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Bedbug Infestation Makes a Resurgence in Sydney – Here’s How You Can Fight Back

There are few images more sacred than the comfort, relaxation, and cleanliness of a bed that is free from a bedbug infestation. After a long, hard day, nothing is more appealing than the thought of curling up in the one place where all the world’s problems fade into the background. Many people—from homeowners to travelers looking for a reputable hotel—look forward to the comfort in store for them at the end of the day. So what happens when a bedbug infestation ruins that comfort?

According to a recent survey of Australian pest management companies, the prevalence of bedbug infestation in Sydney has increased by 5,000 percent in the last few years. Due to the reproductive abilities of these major pests, this is a number that won’t decrease unless the infestations are tackled head-on.

Although any dwelling can fall prey to a bedbug infestation, the industry most impacted by this recent pest insurgence is the hospitality trade. Bedbugs, tiny insects that feed off of the blood of humans and other hosts, are often carried in the luggage of unsuspecting travelers. With an increase in Sydney’s international reputation comes a multitude of travelers and potential carriers. Unlike these travelers, bedbugs don’t discriminate when it comes to the size or magnitude of a hotel. Five stars mean nothing to these hungry little critters; and each and every hotel in Sydney has the potential to experience an infestation of its own.

Contrary to popular belief, bedbugs cannot be controlled through cleanliness alone, and they aren’t restricted to just beds. Infestations can happen anywhere and at any time. In most cases, attempts to control bedbug infestations by non-specialist pest control providers only delay the care of a problem that needs attention now—especially when a hotel’s reputation and accountability are at stake.

To successfully eradicate these little pests, it takes specialised training and equipment. Bedbugs are known for being hard to find and catch; many pest control companies don’t have the means to detect them, let alone eradicate them. In fact, until recently, bedbugs took a backseat in terms of priority to many other pest infestations, and very few companies have been able to stay abreast of the best ways to fight back against bedbugs.

In addition, the latest techniques in chemical and steam treatments are needed to eliminate bedbug infestations thoroughly enough to ensure there isn’t a repeat occurrence.

With 30 years of experience and intensive training in the use of the necessary equipment, Pink Pest Services is one of the few companies in Sydney capable of eliminating bedbug  problems for good. Visit our website for more information on bedbug treatment in Sydney.

Termite Baiting - Just One Approach to Solving Your Termite Problem

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.

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

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.

Sydney Pest and Termite Control Blog Launched

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

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

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



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