1. Termites: Every year termites are responsible for damage to homes in and around the Sydney area totalling billions of dollars.

It's vitally important to hire a qualified pest control inspection company, especially if you believe that it is possible that your home is currently being invaded. If you are buying or selling a home in the Sydney area you will need to have this inspection as a condition of the sale of the house.

A termite treatment is a simple procedure that can halt current infestations whilst also providing protection for the future.

2. Mice: Mice are fast breeding, small rodents. They breed in close confines and spread bacteria throughout your home. They are capable of gnawing through the even the toughest materials and often do so in order to get to a supply of food.

An effective way to get rid of these pests is a simple mousetrap, usually baited with a piece of cheese or poison. Bait traps are also available and whilst they have been proven to be successful they pose a safety risk to children and pets. If the number of mice is too prolific for baits and traps then more drastic measures may be necessary.

3. Fleas: It only takes one flea to lay eggs on your pet or in your carpet and suddenly you have an infestation that is almost impossible to get rid of. They are capable of breeding at an incredible rate, so as quickly as you can kill them, there are thousands more in their place.

Fleas can spread diseases to your pets and cause severe allergic reactions, skin problems, rashes, and in severe cases even anaemia in people and pets alike.

Treat your pet, its bed and the surrounding area. This is your first step. If problem persists you may need to seek the help of a professional.

4. Spiders: Spiders are very unpopular with most people and have the unnerving habit of popping up unexpectedly anywhere in your home. You can use insecticides, but they need to be used with extreme caution.

5. Cockroaches: Nobody likes cockroaches. Not only are they notoriously difficult to kill, they love to breed in warm conditions, such as in your home. They communicate with each other by emitting pheromones, so if one cockroach finds a nice food source they can 'call' thousands of other cockroaches, leaving you with a swarm in your home.

Using a spray or cockroach traps are effective, but as always, if they are out of control this method may not be enough to work.

6. Ants: Ants are a generally a common nuisance. If it wasn't your food they were eating you could almost admire their determination and persistence. When one finds food it sends out a signal and soon it is joined by hundreds of others. They often return even after numerous spraying attacks.

An effective solution is baiting. The bait is taken back to the nest by the workers and hopefully eaten by the queen, thus eliminating the problem.

7. Bees: Some people suffer severe reactions to bee stings and disturbing the bees hive will only cause the bees to defend their home.

Some insecticides may work, but use of these is not recommended. A professional would be able to safely solve your problem. If your problem is honeybees, see if a local bee keeper is willing to help by taking your unwanted hive for free.

Pests are everywhere and for the most part we manage to live harmoniously and often obliviously alongside them. When their paths start to collide with ours however often getting rid of them is the only option. For larger pest problems it is advisable to contact a professional pest control company who will take care of your problem quickly and safely.