Archive for the 'Commercial Pest Control' Category

Buying a Home? Ten Facts You Must Know About Termites

Published on November 5, 2009 in Commercial Pest Control, General, Pest Control, Termite Baiting, Termite Control, Termite Inspections and Termites. 0 Comments

Termites! They are everywhere and in Australia they are a real problem. A little known fact is that there are areas in Sydney that are termite-prone. If your home is located in one of these zones then you should have regular inspections scheduled. Another thing to keep in mind is if you are planning on purchasing a new home in Sydney then you need to make sure that the previous owners has been working to combat any such termite problem, because the last thing you need is to take on a big problem that can get much worse.

The fact of the matter is that you need to have pest control in your home in Sydney no matter if you own a home or if you are paying rent. Here are 10 termite facts that you must know, especially if you think you don’t need to take any precautionary action.

1. The termite menace is on the rise in Australia and the financial damages are phenomenal. Every year Australians lose millions of dollars in termite damage.

2. The estimate for new termite damage is about 130,000 homes each year. There are about 20% of homes damaged by termites in Australia.

3. The losses reported from termites are five times more that the losses seen from a combination of flood, fire and storms.

4. Coptotermes Acinaciformis (subterranean) and Kolatermes (dry wood termites) are the most common termite species in Sydney. These termites are well known for attacking structures that are brick and steel as well as those that are timber framed.

5. Termites develop a liking for building materials that are increasingly used in the construction of homes.

6. One averaged sized termite colony can chew up a room’s floor in just 3 months – yes, termites have quite an irrepressible appetite.

7. Termites do not stop when they eat the wood leading inside. Once there they begin to eat other things such as shoes and clothing, your furniture and even the electrical wiring.

8. If you attempt to rid your home of termites then you can actually cause more damage. Termites are smart and they know how to burrow into the soil to a safer place and once the poisons you have placed are no longer harmful they will return to their food source in your home and continue with their destruction with even more brute force. So the best thing you can do is leave the exterminating to the experts.

9. Most people know that you can detect termites by tapping on wood with a screwdriver handle. However what most don’t realize is that even doing that could cause the wood to crumble and give way. This will disturb the termites and will limit the options for treatments.

10. Not just anyone is qualified to treat termites, only those that have experience and have been trained in the specialised area of termites.

If you intend on purchasing a home in Sydney or if you already have one then you need to hire a pest control agency with termite specialists who knows these destructive creatures like the back of their hands. If you don’t then you are only placing your home and health in peril.

If you’re concerned about any of these common pests and need some help exterminating them, you can contact Pink Pest Services for professional pest control in Sydney or call 02 9529 5222 for immediate assistance.

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How to Win Hide and Seek Against Cockroaches

Published on October 22, 2009 in Cockroach Control, Commercial Pest Control, General and Pest Control. 0 Comments

No one likes cockroaches.  They’re large, quick-moving, insidious pests that can quickly take over your house.  They eat human food and pet food, and carry microbes on their bodies that can be potentially dangerous to people, including tropomyosin, which has been linked with asthma.  Finding one may be a sign that you have an infestation somewhere in your house.

We have all heard that cockroaches are hard to kill, but is it true?  The answer, unfortunately, is yes.  They can survive for a month without food, and some can go without any air for over half an hour.  This can make it difficult to get rid of them once you’re infested, and they’re also very hard to find.  A cockroach can fit into small crevices, some as tight as half a millimeter!  So how do you know if you have cockroaches?

They’re very hard to sneak up on, since the cockroach has a nerve running from their tail to their head that allows them to know quickly if there’s something coming up behind them.  But there is one good way to catch them, and that’s with light.  Cockroaches are nocturnal by nature, so it’s easy to find their hiding places.

First, enter a dark room very quietly, taking your time and moving slowly.  Then, simply flip on the lights and watch as the cockroaches run for the dark places.  They may hide behind your sinks, under cupboards and cabinets, or even inside of them, behind loose baseboards, beneath furniture, behind a mirror or picture hung on the wall, and of course, beneath beds, in closets, and in basements and attics.

