Holiday Baking

Holiday Baking

Holiday Baking

Holiday Baking, no added pests!

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Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control Today

Around this time of year, no one is thinking about pantry pests. The lead up to the holidays keeps most people busy.

When you get to your holiday baking, the discovery of pantry pests could put a stop to your holiday baking plans!

What are pantry pests?

Pantry pests are pests that live in the dry goods in your pantry.

Where can pantry pests be found?

They can be found in your flour, baking mixes, sugar, dried legumes, dried pastas, pet food, bird seed and even just hanging out on your cupboard shelves.

How do pantry pests feed?

Some pantry pests are external feeders. They feed from the outside of the grain, while some are internal feeders that eat the grain from the inside out.

Some pantry pests are considered scavengers that feed on grain only after the seed coat has been broken by another insect or through milling and some are considered secondary feeders, feeding on damp products that may already be damaged through mould growth.

What are common pantry pests?

The common pantry pests that you may find in your home include the cigarette beetle, the confused flour beetle, the saw tooth grain beetle, and the Indian meal moth, and several different types of weevils.

Founpests in your pantry?

Finding pests in your cupboard can be upsetting especially if you’ve never seen them before.

At Pest Control Today, we want to offer you a few tips on what to do if you should find pantry pests in your cupboards this holiday season.

  1. Look through products in your cupboards for more pests. If you find any more bugs, dispose of the product containing the bugs into a plastic garbage bag and remove from your home.

2: If you don’t want to throw away infested products, you can do several things, including:

  • Heat the infested product in an oven at 130 degrees for 30 minutes. This should kill any bugs and their eggs.
  • Leave infested items in the freezer for 4 days
  • Microwave the product for 5 minutes
  1. Pull all food out of your cupboards and do a thorough cleaning of the cupboard space, including vacuuming shelves and washing them down

Further Reading

Pantry Pests Sydney

Pest Control Today has the expertise, skills and superior equipment and chemicals to eradicate any pantry pest infestation.

Our professionals will not only remove any pest intruding into your home but with regular, routine visits, we can help hinder any unwanted pest from moving in into your home or business.

 

Pantry Pests Sydney

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control Today

DRAIN FLIES, FRUIT FLIES, AND INDIAN MEAL MOTHS

 

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Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control Today

It doesn’t matter how clean you keep your kitchen; sooner or later you are bound to stumble into a pest infestation.

WHAT ARE PANTRY PESTS?

 

Pantry pests, also known as food pests, refer to a variety of small insects that get into homes, commercial buildings or stores to invade and feed on available food.

In homes, these pests are commonly found in food stores and cupboards where they surround the stored food, rendering it in-consumable by people. They mostly prefer feeding on grains, chocolate, dry cereals, spices as well as sugary foods and snacks.

Although these bugs are not harmful to your health and that of your family, they are a nuisance when they invade your food place in large numbers.

WHY ARE THEY IN YOUR KITCHEN?

 

No matter how clean your home is, your pantry is vulnerable to pantry bugs.  The pantry pests in your home may have come from outdoors or were hiding inside the food products that you recently brought home.

In most cases, the pests are brought in by infested food products.

In your business, the bugs are likely to come and establish themselves if you have food products that have been sitting in an area for a long time. It Is for this reason they are common in processing warehouses and grocery stores.

The three most common pantry pests found in your kitchen:

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control Today DRAIN FLIES

 

Drain flies are a big nuisance. Buzzing around your personal space and annoying you until the point of madness.

DRAIN FLY FACTS

 

  • Also known as sewer flies.
  • Drain flies are often confused with moths.
  • They can contribute to asthmatic issues and can cause problems for those spending time in your home.

Drain flies are more commonly found in the following places:

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control Today

  • Kitchen drains,
  • Bathroom sinks
  • Shower/bathtub drains
  • Unused pipes
  • Indoor Houseplants
  • Sewer lines under buildings also make for good nesting grounds.

