Common House Pests
Posted by Pest Control
Here’s a list of common pests that can be found around the home:
- Ants - These include types such as fire ants, pavement ants, tree ants and odorous house ants. Termites although commonly called white ants do not fit into this class.
- Bats.
- Bed Bugs - Usually treatable via a do it yourself solution.
- Cockroaches - Also treatable with common off the shelf products although severe cases require a professional pest controller.
- Fleas.
- Rodents - This class includes pests such as mice and rats.
- Silverfish.
- Termites - Common types include the drywood termite and subterranean termite.
- Wasps.
Whilst some of these pests can be treated yourself as indicated, most of the pests above require professional pest control services as they have the experience and equipment to deal with them. It is also true that some pests are prone to come back if not dealt with properly the first time so the comfort of knowing that the job is done right is nice to have.
Termite Treatment Advice & FAQ
Posted by Pest Control
Termites are a home owner’s biggest fear (aside from the mortgage!). The value of a property can be greatly reduced by the presence of termites, and termite treatment can cost a lot of money.
If you are in the unfortunate scenario of having to arrange for a pest controller to treat termites in your home, here are some tips courtesy of Quotify:
- Termite inspections typically take an hour or two, depending on the size of your property
- It is not recommended to attempt termite treatment yourself. Termites need to be treated by experts to get the job done right the first time
- Obtain several quotes and compare them. Present quotes to other pest controllers and ask for their opinion of the competitor’s quote
- There is a chance that upon the inspection, structural damage due to termites may be identified. If this is the case, you will need to have the damage repaired. The pest controller may have several leads for tradespeople who may be able to assist you
- If your neighbours are hit by termites, you should consider an inspection on your property as well
Visit Quotify for more information on pest control and termite treatment.
Pest Controllers - Sydney - Brisbane - Adelaide - Melbourne - Perth
Posted by Pest Control
With a pre screened database of pest control providers ready to send you quotes, all you need to do is fill in a short form with your details and pest control requirements and in no time you will receive 3 quotes from pest control service providers who meet your needs and are local to your place of residence.
You will also find a library of pest control information and advice at the Quotify.com.au website.
Follow the links below to receive the best quotes for pest control services in your city:
Pest Control Statistics In Australia
Posted by Pest Control
If you’re looking at moving or buying a property then you would probably find this information useful. Quotify.com.au has some interesting data on pests - what suburbs in Australia are requesting the most pest control services, broken down by the type of pest.
For example, according to the data set pest control in Melbourne comes in at number 6 behind five other suburbs which all happen to be in NSW. This does make sense as the coastline is more prone to having pest problems, especially with termites.
A suburb called Ripponlea has the “honour” of requiring the most number of services for possums, rats, birds & animals. Since I have enver heard of this suburb, I decided to look it up on Google Maps here.
Free Pest Control Quotes - Termites - Pests
Posted by Pest Control
If you live in Australia and you’re looking for competitive quotes on pest control services then the following website should help you a lot. PestControllers.com.au is a new site powered by Quotify.com.au that serves as a resource for consumers looking for pest control information and quotes.
When spending your cash you really should do some research and comparisons to get the best value for your money. Also of importance in the area of pest control is how well the job is done. There’s nothing worse than paying money for a pest removal job only to have them come back later on. There are bad eggs in every industry and the pest control industry is no exception. A bad egg here can lead to a big mess such as permanent structural damage to your home which can end up costing tens of thousands of dollars to fix.
PestControllers.com.au have many handy articles on selecting a pest control company. There’s a good amount of content focusing on termites - a home owner’s worst enemy when it comes to pests. Furthermore, you can get 3 free quotes for your pest control job. It’s free to the consumer because it’s the tradespeople that are paying for the privilige to quote you for potential business.
Termite Control In Sydney
Posted by Pest Control
We’re coming up to termite season! Not something that anyone looks forward to, but November and December are the months when the south eastern side of Australia is an unwilling host to termites looking to breed and build colonies. Termite control in Sydney at this time is a priority for owners of homes which consist of wood and finding the cheapest pest controller who will carry out a good job can be a challenge.
How do you know if your home is at risk or already attracting a termite colony? Have a walk around your house and try to identify any holes or other types of entrance paths that the termites might use. If you see a lot of insects flying around certain areas, it’s going to be well worth checking out where they are coming from and going to. Termites can nest and eat away at wood without you knowing until it’s too late so don’t dismiss even the smallest of signs.
Many people might think that termite treatment is costly and may opt to attempt a do it yourself job, but be warned that when dealing with these destructive pests it is almost always the wrong way to approach it. Unlike other pests which may just be a nuisance, termites should be treated with additional priority as they have the potential to devalue your biggest asset - your home. A small investment on a termite inspection is worth the peace of mind you will have that the value of your home is not affected by termite damage.
Another reason to bring in a professional pest controller to treat termites is the fact that termites will relocate their colony to another part of the house if disturbed. This is a primary reason why many do it yourself jobs fail.
Should you need to get quotes on a termite inspection there is a great service offered by Quotify.com.au who have a large database of pest controllers. Simply fill out a short form with your details and requirements and in no time you will have suitable termite controllers calling you with quotes. How easy is that!