Once they enter your house it’s hard to keep them away, but there are steps you can take to keep them from coming in.  First, don’t leave food out.  Wash your dishes, clean up all food and liquid spills, sweep and clean in the dark corners of your house often, and store your food in tight, pest-proof containers.  Roaches like to hide in cardboard boxes and woodpiles, so keep your firewood stacked away from the house.

Seal up any cracks in your foundation and walls, as well as those in your walls, floors, and ceilings.  Refresh the seals and caulking around your windows, tubs, and sinks as well as around any plumbing fixtures, furnaces, and outlets.  After all, they can squeeze through tiny, tight spaces, and will do so to get to food and shelter.

But how do you take care of them if you are infested?  There are a variety of bait traps out there, though the ones using boric acid, or containing hydramethylnon gel are the most effective.  Any bait with an egg killer agent can help you reduce the cockroach population in your house.  However, while these are useful against the occasional roach, what do you do against a full infestation?

To truly remove a cockroach infestation from your house, you should hire a professional extermination service.  They have more tools at their disposal to take care of the problem, the ability to answer your questions, and a guarantee that you won’t find in a small boxed trap.  Exterminators can also tell you if you have more than just roaches.

Cockroaches are hardy, clever pests that wreak havoc on homes around the world.  Preventing them takes only common sense, but getting rid of them takes the knowledge and experience that a professional can bring.  If you think you may have an infestation, rather than play a game of hide and seek with cockroaches, win!  Call an experienced and professional exterminator and get rid of the roaches forever.

If you’re concerned about any of these common pests and need some help exterminating them, you can contact Pink Pest Services for professional pest control in Sydney or call 02 9529 5222 for immediate assistance.

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You Make Your Money When You Buy Property and You Can Lose it too

Published on August 5, 2009 in Commercial Pest Control and General. 0 Comments

Property investment is something which is attracting more and more people to the world of investing every single day. A lot of money can be made in this way, as long as you invest carefully. The potential profits are large in property investment, but so are the potential losses.

Here you will find some key information about potential problems that come with property investment. This will give you the knowledge to enable you to make right choices and make the most profit from your property investments.

First Things First – What Can go Wrong?

Let’s say that you’ve found that perfect property to invest in. It seems ideal and you can visualize the potential profits which the property can offer. You’ve got the cash on hand, you know they’ll accept your offer and you already have ac clear idea of what you will do with the property – so what can go wrong? The answer, sadly, is a lot!

Mr. Booth has just purchased his ideal investment property. Listed for $150,000, he managed to negotiate a closing deal of $120,000. Situated in an ideal location, the property is likely to bring in $180,000 at least once the required changes have been made. The changes themselves are minimal. Mr. Booth inspected the property himself and though he did find some problems, they seemed to only to be cosmetic – nothing that a few coats of paint and a few replacement lights wouldn’t fix. However, a month after the property had been purchased Mr. Booth noticed that the walls had become damp. After calling out an expert, he found out that the original owner had not repaired a leaky pipe. The pipe had started to leak more than ever and it had caused serious damage. It would cost thousands of dollars to repair as the pipes needed to be ripped out and replaced and a mould problem had developed which also needed eliminating.

The above is just one example of what can go wrong. There are so many unexpected problems that can arise from property investment that many people just do not consider. Other common potential problems include:

The cost of the property exceeds the selling costs

There are hidden problems with the property

Ending up with a property which is different than expected

Becoming emotionally involved with the property

Failing to recognize the competition

The above are just a few of the most common potential property investment problems. There are many more that you should also become aware of if you want to ensure that you make the right choices. So just how can you avoid making these mistakes?

Hiring a Professional

The easiest and sure-fire way to ensure that you do not fall for the most common potential property investment problems is by hiring a professional.

Hiring a property inspector is very helpful; they will give the property a thorough look and let you know what the problems are with the property, helping you to plan for investments. They can also give you information on the energy efficiency of the property and whether it is in compliance with building regulations.

You put a lot of money into investment properties so it makes sense to do things properly. By hiring a professional you will avoid making the mistakes that so many property investors make and therefore you will earn the most profits.

