Redback Spider Control in Cameron Park, Lake Macquarie

The call-out

A young family in Cameron Park contacted Green Top Pest Management about redback spiders at their property. They have a toddler who likes to play outdoors, so they were understandably concerned.

Inspection findings

During the inspection I found a few redbacks around the front entry door, the garage and the backyard. There was also a spider inside a weep hole, and a few living in the gaps between the joints of the Colourbond fence.

What was driving the spiders

My next step was to work out why spiders were webbing up around this property. The lawn was overgrown, which attracts insects. I also noticed common black beetles in the garden mulch, and this spring there are lots of moths and other flying insects swarming. That food supply was driving the spider population.

Treatment

I treated the property with a barrier spray that gives quick knockdown and has residual properties for long-lasting protection in the harsh Lake Macquarie climate.

Recommendations

The customer received a detailed service report recommending the following:

• Keep the lawn maintained and clear leaves from around the property.
• Install breathable weep hole covers to keep pests out while allowing airflow.
• Minimise outdoor lighting at night to reduce the insects drawn to the property.
• Remove organic matter such as leaves and fallen branches from the garden mulch.