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control Today

Drain flies will feed on almost anything from decomposed food to human waste & carry serious diseases!

-Pest Control Today

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control Today

HOW TO NATURALLY GET RID OF DRAIN FLIES

 

  1. Begin by cleaning the drain or drains.
  2. Using a drain cleaning tool remove the bulk build up from your drain.
  3. Combine 1-part bleach to 5-parts water, flush it down your drains, followed by approximately 4-5 cups of boiling water.
  4. Repeat treatment the following morning by pouring 1/2 cup of salt in the drain, layer it with 1/2 cup baking soda, and on the last layer pour 1 cup white vinegar. Allow the layers to set overnight.
  5. Flush the drains with approximately 2-3 cups of boiling water.
  6. To help prevent future drain fly outbreaks, be sure to maintain the pipes with the above directions periodically.

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control TodayFRUIT FLIES

 

Fruit flies are one of the most common and annoying of pantry bugs. once they have infested your home, fruit flies are some of the most difficult pantry bugs to get rid of.

Even though they are small, approx. 3 to 4 mm long & they are bothersome.

Some have red eyes while others have darker eyes with a tan thorax. The abdomen of a fruit fly is black and gray.  They may appear to be tan and sometimes brown, depending on the species.

Fruit flies can live and thrive in your home at any time  throughout the year.

THE LIFE OF FRUIT FLIES

 

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control TodayTo understand how fruit flies can get into your home and how they can quickly spread, you first need to understand the biology of these pantry bugs. They feed off fermenting foods, and they lay their eggs near the surface of these foods, such as tomatoes, grapes, melons, bananas, and potatoes.

Any ripe fruit or vegetable can attract fruit flies. As it gradually becomes overripe and begins the process of rotting and fermentation.

They can also be attracted to garbage cans, garbage disposals, empty bottles and cans, dirty mops and cleaning rags, and drains—anywhere where they can find a little fermenting material.

They take about eight days to develop from egg to adult, and they lay about 500 eggs when they reproduce.

HOW FRUIT FLIES GET INSIDE

 

Fruit flies can smell ripe fruits and vegetables from a considerable distance and attracted by that smell. They enter your home through the tiniest of openings to get at the food you’ve left out.

If you grow your own vegetables, you may bring fruit fly larvae inside with fruits and vegetables you pick. You also can bring fruit fly larvae in on well-ripened produce you buy from the grocery store.

“Any ripe fruit or vegetable can attract fruit flies as it gradually becomes overripe and begins the process of rotting and fermentation.”

-Pest Control Today

 

HOW TO IDENTIFY FRUIT FLIES INFESTATION IN YOUR KITCHEN

 

You can usually determine this if you notice them flying around your kitchen trash cans, where there might be decaying fruit and vegetables.

The fruit fly is also drawn to alcohol ; therefore, if you have empty alcohol bottles in your trash, this will attract fruit flies.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR KITCHEN FREE OF FRUIT FLIES

 

Two preferred fruit fly spawning locales in your home are in your garbage and in your drain. The best way to keep your home free of fruit flies is to keep these two areas as clean as possible. Take out your garbage regularly and clean your drains often to keep them free of grease, food, and other substances fruit flies love.

To keep your home free of fruit flies, follow these common-sense guidelines:

  • Seal off all openings into your home.
  • Don’t leave overripe fruit sitting around
  • Don’t leave ferment-able food in indoor trash cans
  • Remove any food in your pantry that has begun to rot.
  • Check for spills of juice, wine, or other ferment-able liquid

HOW TO NATURALLY GET RID OF FRUIT FLIES INFESTATION

 

  • Fill a small, shallow bowl with equal parts vinegar and dish soap
  • Set the bowl near the worst areas of infestation
  • Rinse and re-fill as needed

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control TodayINDIAN MEAL MOTH

 

Moths are attracted to light, although there are several theories, no one really understands why.