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7 Questions to Ask When Choosing any Pest Control Company

Published on January 22, 2009 in Commercial Pest Control, General and Pest Control. 0 Comments

When the time comes to choose a pest control company, be sure that you are wary and that you choose carefully. Choosing poorly in this situation could see your pests back again in as little as week, it could have no affect on them at all or it could even potentially worsen your pest problem! So when deciding on a pest control company there are a few questions that you should ask.

What kind of experience do you have? When you are looking to get a great pest control company, remember that often different companies have different specialities. If you have a problem with subterranean termites, what kind of experience do they have with that kind of pest?

What organisations do you belong to? Most reputable pest control agencies belong to a local or national organisation of some sort.  One organisation that many excellent pest control companies belong to is the National Pest Management Association.  Belonging to this association means that you are dealing with an established business that holds to a specific code of ethics and has met certain qualifications.

How dangerous is this going to be to my children/pets? If there is anything in your home that has a weaker immune system than an adult human, this is something that you need to look in to.  If you find that some of the sprays that they are planning to use might be a little risky, ask from some alternatives (gels etc.), or go elsewhere.

Do you have any references? Ask if they have serviced anyone that you might have heard of, and if they have any testimonials to their name.  If you can find people who are satisfied with their service, there is a good chance that you will be as well.

Can I have it in writing? When the company that you are considering does an inspection, they should be willing to give you a piece of paper that tells you were the problems and infections are occurring. This will let you cross-check with another service to make sure that you are getting good information.

Are they making you feel rushed? Remember that if you have something like termites that you seldom need to act right this minute.  A delay of weeks or even of months will not make your issue worse, and you will find that a company that is trying to pressure you into committing to treatment right away might be trying to goad you into paying more or into overlooking some important details!

Have I called the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (or Better Business Bureau in the US)? If you suspect that a pest control company is not everything that it says it is, check with the ACCC. They will tell you if there have been many complaints against this company or if there have been any problems in the past. They may also be able to put you in touch with a regulatory board that oversees pest control companies in your area specifically.

Remember that choosing the right pest control company should give you good answers to all seven of these questions.  Remember that a pest control company has a responsibility to be both helpful and professional, and that to get the treatment that you need, you may need to do some investigating!

If you’re concerned about any common pests and need some help exterminating them, you can contact Pink Pest Services for assistance with professional pest control in Sydney or call or call 02 9529 5222 for immediate assistance.

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How to have a Termite and Pest Free Home

Published on December 2, 2008 in Commercial Pest Control, General, Pest Control, Termite Baiting, Termite Control, Termite Inspections and Termites. 0 Comments

IIt may surprise people to know that lowly little termites can wreak more havoc and destruction on homes than even fires can accomplish. These insects have been around for millions of years and there is no reason to think that they have any plans to retreat at this stage of the game.

Most termites invade old homes or those that have not had proper upkeep, but there are times when termites and other pests create problems with newer homes as well. This can occur whenever trees are cleared for the building of houses. If termites are already present in the area they find it jolly fun to move their nesting colonies from the destroyed mounds to the much nicer location that the new homes offer. Even having concrete or brick slabs or underpinnings can not guarantee safety from these invaders.

There are considered to be two basic types of termite, those that seek burrows in the earth and those that live in dry wood. Prevention is seen as the most effective method of protecting your home, so a proactive stance is essential. To protect your property against pest invasions the following measures may help:

- Keep standing water away from your home and away from the foundation as moisture is a lure for termites and other pests.

- Make sure that your rain gutters and spouts are clean and free of debris, always use splash guards to direct water away from your home

- Keep basements, attics and crawl spaces dry and assure that you have adequate ventilation. Plastic, moisture proof barriers placed on the ground in crawl space areas will help prevent termite invasions.

- Always deal with leaky pipes and plumbing problems immediately

- Keep any foundation cracks repaired to thwart the invading hordes of termites that may have plotted a course for your home.

- Always keep wood free from contact with the soil, if you have wooden underpinnings you can have these areas treated to help prevent termites from setting up residence. Wooden steps or supports should always be on some type of concrete base.

