Archive for the 'General' Category

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 2111 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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Four Tips For Controlling Rats and Mice This Summer

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

There are few things more frustrating than trying to deal with a mouse infestation - unless it’s trying to deal with a rat infestation! The feelings that accompany a mouse infestation range from anger to helplessness to out-and-out fear. And if you’re dealing with a rat infestation, well, then there’s likely a fair amount of revulsion to accompany those other feelings.

There are many tell-tale signs that you have a mouse infestation, and if you notice any of them, it may be time to call in the pest control professionals.

  • Burrows dug into the ground, especially around concrete slabs, fences, or materials you have stored out-of-doors. Burrows will generally have hard-packed dirt around the opening.
  • Gnawed wood is a common sign of a mouse infestation. Their incisor teeth grow continuously, and they must therefore gnaw on wood to wear them down.
  • Shredded material such as paper can be a sign that mice are making nests on your property.

So, what exactly can you do to control rats and mice this summer? Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Don’t lay out the welcome mat. If you don’t want rats and mice living in your home, then make sure it doesn’t feel too “homey” to them. Get rid of materials that might encourage nesting, such as building materials stored outside and brush and weeds crowding your foundation. Store firewood up off of the ground, as well.
  2. There’s no such thing as a free lunch. You are far more likely to experience a rat infestation if there are food sources available to them. Make sure all of your rubbish is stored with a tight lid on top. Likewise, keep the food in your cupboards stored in air-tight containers to discourage rats and mice from scavenging.
  3. If you are unable to avoid a mouse infestation or rat infestation, then it’s time to take more drastic measures. One option is to set snap traps or glue traps near areas that the mice and rats frequent. These need to be laid right across the rodent’s normal path so that it is likely to run directly across the trap. You can also use poisons to kill the unwanted pests. If you are planning to use any of these methods, however, you need to use the utmost care to keep children and pets safe.
  4. Hire a pest control professional to get rid of your mouse infestation. This is probably going to be your most effective method for dealing with a persistent mouse or rat infestation that has proved difficult to solve in-house. There are a variety of methods that a professional pest control company can use to eradicate rodents.Hiring a pest control company to deal with a mouse infestation or rat infestation has several advantages. First of all, it saves you a lot of time and frustration that would be spent tracking down and trying to kill these pests. Secondly, a reputable pest control company will be well-trained in safe methods for killing, repelling and removing mice and rats. Finally, a good pest control company will be able to offer you a guarantee on their services.

Pink Pest Services can offer all of the above benefits when eradicating your mouse infestation or rat infestation. We’ll even give you a firm quote on the price of our services before we begin the work! Read more about our rodent control services here.

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Termite Inspections in Sydney - How Often Is Often Enough?

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

Who Needs a Termite Inspection?

There is no doubt that termite inspections are a necessity in most parts of the Sydney area. With approximately one out of five homes being attacked, homeowners need to protect their investments by hiring a well-qualified pest control company to do a thorough inspection at least once a year.

So much termite damage has been caused throughout Australia that the Building Code and Australian Standard for Termite Protection requires termite inspections for any new home and recommends the once-a-year route for older homes. If you live in an area that is prone to a lot of activity, however, even more frequent termite inspections may need to be conducted.

In the Sydney area, the following suburbs have an especially high occurrence of termite activity:

  • Baulkham Hills
  • Bradbury
  • Carlingford
  • Castle Hill, Dural
  • Epping, Frenchs Forest
  • Leichhardt
  • Manly
  • Marrickville
  • Mosman
  • Maroubra
  • Pearl Beach
  • Rozelle
  • Wahroongah
  • Winston Hills

If you don’t live in one of these Sydney suburbs, it doesn’t mean that your property isn’t at risk, though; so if it’s been a while since your last termite inspection, be sure to schedule one soon.

What Does a Termite Inspection Involve?

When Pink Pest Services is asked to do a termite inspection, we may use several techniques to ensure you get all the answers you need. The first of these methods is generally a visual inspection. During this process, we look for the outward signs of infestation. In addition to a visual termite inspection, we also have very specialised equipment. For example, we may employ the use of a borescope, which is a fiber optic camera that can look inside the walls. Our methods may also include the use of a thermal imaging camera. These tools help us determine the scope of an infestation.

Sometimes in a termite inspection, it is necessary to do what is called an “invasive inspection.” This involves actually removing portions of the house to see what is going on behind the scenes. Because it is so invasive, we look at this as one of our last options in a termite inspection; and it is always carried out by a well-qualified professional to ensure the integrity of the work. The introduction of the thermal imaging cameras has made these types of inspections less necessary.

Does My House Really Need a Termite Inspection?

While many people tend to think of termites in the context of timber houses, the truth is that all types of houses are at risk for an attack. Surprisingly to many, brick houses in the Sydney area are at just as much risk as those framed with softwoods. The explanation for this is that termites attack from the outside in and don’t realize the house isn’t made of tasty wood until they’ve already bored through doors or window frames. Even steel-framed houses need to undergo regular termite inspections for this very reason.