One theory is that moths use the moon to guide their flights, and since there is normally no other light at night, moths mistake outdoor lights for the moon and fly toward them.

Moths use electromagnetic fields as a sort of compass. Our external lights disrupt these electromagnetic fields in such a way that the moths are attracted to the lights instead of wherever they would normally fly.

 

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control TodayHOW INDIAN MEAL MOTHS GET INSIDE

Indian meal moths are found in stored grains since grains are one of their young ones’ most favourite foods. Besides grains and grain products, Indian meal moths also feed on cereals, food for pets, dry fruits, powdered milk, candies, chocolate, as well as other processed food products.

An Indian meal moth is easily distinguishable from the rest of pantry pests due to its reddish-brown exteriors and whitish gray interiors.

 

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control Today

“The eggs of Indian Meal Moths can come into your house through food packages like bird seed, cereals and grains, flours, pet food, dried herbs, and powdered milk.”

-Pest Control Today

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control Today

HOW TO IDENTIFY INDIAN MEAL MOTHS

Larvae in food: When you see something moving when you pour out your cereal or powdered milk, then it’s almost certain that you have pantry moths.

A larva is a phase that causes damage to your food. When the eggs hatch, the larvae will spin silken threads in the food.

You may see tiny whitish worms and their discarded skins once they have moved away.

Although they are tiny at the beginning of their life, they can grow to 3 inches long with black or brown heads.

The larval phase generally lasts up to 3 months depending on circumstances.

Larvae on the wall: You can examine your house by looking for larvae on the walls or ceiling.

They like to hang in dark cracks and crevices to become a pupa and turn into moths.

Cocoons: Moths in the pupal stage are in cocoons.

They usually hide in cracks and crevices, on top of cabinets, or sometimes they are underneath the food.

You can identify them when you see some matted webs and clumps in the food.

Moths usually take up to 20 days to evolve from pupae stage into adults.

Adult Flying Moths: Adult moths are brownish, have wings, and are attracted to light.

They don’t have mouth parts and, thus, can’t eat.

At this stage, their only aim is to reproduce.

An adult female moth can lay around 400 eggs at a time, and hatch within a week.

TIPS FOR PREVENTING MOTH INFESTATION

  • Clean your jars and cans.
  • Throw packaged food products that are already expired.
  • Turn on other lights.
  • If your external lights are the only light source around, the moths will inevitably flock there.
  • Don’t use white lights. Moths have a stronger attraction to white lights than yellow ones.

Citronella.

For whatever reason, moths hate it.

Burn some citronella candles on your balcony or spray some citronella directly on your light bulbs during the day—it will dry by night-time, and the bulb will radiate the citronella outwards, repelling the moths.

 

Pantry Pests Sydney - Pest Control Today

Pest Control Today has the expertise, skills and superior equipment and chemicals to eradicate any pantry pest infestation.

Our professionals will not only remove any pest intruding into your home but with regular, routine visits, we can help hinder any unwanted pest from moving in into your home or business.

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Need Pest Control For birds?

 

Bird Control SydneyWhy are some birds considered pests in Sydney?

Pest bird populations are on the rise Australia-wide due to urbanisation. The availability of an easy and continuous food source and our persistence in building structures that offer havens for pest bird species.

Birds that are known as pests include Pigeons, Seagulls, House Sparrows, Indian Mynas and Starlings.

The longer birds nest or roost in an unwanted area, the harder it is to remove them. Pigeons live in flocks of anywhere between 50 and 500, a small problem has the potential to turn quickly into a large infestation.

Birds have been known to:

 

Cause property damage:  dislodge roof tiles, block gutters, build nests which can cause a bird lice infestation and leave behind their droppings.

Safety Issues: Bids can often become aggressive and attack customers and employees during their breeding seasons.

Health Risk: As birds can carry fleas, ticks, mites, lice that can cause bites to customers and employees. These host pests can spread diseases and allergic reactions to their bites

Bird Control Sydney

Why is bird management critical to commercial clients?

