Frequently Asked Questions
Biting Questions, Honest Answers
At Shark Pest Control, we get it—pests raise a lot of questions (and occasionally a few itchy welts). That’s why we’ve put together these FAQs to answer the most common queries about our pest control treatments. Still scratching your head? Give our Sunshine Coast team a call on
0427 616 282—we promise we’re far easier to deal with than the pests themselves.
Do the products smell?
No. (It’s that simple.) They are listed as ‘no odour,’ which they are—but some ‘old school’ pest businesses still use smelly stuff because they think that if it doesn’t smell, it doesn’t work. They usually offer shorter warranties than us, so go figure!
The bad smell in some pesticides is often a sign that the product is dangerous to humans. In some cases, a colour like red is also added to the pesticide to warn people. Thankfully, that doesn’t apply to anything we use.
Do I have to empty my cupboards?
No (this applies to the majority of clients). We don’t spray above your food, utensils, pots or pans, but we do treat the inside cupboard face and hinges where we can, as this is where spiders often try to enter.
This may mean that if you haven’t had pest control done in forever, you could have a daddy long-legs spider living at the back of the cupboard, who may not come to the front. If you fall into this category, you may want to take items out before we treat the cupboard.
Once that’s done—and with regular 12-monthly pest control—you shouldn’t have an issue with spiders in your cupboards again.
German cockroaches (the small ones) and large cockroaches are a different story if there are holes at the back of your cupboards where they can enter. We’ll always explain what’s needed based on your specific situation.
Do I have to leave town and take the cat, dog and budgie with me whilst you do the treatment?
No. All of our products are safe for pets—such as dogs and cats—because they’re mammals like us. However, we do ask that they be inside when we’re working outside, and outside when we’re working inside, just so they’re not underfoot during the treatment.
We’ll cover fish tanks as a precaution and either relocate or cover bird cages, as the noise from our equipment can sometimes startle them.
Are you fully insured and licenced?
Yes. We’re fully qualified in general pest control, termite treatments, and pre-construction treatments, with all certifications available for you to view if you'd like. We're QBCC certified and fully insured, including Public Liability. We've never had a claim against us—but at least you’ll have that extra peace of mind.
Are your products environmentally friendly?
Yes. All of our products are designed to break down over time which is the basis of ‘environmentally friendly'.
Can I pay with my credit card or EFTPOS?
Yes. Payment is to be made upon completion of the treatment. We accept Visa and Mastercard, but not AMEX or cheques.
I am pregnant or have asthma—is that a problem?
No. Nothing we use will harm you. However, if you're concerned, we recommend staying inside while we treat outside, and outside while we treat inside, until the products have dried—usually within half an hour.
I’ve personally had staff with asthma work full days as pest controllers without any issues. I’ve also carried out treatments in hospitals and similar environments, around patients, with absolutely no adverse reactions.
Do the sprays stain the walls and windows?
No—and maybe. The products themselves don’t stain, but because they’re liquid sprays, they can sometimes react with existing residue on the walls. For example, in homes where someone smokes—or used to smoke—you might notice a slight mark when the spray dries, especially up high near the cornice and only from certain angles. In non-smoking homes, this usually isn’t an issue.
As for windows, if they’re dirty or have spider webs or fly screens, you might see a run on the glass after spraying. This washes off easily during regular cleaning. The products are water-based and dry invisibly on clean surfaces.