The trained, certified professionals at Pink Pest Services are available to conduct thorough termite inspections throughout the Sydney area. If you’d like more information, take a look at our article: Termite Pest Control – The Difference Between Free Termite Quotes and Thorough Termite Inspections.

Choose a Pest Control Solution that Considers the Safety of People, Pets, and Plants

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

The very act of searching for the right pest control solution leads to many concerns, not the least of which is safety. Just finding pest damage can be quite disturbing, but once the shock has worn off, several questions begin to form; and many of them involve the safety of the things you care about the most:

  • Will the pest themselves cause structural damage to my home?
  • Can they be causing health issues for my family?
  • What kind of safety precautions are taken when implementing the pest control solution?

While concerns for the safety of your home and family are often the first considered, there are secondary worries, as well:

  • Will the pest control solution endanger my pets?
  • Are my plants in danger of being hurt or killed by either the pests or the pest control solution?
  • Are pesticides going to contaminate the water or soil around my home?

Of course the financial aspects of pest problems are troubling, but most of us are even more concerned about the safety of the people and animals we love. In today’s environmentally conscious world, we also want to be sure we’re safeguarding the planet on which we all live. While getting rid of the pests is often your first order of business, doing so safely can quickly become an even bigger issue.

When the safety of your family, pets, and plants is on the line, you’ll want to be sure to choose a professional company that is dedicated to these same concerns. There are many different pest control solutions available today, and the company you hire should be willing to take all of your worries and concerns into consideration when recommending the right one for your situation.

Keep in mind, though, that each situation is unique; so there is no one-size-fits-all pest control solution. Companies like Pink Pest Services will strive to offer you the best option, while keeping in mind the safety of your family, pets, and the environment. In some cases, for example, a fairly low-impact method of termite baiting might be the method of choice. Baiting stations use an insect growth regulator that is not poisonous, and the stations themselves are tamper resistant.

Pink Pest Services is proud to be an Australian-owned and operated business servicing the Sydney area. The fact that we are family-owned means that we are serious about pest control solutions that ensure the safety of your family and ours. When we say that we’re “family friendly,” we mean it. After all, we know that your pets and your property make up an important part of the family. Like you, we want to protect them all from the unwanted pests and from any safety threats that could have been caused by other pest control solutions.

Contact us about pest control solutions that are safe for your children, pets and plants.

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How To Prevent and Control Cockroach Infestations in Sydney

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

Sydney is home to two major types of cockroach infestations: those of the big, ugly Australian variety and those of the smaller German cockroaches.

Despite their names, these insects are not necessarily associated with national geography, and can be found in any size or type of home. As cockroaches are known for their transmission of diseases and their contamination of food, it is in the best interest of every citizen of Sydney to prevent and control all cockroach infestations.

The ideal path to take is one of prevention. Like all living critters, cockroaches need a place to live, food, and water. In order to keep your Sydney property clean and free of cockroach infestations, the best approach is to deny them these three essentials.

Deny them a place to live:

  • Repair holes that give access to your home or living space. This includes those around water pipes, doors, and windows.
  • Put barriers over vents and floor drains. Obviously, air and water still need to be able to flow through these vessels. Use a barrier that is big enough to keep them running but small enough to keep the cockroaches out.
  • Keep clutter to a minimum. Cockroaches love to hide in boxes, piles of paper, wood piles, and garbage.

Deny them food:

  • Store all your food in air-tight containers. Never leave food uncovered (for cockroaches, garbage is food, so don’t leave that out either).
  • Try to keep your sink free of dirty dishes. Go one step further by rinsing everything once you are done using it.
  • Sweep or vacuum your kitchen often.

Deny them water:

  • Repair any leaking water sources.
  • Don’t leave standing water.

Unfortunately, even the most diligent preventative measures can’t keep all the cockroaches out of Sydney. We all know how hardy these insects are!

If a cockroach infestation does occur, you will have to control the problem. This includes not only ridding your home of the cockroaches currently residing there, but also taking steps to ensure that all eggs have been eliminated.

Chemical controls are the most widely used method of managing cockroach infestations. These have advantages and disadvantages. The obvious disadvantage is the averse effect some chemicals have on the living environment. The only way around this barrier is to use pest control companies that are trained in minimizing the risk to you and your family. Many commercially available insecticide sprays, dusts, aerosols, and baits are not ideal for this. Fortunately, Pink Pest Services only uses treatment agents that are safe for your home, children, pets, and even plants.

Cockroach infestations are not fun for anyone, and the method of ridding your home of every last insect and egg can be a timely process. This process is only drawn out when it is not done by a trained professional. If you’re struggling to keep your home completely free of cockroaches in the Sydney climate, the next best step is to use cockroach control services you know are safe and guaranteed.

Termite Pest Control – The Difference Between Free Termite Quotes and Thorough Termite Inspections

Published on December 19, 2007 in General, Termite Control and Termite Inspections. 1 Comment

Many homeowners don’t realize that no two termite pest control options are the same. Not only are homes and buildings vastly different in their design, construction, materials, and environment, but termites themselves are complex and diverse creatures. There are over 2,800 recognized species of termites to date; these numbers only grow as science and pest control options become more advanced.

