Archive for the 'Pest Control' Category

The Tell Tale Signs of Termite Infestation

Published on October 7, 2008 in Pest Control, Termite Control, Termite Inspections and Termites. 0 Comments

After a careful analysis of Melbourne, as well as Sydney, Archicentre Limited revealed the shocking results of just how termite damage affects Australia.  The company, who holds the capacity of building advisory service within the RAIA(Royal Australian Institute of Architects, conducted research over a two year span in order to help in developing criteria for building inspection, data collection, and data reporting.

The Archicentre Pest inspection service was started in 2005 in Melbourne, and in Sydney in 2006, which will gain a better understanding of the aspects of timber pest attacks every where in Australia.

The company examined more than 80,000 reports of inspections and through this analysis came to the conclusion that there is indeed termite growth within Australia and their homes. The analysis provided many different results. For example, they were able to determine that colder regions of the continent are less likely to suffer from termite attacks than the warmer regions were. This led to the conclusion that termite protection was in dire need in these warmer areas.

Of the areas inspected and analyzed, it was found that Western Australia saw the smallest increase of just 5%, Victoria was the next highest at a termite increase of 8%, South Australia, ACT, and New South Wales came in second with a 9% increase, and the number one jump in termites belonged to Queensland with a jump of a whopping 11%.

In the year 2006, it cost on average $2,500 to treat a termite infected home. While expensive, it was still far better than what it would cost to repair an infested home, which could cost around $4,500 or more depending upon the area in which you live.

Do you have termites? There are some things that you can be looking for. The first thing you want to do is check your stumps and concrete barriers, do you see any mud? You also want to look at the sub floor of your home, is there any damage? Now you want to actually check the inside and outside of your home. Look around a foot from the floor or ground, check to see if there are any termite signs.

Termites seem to be the most active if a home is surrounded by lots of trees. Homes that were built 30 year ago or older are often more likely to have termite infestation.  Many home owners however create virtual termite attractions. For instance the way a home owner landscapes their home, making untreated wood and the like a very enticing meal for some prospective and hungry termites. Things such as old logs around the lawn, or non treated wood fence posts are likely termite attractors. Putting mulch around the home all the way against the wall of the home may also cause a termite attack.

Many people will store wood in a shed or somewhere around the home in order to keep it dry. This is another attraction for termites. Even if homes have a concrete slab or have been treated, termites seem to find any wood in the construction materials of the home.

The only way to prevent termites from taking over your wood is to make sure that you are having termite checks and treatments regularly by a qualified pest control company.

One last thing, before you purchase a new home, make sure that you have an inspection done first. Make double sure that this inspection includes termite inspections. If you purchase a home without having this inspection, you may be looking at big costs to treat and repair the infestation, in addition to the money you just paid for your new home.

For more information or to arrange an inspection contact Pink Inspections on (02) 9529 2111 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 2111 or contact us online.

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Important changes to NSW Building Inspection laws

Published on May 16, 2008 in Pest Control. 0 Comments

WARNING: Before you get your house inspected,
…here is some important information for you…

The government of New South Wales has introduced many new changes in the Home Building Act. Though many of the changes have already been written, many of the reforms have just now been implemented. These reforms aim at protecting the customers from any foul play. These reforms relate to a pre-purchase inspection, which gives an overall estimate of the property including whether there are any damages, cracks, or safety hazards.

A pre-purchase inspection report includes general information about the property. This report provides you enough information about the property to identify if there are some obvious problems. The inspection includes the interior, the exterior, the roof and the under roof space of the property. You can ask the inspector to inspect particular areas of the building as well, to ensure that all these areas are inspected to your satisfaction.

However, an inspection does not include every aspect of the property. It is only a general estimate of the property to see whether there are any serious defects in the property that may require expensive repairs after purchase. A pre-purchase inspection does not include a termite inspection. Although a pre-purchase inspection may cover obvious damage by termites, in order to see if there are any termite colonies, you need specific termite inspection.

Also, all property inspections must conform to the Australian Standard. The inspector must cover all the requirements of pre-purchase inspection stipulated in the Home Building Act. If your inspector is not aware of the new inspection criteria in the Act, his insurance may be compromised. Also, certain defects in your property may go unnoticed, leading to expensive repairs.

Before hiring the services of an inspector, make sure that your inspector knows about the pre-purchase inspection regulations, so that he is covered by his insurance policy.

Another reform offers a five-day cooling off period to provide an extra level of protection for the buyer. The buyer can cancel the contract with the contractor during this period; however, he would have to pay 25% of the purchasing price to the vendor. This cooling-off period can be shortened by having a certificate signed by the two parties. But be careful: the cooling-off period does not apply if the property is purchased at an auction. The buyer can also inspect the property during this period of five working days.

For more information or to arrange an inspection contact Pink Inspections on (02) 9529 2111 or contact us online.

How to choose a flea control company in Sydney

Published on May 13, 2008 in Pest Control. 0 Comments

Say “No” to fleas…

Fleas are tiny wingless insects that breed on the blood of animals and birds. If you have pets like cats or dogs, your house is a comfortable dwelling place for fleas. Fleas are extremely irritating for their hosts, since they cause an itching sensation when they suck blood from the body. This may cause allergic reactions in humans or pets. Flea bites can remain itchy or reddened for several weeks and often result in frequent scratching and biting in animals that can lead to a variety of more serious diseases.

Fleas also pose serious and generally underestimated threats to human health, since they can transmit various diseases between humans people. Today, most real estate agents want their renters to treat their houses with flea control pesticides, especially if they own pets. Normally this treatment is recommended when the rented house is being vacated.

If you have pets in your house, you need regular inspections of your house. Flea control is extremely necessary for the health of your family and pets. Choosing a flea control company in Sydney may be difficult. However, before choosing your flea control company, make sure that their pesticides are not detrimental to human health. They must be completely safe for your children, plants and pets.

Sometimes, the insecticides used by the companies can cause allergic reactions - you want to make sure that the chemicals used to treat your house have been fully tested and approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority. The company must have competent and qualified staff that can perform flea cleaning with professional expertise. This includes treating your pets, which are especially susceptible to fleas. They must be thoroughly treated to ensure that the fleas, their eggs and larvae have all been eliminated.

The insecticides used by the company should provide long term flea prevention. If the treatment is not carefully executed, you may end up with an early re-emergence of fleas. Many of the insecticides available in the market can not deliver the desired results because fleas have developed resistance to these compounds. The remaining effective chemical compounds may be highly toxic for humans and pets. Therefore, you should choose a company that ensures human and pets safety, as well as complete elimination of pests. The treatment plans by your company must be certified by PestCert.

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

We are only too happy to assist.

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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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.

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