 

Image

Retail stores do not portray a good image with a building or signage covered in birds, nests and their droppings. The public no longer tolerates bird droppings on building as they believe the external look of the building reflects the internal look and cleanliness of the store.  Building & company owners and managers are beginning to realise this.

Cost

The ongoing cost of cleaning buildings, shop fronts and facilities can be quite significant.

Work Stoppages

Staff and contractors may not be tolerant of working in a bird infested facility where work stations are covered in bird droppings.

Hazard Risk

An increase the chance Slip and fall hazards on work sites due to dropped feathers, nesting and/or droppings

Damage

Bird droppings can damage materials such as painted surfaces, glass and steel as it contains uric acid.

Clogged Drains

Some pest bird species are prolific nest builders bringing in such as twigs, straw, insulation, wool, string can fall and drop into drains.

Stock loss

from the birds pecking and defecating on stock

Noise & Biting Insects

Large flocks of birds can be very noisy. Any bird issue no matter the size can cause an issue with fleas, lice/mites

Health Risk

Pest birds can have serious health implications. It is a well-known fact that birds can pass diseases onto humans and animals as seen recently with the bird flu.

Bird Control Sydney

What are the signs of a bird problem?

 

  • Birds settling on ledges of roof
  • Bird noises
  • Bird nests
  • Damaged stock
  • Droppings
  • Debris from nests and feathers

What areas should be inspected to identify a bird problem?

 

  • Balconies
  • Ledges
  • Chimney stacks
  • Guttering
  • On top of flat roofs
  • Damaged tiles
  • Gaps larger than 25 mm that could allow access to your building

What Bird Management options are available?

Bird Control Sydney

Pest Control Today knows that bird proofing requires the use of reliable and tested deterrents to ensure an effective, long term solution to any bird problem

Preventing birds entering your property is of the utmost importance. We will locate and secure all viable entry points to your premises. If nests are found, the area will be cleaned and sprayed for bird lice.

Management sometimes can be complicated due to the severity of the problem and the location.

We will determine the best method of control based on your needs by taking into consideration:

  • Area of application
  • The bird species
  • Your location
  • Access to the areas of concern

Some forms of control that may be used are as follows:

  • Shooting
  • Trapping
  • Baiting
  • Excluding

Non-chemical methods

 

There are many products available on the market today to help solve bird management problems. The most commonly used of these are:

  • Bird spikes – bird spikes deter birds from roosting on guttering, ledges, window sills and other flat surfaces by preventing them from being able to land.
  • Netting – high quality bird netting is used for all installations to ensure maximum protection.
  • Coil – Used to deter birds from landing on buildings and ledges. An effective method of when used in the right situation.
  • Shock – tape that is placed on any ledge to prevent roosting. When a bird lands on the tape it gives them a small electric shock as the deterrent.

Bird shooting

 

This method of control is mainly used for a single rogue bird or two. Pest Control Today can provide further information on this at your request

Bird Capture

 

This method involves encouraging live birds into a trap that is placed in their roosting or feeding areas that is either baited with a live bird or with grain.

Once a certain number of birds have been trapped, they are removed and killed. The traps will then be re-set.

Chemical controls

 

Chemical control for birds is a touchy subject, even if the bird in question is a pest species. The public take concern when they see birds in distress or dying.

Birds are fed untreated grain in a secluded area for about a week and on the 8th day the untreated grain is substituted with treated grain. The grain is treated with a narcotic substance, the purpose being to induce stupor in the bird so that it is easily caught and killed.

This method strictly complies and is in accordance with the National Parks & Wildlife Service.

 

Bird Control SydneyPest Control Today SydneyEach property, building and location is different, a customised management solution should be designed to suit your specific needs.

We would love to find out more on how we may be able to help you.

Click to call or contact with us via the contact form available at our website.

