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.

Basic First Aid For Spider Bites

Published on May 8, 2008 in Spider Control. 0 Comments

Look out for some of these dangerous species of spiders…

There are almost 70,000 types of spider species worldwide, of which 2,000 are found in Australia. Amongst these numerous spider species in Australia, the Funnel-web and the Red-back spider are most dangerous. Spider bites can have a variety of symptoms that include rapid pulse and swelling. However, the majority of spiders can be a nuisance simply because they build unwanted webs in our houses.

According to Wikipedia,

The Red-back spider (Latrodectus hasselti) is a potentially dangerous spider native to Australia. It resembles a Black widow spider. It is a member of the genus Latrodectus or the widow family of spiders, which are found throughout the world.

The Red-back spider is commonly found in Sydney you can easily find them in heavily populated areas. They mostly live in warm areas like storage yards, industrial sites and inside of houses. They also hide in wood logs and junk piles. The female Red-back has 1 cm long body while males are smaller in size. Their webs are very unique because they are messy and always seem to have eggs in them. The Red-back spider loves to hide in protected holes and cracks and they eat small insects in bulk every day. They have also been known to kill and eat lizards.

The second most dangerous species of spiders is the Funnel-web spider. They are most commonly found in Sydney as well. Funnel-webs prefer to live in cool and moist areas. These spiders are large in size and a typical Funnel-web has a body length of 4.5 cm. This species is black in colour and is marked by its aggressive traits. Normally Funnel-webs have powerful teeth, used to stun their victims.

In summer and autumn, the males often wander into houses in search of females. The males, being the wanderers of this species are more dangerous than the females. Even though, most Australian spiders bite without injecting venom, the Funnel-web spider injects its venom into its victim every time.

If you are bitten by Funnel-web then you may experience a number of symptoms, including:

  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Profuse sweating

Although nobody has died from the bite of Funnel-web spider since the anti venom was introduced in 1980, I’m sure you’ll agree that’s it’s worth avoiding.

Treatment for bites depends upon the type of spider

General spider bites

Most spider bites are harmless and will require no first aid. If a person is bitten by spider then the patient should be kept calm and restricted from unnecessary movement. Keep in mind that the patient can be cured, as anti-venom is available at most hospitals. As a precaution, a pressure bandage should be applied on the infected area. This will compress the tissues while reducing the flow of venom. A second bandage can be applied to stop the affected limb from swelling by using a support. This will also restrict the movement of muscle to reduce the blood flow so that the venom does not reach the vital organs of the body.

Red-back spider bites

As the venom of the Red-back spider diffuses very slowly in blood any attempt to immediately halt its movement would only increase the pain. Do not bandage, but proceed to a hospital to receive anti-venom. Avoid any unnecessary movement.

Funnel-web spider bites

Bandage as recommended for General Spider Bites above. Also, using an icepack on the infected area will reduce the swelling of the patient.

However, it is suggested that you stay away from places where spiders prefer to live. You should try to seal all cracked surfaces and protected holes inside your house, to prevent any spiders from living there. This can be an effective way of avoiding spider bites.

If you’re concerned about spiders and need some help exterminating them, you can contact Pink Pest Services for assistance with professional pest control in Sydney.

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 2111 or contact us online.

Are “German” Cockroaches Invading Sydney?

Published on February 27, 2008 in Cockroach Control. 0 Comments

It sounds strange to think of cockroaches as having a nationality, but…

We have noticed a larger than usual number of pest control clients requesting help to eradicate “German” cockroaches recently.

German Cockroaches are properly called Blattella germanica, and to the naked eye they are simply a smaller version of the “Australian” cockroach.

If you ever have to ID a German cockroach, you should know that they are typically about 1.3 cm to 1.6 cm in length and tan to light brown in colour.

They may also have two dark parallel streaks running from the head to the base of the wings. Although it has wings, it is unable to sustain flight.

According to Wikipedia,

The German cockroach is originally from Asia and very common in Russia, not in Germany, and it is also very closely related to the Asian cockroach, to the extent that to the casual observer they appear nearly identical and may be mistaken for the other.

So it appears that this is a case of mistaken (national) identity.

Seriously though, owing to their compact size, ability to breed quickly and their speed and agility, German cockroaches can sometimes prove difficult to eradicate.

If regular cockroach baits don’t work, you can contact Pink Pest Services for assistance with professional cockroach control in Sydney.

We are only too happy to assist.

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Will Termites Replace Fossil Fuels As A Power Source?

Published on February 27, 2008 in Termites. 0 Comments

This is weird…

Will termites replace fossil fuels as a power source?

From Wikipedia:

One of the US Department of Energy’s most enduring goals is to replace fossil fuels with renewable sources of cleaner energy, such as hydrogen produced from plant biomass fermentation. Termites may help reach this goal through metagenomics.

Termites are capable of producing up to two liters of hydrogen from fermenting a single sheet of paper, making them one of the planet’s most efficient bioreactors.

Termites achieve this high degree of efficiency by exploiting the metabolic capabilities of about 200 different species of microbes that inhabit their hindguts.

…

The microbial community in the termite gut efficiently manufactures large quantities of clean hydrogen. By sequencing the termite’s microbial community, it may be possible to get a better understanding of these biochemical pathways.

Termites eat wood, but cannot extract energy from the complex lignocellulose polymers within it. These polymers are broken down into simple sugars by fermenting bacteria in the termite’s gut, using enzymes that produce hydrogen as a byproduct. A second wave of bacteria uses the simple sugars and hydrogen to make the acetate the termite requires for energy. If it can be figured out which enzymes are used to create hydrogen, and which genes produce them, this process could be scaled up with bioreactors to generate hydrogen from woody biomass, such as poplar, in commercial quantities.

Sceptics regard this as unlikely to be a carbon-neutral commercial process due to the energy inputs. For decades, researchers have sought to house termites on a commercial scale (like worm farms) to break down woody debris and paper but funding has been scarce and the problems of developing a continuous process that does not disrupt the termites’ homeostasis have not been overcome.

So it looks doubtful that termites will become the source of a fossil fuel revolution, but they could be one piece of the puzzle toward finding alternative energy sources in future.

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Bedbug Treatment Checklist

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

So you have bedbugs…

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

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

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

During the treatment your pest control technician will:

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

After the treatment, we recommend that you:

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

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

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

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

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

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Bedbug Control Pre-Treatment Checklist

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

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

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

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

Bedbug Pre-treatment checklist

Prior to the treatment you will need to:

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

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

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

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

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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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