survivors. Some of the 3000 species are pests and are carriers of diseases affecting humans.

Management
Successful management begins with a thorough inspection to identify the species and to determine the extent and source of the infestation.

A programme is prepared combining the elimination of food sources, gaps and crevices where they live, use of trapping and selective use of compounds.

The compounds used for cockroach control are of low mammalian toxicity and do not persist in the environment. These include a group known as insect growth regulators that prevent the development to adulthood. Thus, no new eggs are laid. The various compounds used are usually so pest specific that they have little effect on non-target species.