- Never have firewood or lumber lying on the ground near the home structure.

- Do not allow any plants, shrubs or vines to make constant contact with your home and avoid having trees too near your house. Trees and stumps can offer shelter to termites that have your home in their sights.

- Keep your home as finely maintained as possible. Make sure that the paint on the exterior surfaces is kept in good condition. Keep vents screened to keep out the flying pests.

- A thorough home inspection before you purchase a home and once a year thereafter can keep your residence safe and sound. Catching termites before they can get a foothold on your property is one of the best preventive measures that you can find.

If you should find yourself with pest or termite invasions of any size, seeking the advice and help of professionals will be your best course of action. These pest exterminators are trained to identify the problem and can offer you options to help remedy the situation. Your home is a valuable asset and investment so it is in your best interest not to jeopardise its structural integrity.

f you have a termite problem that you want taken care of quickly and professionally, you can contact Pink Pest Services for assistance with professional termite control in Sydney.

We are only too happy to assist.

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Termites: The Invisible Threat to Your Property

Published on October 3, 2008 in Commercial Pest Control, Termite Control, Termite Inspections and Termites. 0 Comments

Shhh!!  Did you hear something?  No, it is not a burglary going down but there is danger afoot in your home. Termites [aka white ants] are busy chipping away at your financial investment. It is time to turn the light on these freeloading bugs, and kick them to the curb. Do not wait until they move in permanently and eat you completely out of house.

Termites need food and water, just like any other animal. However, the favourite food of the termite is wood – which makes your home look like a 24 hour buffet to them! Termites feed on the cellulose in wood, which they convert to sugar in their digestive process. Termites get water from leaky faucets and standing water in or outdoors. Don’t give termites a free meal!

About twenty percent of homes in Sydney are already infested with termites. You can keep these destructive insects out of your home by taking preventative measures to protect yourself. First, make sure that you have no faulty parts in your ventilation system which allow for the build-up of water, which will attract these pests. Giving termites a drinking fountain is like inviting them into your home. Also check your foundation for any cracks which will make it easy for termites to get in.

Termites build their colonies and live their lives mostly underground. They build a labyrinth of tunnels which may go as deep as three feet underground. These tunnels often lead right into your home! When termites invade, they can undermine your home with their tunnels. To prevent termite incursions, you must be vigilant. Remember, these creatures can destroy your biggest and most important investment – your home.

You may not encounter a swarm of termites outside your door, or see any outward signs they are lurking in the shadows. To be on the safe side, it is in your best interest to terminate their existence before they take a big bite out of yours. The price you pay for termite protection now is well worth the expense, compared to costly repairs in the future.

Annual termite inspections protect your home and its value. When selling your property prospective buyers will expect proof of the house being termite free. If there are any indications of a previous termite infiltration, even if termites no longer exist, it can cost you losing valuable equity, just the fact that termites were once present. In high-risk areas, experts recommend timely termite inspections at least twice a year. This damage control stops termites dead in their tracks before you have to say”there goes the neighborhood.”  Termite infestation is a serious threat in Sydney. We cannot just sit back and hope the problem will disappear.

To win the war against termites, you need to call in the professionals. A thorough termite inspection helps prevent, detect, and treat termite attacks. Reinforcements are needed to fight the invisible bugger who strikes without warning. Make a move toward a successful termite extermination plan.

For more information or to arrange an inspection contact Pink Inspections on (02) 9529 5222 or contact us online.

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Ten Facts You Must Know About Termites

Published on September 3, 2008 in Commercial Pest Control, General, Pest Control, Termite Control, Termite Inspections and Termites. 0 Comments

Termites are a problem in Australia, more so in Sydney. You may not know this, but there are termite-prone residential zones in Sydney, and if your house is located in such a zone, then you should be getting regular inspections. Also, if you are buying a new home in Sydney, then you have to run a check to ensure the previous owner has combated any termite problems; otherwise it will become your even bigger problem.

The fact of the matter is if you live in the Sydney area, you must be aware of the potential problems associated with termites, no matter whether you rent or own your home. Some people think they can save money by avoiding inspections. Well here are 10 facts that may just let you know what you are up against.

