Archive for the 'Termite Inspections' Category

7 Steps to Take Straight Away if Your Home is invaded by Pests/Rodents/ Termites

Published on February 18, 2009 in General, Pest Control, Rodent Control, Termite Control and Termite Inspections. 0 Comments

If you have normal occurrences of bug sightings or rodent droppings, you may actually have a bigger pest problem than you are aware of, since many more may not be seen. Termites attack 1 out of 5 homes in Sydney and they are becoming increasingly wider spread.  Not only can pests, rodents and termites cause damage to your home, they can also spread disease and illnesses.

The first step to take if you feel your home is being invaded is to make a close inspection of the inside and outside of your home.  Look for cluttered storage areas, food and water sources, overflowing garbage and leaking taps.  Most pests are searching for food, water and shelter, and once they have found a reliable source, they will settle in and multiply.  Because Sydney and Australia have many termite-prone areas, it may be necessary to have a building inspection done by a professional to determine if invasion exists.

Secondly, eliminate obvious reasons you have pests or rodents. Preventive measures can be taken, such as keeping clutter and garbage to a minimum.  For termites, do not stack items against your house, especially wood. Cockroaches often lay their eggs on grocery bags or in cardboard, so throw these items away as soon as possible after returning from the store.

The third step is to properly identify your pest problem because treatment can depend on the type of bug, cockroach, termites, ants or rodents that are the cause.  Save a specimen, in the event you need to call in a professional pest control service. If you have termites, you may need to have a termite inspection done by a professional to determine the amount of damage and treatment options.

The fourth step is to do an analysis of how the pests are gaining access to your home, food and water.  If you find an access hole, cracks or gaps around plumbing pipes, those need to be sealed to stop the invasion. Termites typically move from the earth to wood that is in contact with the ground.

Fifth, look at the treatment options for the type of pest you have.  Some bait traps may work for rodents, or home pest control chemicals and sprays may reduce the problem.  Eggs may hatch at later intervals, so it is often a process that may require more than one treatment. Many people will choose professionals for this process, to quickly eliminate the issue.

The sixth step will be monitoring the treatment, since eggs may continue to hatch, or baby rodents may leave the nest.  It is important to make sure there is effective treatment to prevent re-infestation.

Lastly, make sure you keep any documents and recommendations of the treatment.  If you have a termite inspection and treatment done by a professional service, you could need these guarantees and assessments if you decide to sell your home. The important thing is to call in a professional if other treatments are not working, as the problem will get continually worse.  In the case of termites, professional treatment will be necessary, and it is better to have inspections and treatments done, sooner than later.

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 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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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 5222 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 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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How often should you have your home inspected for termites?

Published on May 2, 2008 in Termite Inspections. 0 Comments

Termite infestation can be a big problem,
…here are some tips on home inspection for termites…

Termites are a group of social insects that can damage your property. These insects live in colonies. Today every one out of five houses in Sydney is under attack by termites. Buildings in termite areas are prone to serious damages. The termites feed on materials like wood and cellulose and can cause great damage to furniture. They also feed on dry walls and you can see mud tubes on the walls in the case of a termite attack. Especially if you are living in Sydney, you need to be checking for any signs of termites. Timely termite inspection can save you from a lot of trouble.

More about termites attacks…

You may not be able to notice the termite attack unless it becomes very evident. Signs that you should look out for are as follows:

  • Discarded wings of termites in your house
  • Cracks and bubbling in the paints of the wall
  • Mud tubes on the wall of your house

Termites make the wood hollow from within, so you can detect termite infestation by tapping the wood. If it sounds like its hollow then termites may have found their way inside your furniture and it’s time to get an inspection. If the wood sounds unusually hollow, it’s probably time to contact Pink Inspections for a professional inspection that can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

You may ask why termite inspection is necessary. Termites may go undiscovered for a long time unless no serious damage has been done. Your insurance may not cover the damage done by termites either. Your property becomes susceptible to such damages if you are living in a termite prone area. So instead of leaving your precious investment at risk, you should opt for a termite inspection of your property to make sure that it is protected. Detection of termites and their treatment is the best way to save your investment. Your inspection should also be consistent with the Australian Standard.

Inspection of your property once in a year may work in areas where termite attack ratio is very low. However, it is recommended that your property be inspected for termites at least twice a year in higher risk areas such as Sydney. Conducting inspection once in every two years may be dangerous because a single termite queen can lay thousands of eggs in one day. Since termites grow at a rapid rate they can easily damage large portions of your house within a two-year timeframe.

Termite inspectors look for insects and organisms that destroy wood. Termite remnants can be found near wooden structures like furniture or boxes, especially in the kitchen area. Your attic should also be examined for termites – their discarded wings may be found in the spider webs that populate many attics. The termite colonies tend to avoid bright light and open air and mostly they remain under ground or within the wooden structures. Inappropriate drainage systems and direct contact of the wooden structures with earth increases the risk of termite infestation. Improper ventilation may increase the chances of termite attack. Therefore, you should try preventing your house from termite invasion with timely inspections.

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.

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

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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