TERMITES
Pest Control Brisbane and Pest Control Gold Coast – What are the current Termite Activity Levels?
- Due to recent excessive moisture due to flooding and moderately high temperatures the current termite activity level would be very high in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
- Our recommendations would be to monitor your home’s perimeter for any sign of termite mud tracking and maintain annual termite inspections with a qualified timber pest inspector.
Termite Inspections Brisbane – What are the current Investment property recommendations in relation to Pest Control Brisbane?
- Due to the excessive wet weather in Brisbane and the Gold Coast creating more conducive conditions for termite attack, we recommend that you arrange for property manager to view your home’s perimeter for any sign of termite mudding or arrange for a termite inspection even if you have had an inspection in the last 12 months.
- Try to arrange for a property manager or yourself to visit the home to ensure that plants, foliage and landscape matter is clear from the perimeter walls of the house. Due to the excessively moist conditions plant growth needs to be monitored in these areas to prevent termites using them as bridges into your home.
Termite Inspections Brisbane – How do I know if my home has some protection against termites?
- Houses built after 2001 should have a physical termite barrier or termite reticulation of some kind added during construction.
- Information regarding the type of termite protection system can usually be found in the metre box.
- Older houses may have a termite baiting system or a chemical barrier. Please be aware that chemical barriers usually need replenishing approximately 4 to 5 years or so after commencement date depending on the chemical used.
Termite Inspections Brisbane – Do I really need an annual termite inspection if I already have some form of termite protection?
- Termite barriers and other termite protection systems provide only part of the protection for a home as they only help to prevent concealed entry in certain areas. To assist in protecting your home from attack, the only real way to get a more complete defence against termites is to have an inspection by a fully qualified termite inspector.
- Termite inspections will also give you an opportunity to have information on hand regarding potential areas that could because an issue in the future. I.e. such as areas requiring additional drainage around your home.
Termite Protection For Older Houses – How can I protect my home if I don’t have a physical termite barrier?
- Houses built prior to 2001 that don’t have a physical termite barrier can still be protected in other ways. Many companies offer termite baiting systems, chemical termite barriers and chemical reticulation systems (piped chemical barriers).
Termites – Baiting systems, are they effective?
- Yes, provided that they are implemented and monitored correctly.
- Baiting systems can often be a more affordable solution for termite protection. They are often more aesthetically suitable because they can be hidden in garden beds and lawn areas often in a colour that matches your surrounding landscape.
- Regular monitoring by a person who understands the process is critical for the successful outcome with these systems.
- Termite baiting systems can be very effective as they assist in destroying termite activity right back to the nest.
COCKROACHES
Cockroaches – What are the common cockroaches in Brisbane and the Gold Coast?
- Australia has ten introduced pest species of cockroaches. In Queensland the three common household pest cockroaches are the American Cockroach, Australian Cockroach and the German Cockroach.
- All three are found in houses in towns and cities, although American Cockroaches are more common in compost heaps, sewers and industrial areas
Cockroaches – How Do I Know If I Have A Problem?
- Cockroaches are nocturnal and hide during the day. You will most likely see them when turning on the light in the kitchen at night time.
- Cockroaches shed their skin 5-8 times as they mature.
- Cockroaches leave a dust of black droppings less than 1mm wide and of varying lengths.
- Established cockroach infestations produce an unpleasant, musty smell.
Cockroaches – How do I get rid of cockroaches in the Brisbane & the Gold Coast Areas?
- Cockroaches like to live and breed in cracks and crevices. Sealing these entries will reduce the numbers entering your home.
- Garbage should be stored in tightly closed containers
- Water availability should be reduced where possible.
- Contact a licensed pest control company to come and treat the infestation, reducing your cockroach numbers and breaking their breeding cycle.
- Most cockroaches tend to favor the kitchen and can be prevented by keeping crumbs and other food away from this area. All food should be stored in containers or in sealed bags.
Cockroaches – Are they clean pests?
- No, cockroaches are not clean pests, despite the myth.