1. Termites are a major problem in Australia. If you have a home that is termite infested then the damage they can cause can be financially crippling. It is proven that there are millions of dollars in losses ever year in Australia due to termite damage.

2. An average 20% of homes in Australia received damage due to termites. There are an estimated 130,000 new termite attacks on an annual basis.

3. The losses reported from termites are five times more that the losses seen from a combination of flood, fire and storms.

4. The termites that are the most well known in the Sydney area are the Kalotermes, which are dry wood termites and the Coptotermes Acinaciformis, which are subterranean termites. These termites are very hearty and have been known to damage wood-framed homes as well as brick and steel with the same energy.

5. Termites are known to adapt and they tend to develop a taste for materials that are commonly used in the construction of homes.

6. One averaged sized termite colony can chew up a room’s floor in just 3 months – yes, termites have quite an irrepressible appetite.

7. Termites do not stop once they have entered your home. Instead they begin to eat things like shoes, clothing, electrical wiring and furniture.

8. If you discover a colony of termites in your home, you should not try to destroy them on your own as the will only come back stronger than before. The reason is that they can burrow into the soil to live and then return because they know where their food source is in your home. You should make sure to let a professional take care of it for you.

9. You may know that you can detect termites yourself by tapping on wood with a screwdriver handle. But you sure don’t know that even a mere tapping by a screwdriver handle on infested wood can break the wood. This also disturbs the termites, thus limiting your treatment options.

10. Only experienced and specialised termite inspectors, and no one else, are qualified to treat termite related issues.

Well, the fact is if you have a home or are planning to buy one in Sydney, you need to hire an experienced pest control agency that knows termites like the back of its hands. If you don’t, you will compromise on your health and wealth by ignoring or avoiding the problem.

For more information or to arrange an inspection contact Pink Inspections on (02) 9529 5222 or contact us online.

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Bedbug Treatment Checklist

Published on February 27, 2008 in Bedbug Control, Commercial Pest Control, General and Pest Control. 0 Comments

So you have bedbugs…

We know they are one of the most annoying little pests that not only cause a lot of itching and discomfort but can destroy a good night’s sleep.

Let’s assume that you have completed the Bedbug pre-treatment checklist and have booked an appointment with a Sydney bedbug eradication specialist.

The next step is the treatment itself. Here is a summary of what will happen if the treatment is compliant with the Bed Bug Code Of Practice.

During the treatment your pest control technician will:

  • Conduct a detailed inspection of the infested areas.
  • Vacuum to remove bed bugs and their eggs.
  • Conduct a treatment using a steam cleaner.
  • Apply an approved pesticide as necessary, to cracks, crevices and other harbourage points.
  • Conduct a gas treatment (where applicable). After the gas treatment, the property will need to be vacated for at least 4 hours.

After the treatment, we recommend that you:

  • Open all doors and windows and allow the property to ventilate.
  • In the case of Pink Pest Services, we conduct a follow up inspection in approximately 14-21 days. Where further activity is located, an additional treatment will be carried out as required. It is not uncommon to locate further activity during this follow up visit.

In some cases, it can take up to a month to achieve full control of an infestation, as the bed bugs come into contact with the treatment agents applied.

Where a Free Service Period has been offered, we return and retreat, as required, any area covered by the initial treatment, at no expense to the client, for the period as indicated on the initial quotation.

Before engaging any pest controller, we recommend that you check to see that a Free Service Period has been specified because bedbug treatment most often requires multiple visits.

For more information or to arrange a treatment contact Pink Pest Services on (02) 9529 5222 or contact us online.

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Bedbug Control Pre-Treatment Checklist

Published on February 27, 2008 in Bedbug Control, Commercial Pest Control and Pest Control. 0 Comments

Bedbug infestations have increased by more than 5000% in the Sydney area since 1999. They have now become very common in all areas of Sydney.

Many people assume that getting rid of bedbugs is as easy as a quick pest treatment. Actually, the process is rather more involved and successful eradication of bed bugs depends on significant preparation on the part of you, the bedbug “victim”.