 

Pest Control Today

Pre Construction

Pre Construction Termite Control Sydney

Need termite Control For your new building?

 

Whether you need to comply with council regulations to get your ‘Certificate of Occupancy’ or just want to secure your home or building against future termite attack, Pest Control Today can take care of all your pre-construction termite needs to protect your project, whether it’s an extension, renovation or new home, on a concrete slab, bearers or joist.

Your local council must pass the property for a Certificate of Occupancy upon completion of its construction therefore, it is important you ensure the structure is protected during the construction phase with a sufficient termite barrier.

The use of a pre-construction termite protection system is a huge selling point for new homes and is driving the growth of the industry across Australia.

Homes built on a concrete slab that followed Australian Standards can sometimes crack, allowing termites to enter your home from beneath, undetected. Houses built with steel frames does not guarantee your property is protected against termites!

Under the Building Regulations, all new homes must be fitted with a termite management system or be built with termite resistant structural materials such as a physical barrier.

Why are Termite Barriers Are Important?

 

  • Termites are active in all mainland areas of Australia
  • 34,000 homes are attacked by termites annually
  • Termite damage is not usually covered by home or contents insurance

What is a physical Termite Barrier?

 

A Physical Termite Barrier is installed as a termite and moisture barrier under or around the perimeter of the slab and around pipe penetrations. The barrier prevents subterranean termites from entering your property.

A physical termite barrier offers long-lasting protection for your property without the need to continually top it up with additional chemicals as you would need to with a reticulation system

Pest Control Today has 2 options for physical termite barriers, HomeGuard and term-Seal.

Information about these products can be found below:

Pre Construction Termite Control Sydney - HomeGuard Termite Protection
HomeGuard Termite Protection

Our termite protection methods are in accordance to Australian Standard AS 3660.1 – 2000 Termite Management New Building Work & AS 3660.2 – 2000 Termite Management in and Around Existing Buildings.

“The HomeGuard Precision Termite Management System is a range of building products that are homogenously impregnated with Bifenthrin, a leading termiticide. The sheeting products are a patented single layer, extruded polymer that provides termite protection for the design life of the building when installed according to the label.

The HomeGuard Precision Termite Management System combines the benefits of both physical and chemical protection to deter termites from gaining concealed access to a building.”

What are the benefits of using HomeGuard?

 

  • Effective – Scientifically proven to block, repel and kill subterranean termites
  • Proven – Registered with the APVMA, BCA and the SGBC.
  • Convenient – Easy to install during construction, keeping the building on time and on budget.
  • Flexible – A ‘one stop’ range of products that can be adapted to suit all structural situations.
  • Enduring – Designed to last for the design life of the building or 50 years, whichever is first.
  • Eco-Friendly Non-scheduled, non-hazardous, non-toxic and non-invasive so it’s safe for on-site workers and occupants alike

Pest Control Today

Pre Construction Termite Control Sydney TERM-seal Termite Management
TERM-seal Termite Management

“TERM-seal Termite Management Systems provide superior protection against Termites, and moisture protection.

Bifenthrin is an active control agent which repels and kills Termites but is safe for humans, animals and the environment when installed. Our unique patented technology incorporates this control agent in the manufacturing process of our products, which results in products with all the benefits of chemical protection without any residual, environmental or dermatological impact.

Our products have been rigorously tested by independent Australian bodies, are CodeMark certified, comply with all Australian state and territory standards, are APVMA registered and have been awarded the future friendly stamp under Cert-Mark certification.”

What are the benefits of using Term-seal?

 

  • Integration and flexibility for all construction methods
  • Combined Termite / moisture protection
  • One installation, no COSTLY retreatments
  • Complies with standard AS3660.1.2000
  • Fully compliant with standard A.S./N.Z.S.4347.6 Damp-Coursing
  • CodeMark Certified & APVMA registered
  • No chemical residue: safe for your employees, your client and the environment
  • Australian owned, designed and manufactured
  • Installed nationally by trained accredited installers

Pest Control Today

Who should use a termite barrier?