Is it time for your home to get a check up? Try finding the best quotes from the best pest controllers in Sydney at Quotify.com.au
Chemical or Non-Chemical Pest Control?
Posted by Pest Control
If you are interested to find out about some of the chemical and non-chemcial methods used for pest control, read on. Some people may be concerned about the potential effects of chemeicals on the environment, people and animals, specifically those living inside the treated premises.
However there are various natural, non-chemical methods that can be implemented to reduce the risk of pest infections in your home.
Try some of these handy tips:
- Food is obviously a big part of attracting pests. Keep all food stored in sealed containers. Rubbish bins should be kept tidy, along with regular disposal of rubbish. Carpets should be vacuumed frequently to clean up any traces of food that may be present
- Set down cockroach traps such as glue boards to get an idea of how many cockroaches might be around in the house. Monitor obvious areas such as the kitchen where it is important that benches and utensils are kept clean and free of cockroaches
- Give your home a look over from the outside to identify any cracks, holes and other areas where pests may see as an entry point. Look in places that aren’t so obvious or hidden behind trees and other objects
- Yards should be kept clean and tidy, the length of the grass should not be too long. Regularly mow the lawns and also look after the garden
Though these safe steps can assist in reducing pest problems, if a professional pest controller must be hired then they will be using chemicals. Recent advances in science have allowed the levels of harmful waste from pest treatments to be reduced whilst not losing any effectiveness. In Australia, licenses are required by pest controllers in order to use registered pesticides. It is a good idea to check that your pest controller has the appropriate licensing to use them.
Get Rid Of Mice & Rats
Posted by Pest Control
Far from the cute little animals you see in the pet shop, pest mice and pest rats can be a real issue for home owners. Some sure signs that these little rodents are present in your home include things such as droppings, urine stains and chewed up cables. Your best bet to find evidence of rodent activity is by checking dark corners, behind wardrobes and areas of the house that are seldom used. On the outside of the house, places like the storage shed are good places to look as well.
The problem with mice and rats isn’t limited to the chewing of wires and droppings. The most serious problem mice and rats can cause is the transmission of diseases to both humans and animals such as pets. These pests can carry serious diseases such as salmonella and gastroenteritis. They can also multiply in great numbers as reproduction is possible for female mice from just 3 months of age.
Professional pest controllers should be called in if you suspect the presence of mice and rats. They will be able to consult you on the various methods of eradication and recommend the best choice for your scenario. A lot of techniques involve the use of poison and baits. Whilst this may not be an attractive solution, it is highly effective when carried out by a professional.
Once treatment has been carried out, be sure to regularly do a routine check up around the house to clean up any mess that may potentially attract mice and rats. Keep rubbish bins sealed tightly and don’t leave bits of food lying around outside the house.
For more information on pest control visit Quotify.com.au
Which Termite Control Company?
Posted by Pest Control
Whether you’ve positively identified termites in your home or just looking for a routine check up, selecting a good termite controller is an extremely important task. A careless termite controller may not do a proper job which then leaves the possibilty that the termites may return. This is definitely a scenario you want to avoid as termite treatment is a costly exercise to begin with.
Follow some of these hints to ensure that you get the right person for the job:
- The termite controller must have a license. Termite treatment involves the use of chemicals and other specialised equipment which should only be handled by a trained, licensed professional
- Be sure to ask about the actual person that will be coming to carry out the inspection and treatment. Does the business employ trainees? If so a supervisor must be present with the trainee to oversee all work
- Inspections and treatment if required should be carried out by the same person. A different person should not carry out the treatment based on notes provided by the inspector
- Pest controllers should have insurance - both public liability and professional indemnity
- Ask in detail about their warranty conditions. Don’t be rushed into reading it, a better option may be to request a copy of their terms and conditions prior to engaging into the treatment phase
- Use the Internet to research. These days it is quite easy to find out information on prospective pest controllers. Search on Google for their business name to see what information might be floating about online!
- Ask friends and family. Can they recommend a pest controller they have dealt with?
Following these tips will help you make the most of your money and most importantly, protect your home from the dangers of termites.
For more information on termite control visit Quotify.com.au
Detecting & Identifying Termites
Posted by Pest Control
You would hope that you will never have to detect any termites, but the reality is that about a third of Australian home owners will face the task of termite eradication. Termites excel at hiding their tracks, eating out wood without leaving obvious signs of destruction. Once detected, the structural damage may already be too heavy for treatment and may need repairs.
There are a few signs that you can look out for which may indicate termite activity in your home. One such indication is the presence of mud shelters which are tubes built by termites to enable them to cross obstacles. As termites do not like the dry environment of the outside, these mud tubes replicate their underground surroundings whilst allowing them to travel outside.
Here are a few things to look out for in detecting termites:
- Inspect your house for bridges of wood that connect the ground to the home
- Use a screwdriver to check for damaged wood which can be easily pierced
- If you have timber floors, check to see that they are not sagging or feel weaker in places
You will of course feel much better having a termite inspection carried out by a professional pest controller. In the long run, frequently checking for termites will keep the value of your home high and prevent any nasty surprises. Aim for a termite inspection at least once every 12 months!