The following “pre-treatment checklist” will help you ensure that the bedbugs are eradicated as quickly as possible and you can enjoy an uninterrupted night’s sleep once again.

Bedbug Pre-treatment checklist

Prior to the treatment you will need to:

  • Remove all bedding from beds and ensemble bases. This should be washed at temperatures of more than 60 degrees C and dried in a clothes drier on the hot setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. Place clean bedding in a NEW plastic bag for storage. Return bedding to infested room/s only AFTER treatment.
  • Remove clothes from cupboards/wardrobe and wash, dry and store in the same manner as described above.
  • Items that can not be washed and dried may be placed in the freezer overnight or be professionally dry cleaned.
  • Carry out any specific recommendations that your Pink Pest Services technician makes during the quotation.
  • Remove all pets from the property during the treatment and for 4 hours after. (Fish tanks inside the house will need to be covered with cling wrap and the filter turned off during the treatment).
  • Children under 4 will need to be removed from the property during the treatment and for 4 hours after.
  • We recommend that pregnant women and people with asthma and/or allergies stay away from the property overnight.
  • IT IS IMPORTANT NOT TO MOVE ITEMS BETWEEN ROOMS OR TREAT AREAS WITH FLY SPRAY OR THE LIKE. THIS WILL MAKE THE TREATMENT MORE DIFFICULT, SPREAD THE INFESTATION AND REDUCE THE CHANCE OF SUCCESSFUL CONTROL.

Where all of the above measures have been completed, Pink Pest Services provides a Free Service Period guarantee in writing.

By combining your efforts with professional bedbug control, your chances of eradicating any bedbug problem increase dramatically.

For more information on bed bugs and their control we recommend that you look at a copy of the Bed Bug Code of Practice at www.bedbug.org.au

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Is Your Commercial Pest Control Company HACCP Compliant?

Published on December 19, 2007 in Commercial Pest Control, General and Pest Control. 0 Comments

When hiring a commercial pest control company, be sure to choose one that is HACCP compliant. This adds an extra level of safety and expertise to the work you need done in your home or business. There are many licenses, certifications, and qualifications that a technician and his or her pest control company can earn; and being HACCP compliant is one of the areas that should be taken into consideration when making your choice.

HACCP stands for “Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point”, and becoming HACCP compliant means understanding and demonstrating the seven principles of specific guidelines that have been created to keep food safe for human consumption. When working with pest control agents of different kinds, it is important for a pest control company to have a clear understanding of how to keep people and their food safe. Businesses do this by creating a HACCP plan that includes the seven principles:

  1. Conducting a hazard analysis before the project begins.
  2. Determining “control points”, or the steps during which chemical factors can be controlled.
  3. Establishing a maximum and minimum value at which the pest control agents need to be maintained to avoid food safety hazards.
  4. Establishing monitoring procedures.
  5. Being prepared to take corrective action if needed.
  6. Creating and following procedures that show the validity of the plan that is in place.
  7. Keeping accurate and appropriate records and documentation.

The focus of these principles is to have procedures in place to keep food safe at every step of the process. It is not just enough to test when the work is finished and discover that a mistake has been made. Each step in the plan involves predicting or testing outcomes. The processes and procedures needed for a pest control company to be HACCP compliant are incredibly complex, and this is why you should investigate any company you hire and ensure that they have the proper training in this area.

The principles become especially important in treating businesses or facilities that are directly a part of the food industry. Pest control companies must be well-trained and prepared to work in these environments in a way that protects the public’s food supply.

Factories, warehouses, and restaurants in the Sydney area, for example, would need to be especially aware of the need for a pest control company that is HACCP compliant. In fact, hiring a commercial pest control company may well be part of that business’ own HACCP plan. The two work hand-in-hand to protect the integrity of the food being distributed to the people of Sydney.

With more than 30 years’ experience working with private sector and government clients, and a number of accreditations and qualifications, Pink Pest Service is a pest control company that can offer you the peace of mind of creating a HACCP compliant plan to meet your needs.  Read more about our commercial pest control services here.

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