 

Termite barriers should be installed if:

  • You are building a new home
  • If you are adding an extension to your home

 

Pest Control Today SydneyEach property, building and location is different, a customised management solution should be designed to suit your specific needs.

We would love to find out more on how we may be able to help you.

Click to call or  contact with us via the contact form available at our website.

 

Pest Control Today

Termite Inspection Sydney

Termite Inspection Sydney

Termite Pest Control SydneyNeed a termite inspection?

 

Termites cause more damage to Australian homes than fires, storms and earthquakes, as termites eat wood from the inside out, by the time it is detected termite damage can be substantial.

Annual termite inspections on your residential or commercial property by a qualified timber pest technician is highly recommended.

Even though annual inspections are not going to prevent your home from getting termites it reduces the risk of major termite damage being done to your home.   Like most things early detection is the key as a developed infestation could be more expensive to treat!

By Australian standards it is recommended that termite inspections are conducted annually

Why do I need a termite inspection?

Termite inspections are the first step required to assess if a property has evidence of termites or other timber pests such as borers and if activity is found what steps need to be taken to manage the problem

Termite inspections are a vital part of all termite management programs.

As previously mentioned termite inspections should comply with the Australian Standard AS3660 recommendation that a termite inspection is completed annually.

Things do change around your property from year to year that might have encouraged a termite attack.

Termite Inspections are required on building structures however sometimes trees, retaining walls or other items can have timber pest activity. If this is the case we would also not just recommend having the infested items inspected but also the building structures inspected

Please Note: termite inspections will not eradicate existing termite activity  or provide any future protection from further attack.

What areas are checked with termite inspections?         

  • Accessible internal and external areas of your property
  • Roof cavity
  • Sub floor area if accessible
  • External areas extending up to 30 metres or the boundary line of your property.
  • Inspection of termite-friendly areas

What equipment is used?           

Termite inspections are performed using industry-best equipment including:

  • Sounding equipment
  • Moisture meters
  • Listening devices
  • Termatrac (a movement detection device based on microwave technology)
  • Access to additional advanced technology like thermal imaging cameras & termite sniffer dog is also available.

Pest Control Today technicians are Termatrac certified             Termite Inspection Sydney

The Termatrac device gives us the ability to perform non-invasive inspections including identifying high risk termite areas.

The Termatrac allows the inspector to accurately detect, confirm and track the presence of termites locate nests, mud-leads and entry points.

This enables us to provide you with a more detailed report and allows us to treat your home more cost effectively.

With the aid of the termatrac we can access areas of your home that without this technology would not be possible. These areas include inside wall cavities and sub-floors without the need to cut traps and entry points.

The 3-in-1 functionality makes the Termatrac T3i the best available tool for Pest Control Professionals.

Termite Inspection Sydney

How long does a termite inspection take?          

Pest Control Todays’ termite inspection process typically takes 1-2 hours.

 Termite Inspection Reports

At the completion of the inspection you will be issued with a written termite inspection report. This report is designed to give you an idea of your properties termite exposure and/or damage status.

The report will document if there was any visual evidence of a timber pest, a summary of the pests identified, if your property is at risk of a timber pest invasion.

It will also provide you with recommendations for improving the environment around your home. If activity was found where it was found, recommended treatment guide & advice on how to protect your home.

Pest Control Today SydneyEach property, building and location is different, a customised management solution should be designed to suit your specific needs.

We would love to find out more on how we may be able to help you.

Click to call or  contact with us via the contact form available at our website.

 

Pest Control Today

Termites

Termite Pest Control Sydney

 

Need termite control?

 

Termite Pest Control Sydney

Termites also known as white ants are small and a similar in size to ants. Due to their size and similarities to ants this can often lead to confusion. Knowing the differences between these two pests is a good starting point for identification.