- Cockroaches carry diseases of humans. Cockroaches often populate in areas such as sewers, grease traps and other polluted areas.
- Cockroaches carry diseases of humans, with the recent weather conditions in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast it is very important to have your property treated.
OTHER PESTS
Pest – What Are Our Common Household Pests
- The most common household pests in Queensland are your cockroaches, spiders, silverfish and ants.
- We are also noticing a rise in activity from bed bugs, borers, rodents and fleas
Pests – Why Do I have More Pests This Year?
- Due to the anomalous weather conditions we are experiencing in Queensland areas like Ipswich, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Gold Coast, our pest population is quickly on the rise.
- With perfect breeding conditions (e.g. – rain, heat and humidity) for these pests, you will see a noticeable difference in pest numbers this year compared to last year.
Pests – How Do I Eradicate These Pests?
- The best method is to arrange a pest inspection on your property by a licensed pest control company. They can identify your pest problem and advise you on a long term solution.
- A licensed pest controller will have the correct chemicals and knowledge on where to place these chemicals for the best long term results.
Pests – How Long Will My General Pest Treatment Last?
- This depends on the company’s choice in chemicals. A license pest controller must follow the chemicals label and recommendations.
- The licensed pest controller will place a durable notice either in your meter box or on the inside of your kitchen cupboard under the sink. This will tell you when your next treatment is due.
Pests – What Should I Expect From A General Pest Treatment?
- This should involve a light chemical spray to your internal wall skirtings, a gel placed on your kitchen and laundry cupboard hinges, your roof voids dusted and a light chemical spray to your external perimeter and eaves.
- You should also be given a pest treatment advice notice, this is to explain where chemical has been placed in your home.
Pests – How Can I Continue To Prevent Pests Coming Into My Home?
- Foods should be stored in a air tight container
- Garbage should be stored away from the home and in tightly closed containers
- Were feasible, cracks and crevices that may harbour cockroaches should be filled
- Dripping or leaky taps and pipes should be fixed to keep away rodents
- Food handling areas should be cleaned down thoroughly and avoid a build up of food waste under toasters, microwaves, kettles and fridges
- Dishes and utensils should not be left unwashed overnight. Pet feeding bowls should not be left unwashed for periods.
BUILDING AND PEST INSPECTIONS
What is a Building & Pest Inspection and do I need one?
- Getting a building and pest inspection is highly recommended when buying a new or existing property. Especially in Sunshine Coast, Brisbane & Gold Coast. Its like buying a used car, you would have a mechanic take a look at the car before you complete your purchase. Building and Pest Inspectors know what to look for and where most common faults will be within the property. This inspection will tell the properties current condition and recommendations which you will need to take to the seller for rectification.
What does the Pest Inspection involve?
- Pre purchase pest inspections are a recommendation of all homes. This is a visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. The pest inspector will be looking for a active termites, termite damage/decay, wood rot and wood borer activity.
- The inspector will also recommend an implementation of a termite barrier around the home if there is not one in place. It was not a legal requirement of the builder in stall termite barriers prior to 2001.
What does the Building Inspection involve?
- Building inspections are highly recommended on the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast. This inspection will tell you about any significant building defects or problems such as rising damp, movement in the walls (cracking), safety hazards or a faulty roof.
What areas will be checked during the inspection?
- Roof Void
- Sub Floor
- Interior of the building
- Exterior of the building
- Roof exterior
Who will do the inspection?
- You will need to make sure you have a qualified timber pest inspector and a licensed builder carry out the inspections.
What should the report cover?
- Your name
- The address of the property to be inspected
- The reason for the inspection
- The date of inspection
- The scope of the inspection
- A list of any area or item that wasn’t inspected, the reasons why it wasn’t inspected and if necessary, a recommendation for further investigation
- A summary of the overall condition of the property
- A list of any significant problems that need fixing
- If necessary, a recommendation that a further inspection or assessment be carried out by a suitably accredited specialist, e.g. pest inspector, electricity supply authority, water supply authority, structural engineer, geotechnical engineer, surveyor or solicitor
