Second Generation Anti-Coagulant Rodenticides (SGAR) Review – the real impact. So much has been said and printed about the recent APVMA Second Generation Anti-Coagulant Rodenticide (SGAR) Review that it has caused confusion and, to some degree, panic. The truth of the matter is: The APVMA has suspended the use of SGARs. The suspension came into…
Keeping up with Technology in light traps Insect light traps have become a standard for flying insect control in commercial premises particularly food preparation areas. Originally light traps used fluorescent bulbs to attract the insect, but there has been a gradual shift to Light Emitting Diode (LED) powered traps. Why? LED lamps last about three…
Insect of the Month: Red Flour Beetle The red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) is a common stored-product pest affecting grain, flour, and processed food products across Australia. It is primarily an issue in mills, food manufacturing, warehouses, supermarkets, and on-farm storage, rather than domestic environments. What do Red Flour Beetles look like? Red Flour Beetle…
APVMA Anticoagulant Review A current Anticoagulant Rodenticide review by Australia’s APVMA, highlight significant environmental and health concerns, leading to proposed bans or stricter controls, especially for Second-Generation products (SGARs) due to severe risks to native wildlife (birds, mammals) from primary and secondary poisoning, plus risks to pets, humans, and livestock. The APVMA review (ongoing in…
Insect of the Month: Drugstore Beetle This month, we’re spotlighting the Drugstore Beetle (Stegobium paniceum) — a common but often overlooked pest in stored product environments. These small reddish-brown beetles are known for their broad diet and ability to infest everything from flour to pharmaceuticals. Understanding their habits, life cycle, and signs of activity can…
Glueboards in Australia – what can I do? A glueboard is defined as “a flat board coated with a non-drying adhesive”. Glueboards are marketed around the world for the control of rodents (rats & mice) and insects (flies and cockroaches). In Australia glueboards for the capture of flying or crawling insects are still widely available…
Insect of the Month: Casemaking Clothes Moth The casemaking clothes moth (Tinea pellionella) is a small, fabric-damaging moth known for its habit of constructing a silken case or “bag” around itself, which it carries for protection as it feeds. What do Casemaking Clothes Moth look like? Casemaking Clothes Moth Adults: Up to 8 mm (0.3…
How to control birds – Questions and Answers Why do we need to control birds? Roosting birds can create a real mess in a factory, shed or just around a domestic dwelling with droppings, feathers and nesting materials. Are there any dangers associated with bird infestations? Bird droppings can be the cause of various diseases…
The Top Emerging Pests in Australia (2025 and Beyond): What Pest Managers Need to Know Australia’s pest landscape is shifting. New threats emerge as climate, trade, urban spread and resistance patterns evolve. For pest managers, staying informed – not just reactive – is essential. At Agserv, we supply both knowledge and the products so you…
Insect of the Month: Lesser Grain Borer The lesser grain borer is a primary pest of whole grains, especially corn and cassava root. The adults chew small holes in the kernel and then lay several eggs in the grain or in the grain mass. Damage is seldom noticed until exit holes appear and adults are…