Termites are secretive in nature which makes their detection difficult to an untrained eye. Most people would be more likely to spot the signs of termite damage rather than the actual termites.

Correct identification ensures the most effective treatment methods are used and allows you the home or business owner to choose appropriate prevention steps to try and avoid termite infestations in the future.

What Do Termites Look Like?

Do termites really look like ants?

 

Termite Pest Control Sydney

Termite alates or swarmers can look like flying ants. There is a simple way to determine if the flying ants you are seeing are termites or flying ants, and this is simply by how many body sections there are. As seen in the image below – Termite alates have 2 body sections while standard flying ants have 3.

Termite Pest Control Sydney
Termite Pest Control Sydney

Here’s how to establish the general differences in appearance and behaviour between ants and termites:

  • Termites have a straight waist, ants have a pinched waist.
  • Straight antennae, ants have bent antennae.
  • Their wings are the same length, ants have wings of different length.

NOTE: Flying ants do not shed their wings. If you have seen flying ants in your property and have found discarded wings,chances are you have identified termites in your property.

Termite Pest Control Sydney
Discarded Termite Wings

Termite Pest Control Sydney – How can termite damage be identified?

 

Rather than just looking at the areas where visible damage has been identified, Pest Control Today confirms termite infestations with a visual inspection and the use of a termatrac system.

When checking your property whether it be your residential home or business there are some points that could assist you in identifying possible termite activity.

Subterranean termites begin their feeding process from the ground up and enter a building through the sub-structure. Houses that are built on concrete slabs can still be affected if the slab has cracked and allowed an opening from the soil through the slab to the house.

Houses that have an open access sun floor or crawl space are at a great risk of termite infestations. This area should be checked for evidence of wood damage and/or mud tubes.

This species of termite damages the wood by developing hollow tunnels known as galleries which run along the wood grain.

Drywood termites usually enter the building near the roof line or in areas where wood has been exposed. Attics and roof cavities should be checked for wood that has been damaged. You may see tiny holes in the wood with collected frass nearby. Probing the wood can also expose galleries

I have found termites, what do I do?

 

Finding termites in your home can be distressing, however Pest Control Today recommends firstly that you stay calm and call a professional. Do not disturb any termite workings, mud trails, leads of galleries and we ask that you do not spray the area with any insecticides as it can be make treatment harder.

How are termites treated?

 

Not all building structures are the same Pest Control Today will offer you a program designed to suit your properties needs.

There are 2 ways to treat termites, baiting/dusting or direct chemical treatment. Sometimes a combination of both treatments will be required or recommend.

Baiting or Dusting

 

Termite baiting

is conducted by placing bait stations in specific areas around your home which are baited using a non-chemical bait that contains an active ingredient which the termites eat and carry back to the colony where they share it amongst other termites in the nest.

Termite Dusting

is completed using Termidor Dust which is a non-repellent which is very similar to the material used in the bait systems. Small holes are made into the infested timber or directly on termite trails. The fine dust is applied directly to the termites and the holes are then covered which prevents any dust escaping and to also reduce the risk of the termites being disturbed.

NOTE: Termite dusting & baiting does not provide protection to the building from future termite infestations.

Chemical Application

 

Termite Soil Treatment

Preferred option by many pest controllers however its use does depend on the construction type of your property. The treatment is applied to soil areas where the building is in contact with:

  • Subfloor
  • Concrete slab perimeters
  • External wall perimeters.

If there is a distance greater than 400mm between the soil and the timbers in the floor, the subfloor would also be trenched and treated, however it is preferred that the entire sub floor area is treated which increases the coverage area in the subfloor which in then increases the chance of the termites encountering the chemical.

Drilling & Injection of chemical to the concrete perimeters occur approximately at 20-30cm intervals. The drilled holes are then re concreted on completion

The areas that may need to be drilled and injected can include:

  • Patios
  • