Australia's most pest infested cities and suburbs revealed. Is yours on the list?

As Australia heads into warmer months, the nation's least welcome residents are stirring and for many households, the battle against pests is already ramping up.

New data from Airtasker has revealed which parts of the country are the most pest-infested, identifying Sydney as the nation's undisputed pest capital.

According to the analysis, eight of Australia's ten most pest-affected areas are located within Greater Sydney.

Sydney named Australia's pest hotspot

Sydney's City and Inner South topped the list with a pest score of 61.04 out of 100, followed by the Eastern Suburbs (56.16) and the Inner West (51.21).

These areas were found to have high population density, limited availability of pest controllers, and strong indicators of pest activity. Sydney residents recorded more than 7,300 pest-related Google searches per 100,000 people, and pest control tasks were 96.9 per cent higher per capita than the national average.

"Urban density, warm weather and high waste levels create the perfect storm for pest activity," said licensed pest technician and Airtasker Tasker, Ibby El-Jamal. "Once the heat sets in, Sydney turns into a paradise for cockroaches and rodents."

Brisbane and Melbourne also feeling the bite

Brisbane's Inner City ranked fourth nationally with a score of 48.33, driven by environmental factors such as humidity and high pet ownership, which contribute to flea infestations.

Melbourne's inner suburbs came in sixth (44.18), but the Victorian capital recorded the highest rate of rodent infestations nationwide. Cooler winters and dense housing encourage rats and mice to seek warmth indoors.

"Melbourne homes are ideal nesting grounds for rodents," El-Jamal said. "They sneak in during the cold months and rarely leave without professional help."

Regional and rural areas largely spared

At the opposite end of the scale, rural and remote regions reported the lowest levels of pest activity.

Western Australia's South Outback was the least pest-infested area in the country, with a score of 12.32, followed by the Wheat Belt (15.43) and the North Outback (16.10).

Lower population density, minimal urban development and fewer environmental stressors have contributed to these regions' low pest incidence.

Pest problems on the rise

Nationwide, pest-related tasks on Airtasker have risen by 24.1 per cent since 2020. Demand peaks in December and January during the height of summer when pest control requests are 122 per cent higher than average.

Cockroaches, spiders and wasps remain the most commonly reported pests, while rodents and termites continue to drive up extermination costs in major cities.

Cost of pest control in Australia

Pest control prices vary significantly depending on the pest type, infestation severity and location. Treatments typically cost between $147 and $467, but complex infestations, particularly termites or bed bugs can exceed $4,000.

Average Pest Removal Cost

• Cockroaches - $166 - $654
• Rodents - $178 - $320
• Termites - $595 - $4,063
• Fleas - $190 - $373
• Spiders - $178 - $423

Sydney households pay up to 80 per cent more than those in regional areas due to higher demand and limited pest control capacity.

How to prevent pest infestations

El-Jamal recommends households take proactive steps to reduce the risk of infestations this summer:

• Seal cracks, gaps and potential entry points.
• Keep food stored securely and surfaces clean.
• Empty bins frequently and ensure lids are tight-fitting.
• Reduce indoor humidity and remove standing water outside.
• Call a professional early if pest activity is detected.

"The biggest mistake people make is waiting too long," El-Jamal said. "If you see one cockroach, there are probably dozens more nearby."

With summer approaching and pest populations on the rise, Australians, particularly Sydneysiders, should prepare for another busy season of unwanted visitors.

While urban living offers convenience, it also comes with a higher risk of infestation.

For many households, prevention may be the best defence against what's shaping up to be a bumper year for bugs.