With 1 in 5 Sydney homes currently experiencing some form of termite infestation, it is important to start out on the very best foot in order to get a treatment plan designed to take care of your termite pest control problem for good.

There are two main options to choose from in determining your particular termite infestation issues: free termite quotes and thorough termite inspections. Although both of these services are provided by and have similar end goals (to rid your home of termites for good), they are not the same in what they do to determine your termite pest control needs.

The first option, free termite quotes, is for individuals who already know or suspect that termites are an issue in their home or building. Whether you see obvious termite damage, swarms leaving the colonies, mud tubes leading up to your building, or any other indication of termite pest control issues, your best bet is a free termite quote.

A specialist will come to your property and, through a limited inspection, determine if your assumptions are correct. This inspection will not only provide you with some background information on the extent of the termite damage to your building, but it will also allow the specialist to come up with a treatment plan and price quote. It is considered the first step in addressing a larger termite pest control problem.

The second option, a thorough termite inspection, is for individuals who need more information about termites in their home. Perhaps you haven’t found anything specific related to termite pest control issues, but still have fears.

Perhaps you relish the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your property will not be among the 1 in 5 homes with termite infestations in Sydney today.

Through the use of visual detection, fibre optics, and thermal imaging cameras, experts will be able to determine if and where termites may be attacking your home. If termites are found, this is the first step in determining how to control your termite infestation. If termites are not found, your worries stop here. Unlike the termite quotes, this service typically comes with a fee, although some companies including Pink Pest Services will deduct this fee from an overall treatment plan, should termites be found.

Due to the limited nature of the free termite quote inspection, it should never be used as an alternative to the more thorough second option, should you be searching for termites in your home. Since the thorough termite inspection looks deeper and harder to discover your possible termite pest control problems, it is the only way to be 100 percent certain of the safety of your home.

Whatever your needs, both options are available through Pink Pest Services to give you the peace of mind you deserve.

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Make Sure Your Sydney Pest Control Company Has PestCert Accreditation

Published on December 19, 2007 in General and Pest Control. 1 Comment

In Sydney, the field of pest control is open to two types of companies: those with PestCert accreditation, and those without. Current legislation allows anyone—even those businesses with only the most basic of qualifications—to become a part of the city’s pest control solution. While this is great in providing options for today’s savvy consumer, this same legislation doesn’t hold anyone up to much-needed quality standards. PestCert accreditation steps in where the legislation does not and helps ensure a focus on safety and quality.

Pest control is a field wherein public health and safety should always be primary factors. This is especially true considering the use of chemicals within residential and family dwellings.

Entire families, pets, communities, and the environment are at risk when pest control measures are not held to strict standards. Additionally, even the pests themselves can provide a public nuisance if they are not addressed professionally and effectively. For the protection of all, it is not enough for a company to simply claim experience; experience must be demonstrated on a consistent, long-term basis.

PestCert steps in to make up for the deficiencies of the existing policies regarding pest control in Sydney. As a not-for-profit accreditation program, PestCert was developed for the sole reason of making sure each pest control customer gets quality, professional care. It certifies only those companies that stay current in the field, especially regarding education, skills training, and customer service. Additionally, there is no underlying cost to the consumer for PestCert accreditation, and there are no ulterior motives in making sure that safety measures and a strict moral code are upheld.

As holders of PestCert accreditation, all organisations have a demonstrated history of knowledge and skills testing, a high level of public accountability, and continued education in the latest technology. This latter issue—that of staying abreast of current technologies (as well as possible deficiencies of old technologies)—is one of the most important ones facing pest management companies today.

While these alone are incentives enough to seek a pest control company with PestCert accreditation, there are also additional legal ramifications. PestCert steps in with legally binding conduct codes that certify safety and professionalism in all areas of pest control services. These codes include, but are not limited to, vehicle operation standards and equipment safety regulations.

All pest control consumers are strongly encouraged to make sure a company is PestCert certified before making any decisions. This can be done in three ways:

  • Look for the PestCert logo on the company’s paperwork or website
  • Call 07 3390 5228 to confirm the company’s accreditation status
  • Check the PestCert website at www.pestcert.com.au

As a proud member of the PestCert accreditation program, Pink Pest Services strongly encourages all consumers to take an active approach to their pest management solutions. Located right here in Sydney, we truly believe that for the safety of everyone and the best services for your dollar, no company should ever be hired without it.

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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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Sydney Pest and Termite Control Blog Launched

Published on November 7, 2007 in General. 0 Comments

Sydney pest and termite management experts Pink Pest Services are pleased to announce the launch of this Pest and Termite Control Blog.

Over the coming weeks and months we will keep you informed with consumer advice and information to help you maintain a safe, healthy and pest-free environment.

Contact us now for help solving your pest or termite problem in the Sydney area.

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