Archive for the 'Termite 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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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 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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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.

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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Termite Baiting - Just One Approach to Solving Your Termite Problem

Published on December 18, 2007 in Termite Baiting and Termite Control. 0 Comments

If you suspect you have a termite problem, you may hear that you need to try termite baiting. Before you get too carried away, though, your very first step should be to consult with a licensed termite control professional. While it can be tempting to try and solve the problem yourself, you may well discover that you’ve inadvertently compounded it by doing so.

Just because you can’t solve a termite problem on your own doesn’t mean you don’t want to know what’s going on in your own home, though.

If the professional you hire recommends termite baiting, then he or she is talking about using a method that doesn’t necessarily strive to only repel the insects. Instead, certain types of material will be placed around your property in order to appeal to their tastes. Paper and cardboard are often used in termite baiting, for example, because the bugs love to eat these cellulose-rich foods. As you might expect, however, the tasty snack has been treated with a control agent that is harmful to the termite’s life cycle while being completely safe for humans, pets and plants.

While the bait is sometimes placed inside your home, “stations” will often be set up at pre-set intervals outside of the house. The termites more or less run across these underground stations as they continue their never-ending quest for more food. They encounter stations full of the cellulose material, and once there’s evidence that they’ve found it, the bait can be added. Above-ground stations may be used, as well, depending on what type of termite baiting is most appropriate for your needs. In this case, the termites are more likely to find the stations quickly because they are placed directly within the insects’ path.

In addition to stopping your termite problem by killing bugs that eat the treated materials, termite baiting allows them to carry the termite agents back to their nests and spread the destruction there.

Termite baiting is not an instant solution, but in many cases it proves to be more effective than simply trying to repel the bugs. Again, you will want to consult with a licensed professional in order to determine the best approach to solving your termite problem. He or she may even suggest that you combine termite baiting with one or more other forms of pest control.

When determining if termite baiting is the best option for you, a pest control professional will help you take the following into consideration (among other factors, of course):

  • How difficult would it be to implement other forms of pest control? It may be that placing the stations outside of the home is the most effective strategy due to structural issues.

  • How bad is the termite problem? Termite baiting tends to solve your termite problem more slowly than some other methods, so it may not be appropriate for larger infestations.

  • How much pesticide are you willing to use to solve the termite problem? Some people are less comfortable using sprays and other liquid treatments and therefore prefer to approach the situation via termite baiting.

Located in Sydney, the professionals at Pink Pest Services are licensed and certified to help you determine if termite baiting is the appropriate solution for your termite problem. Contact us for a  termite inspection or no-obligation quote.

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The Top 3 Questions to Ask when Choosing a Termite Control Company in Sydney

Published on December 18, 2007 in Pest Control and Termite Control. 0 Comments

Choosing a termite control company can be a real blow to any homeowner’s sense of security. First of all, running across those nasty little bugs often brings with it a sense of having your home invaded, which can leave anyone feeling annoyed and taken advantage of. Secondly, the discovery inevitably leads to the question of how to find a termite control company that won’t take advantage of you for a second time. In order to protect your home—and your wallet—take the following into consideration when choosing a termite control company that is right for the job.

#1. Do the company and its pest control technicians have the proper training, licensing, and certifications for the job?

This should be your number one criteria in choosing a termite control company. Any pest control technician working in New South Wales is required to be licensed by Work Cover.

If your technician doesn’t have this license, then you should definitely find a more reputable company to work on your home. While there isn’t a legal standard requiring pest control technicians to have specialised training in termite control, utilizing one who does is definitely in the best interest of your home and your family. Ask if the technician is qualified in Unit 8 and 10 of the National Pest Management Competency Standards.

Additionally, you may be more comfortable choosing a termite control company that is a member of the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association (AEPMA). Members of the group are held to a code of ethics, and there is a complaint system in place if you feel the company has breached these ethics.

#2. Is the pest control company properly insured?

You’ve just discovered that your home has been attacked, and you’re looking for a solution, not more problems. Ensure you’re choosing a termite control company that won’t leave you high and dry if something goes wrong. If the company answered “yes” to question number one, then you’ve already managed to protect yourself to a large degree. Still, be sure to enquire about insurance when making your choice. In addition to having Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance, you want to check that all of their policies are current. They should be able to provide certificates of proof.

#3. Does the pest control company have a good record of service?

One of the best methods for determining if you’re choosing a termite control company that will meet your needs is to take a look at its reputation. First of all, how long has the company been in business?

If the company you’ve chosen has been in the pest control game for quite some time, then that is a sign that they have satisfied their customers time and again.

But don’t just take the company’s word for it, go ahead and ask the customers yourself. A good business understands the importance you place on choosing a termite control company that will do a great job, and will therefore be willing to give you a list of references to contact. You might even find the right company by talking to friends and neighbors and seeing who they refer. Those who have had good experiences will let you know, and those who have had bad experiences will let you know LOUDLY!

Needing to find a pest control company is not an enviable position, however, knowing about the problem is definitely a step in the right direction. After all, you can’t solve a problem you don’t know exists. Be sure to avoid any future surprises, though, by asking these three questions when choosing a termite control company.

Pink Pest Services can answer “yes” to all these questions, so give us a call for termite and pest control solutions in Sydney.

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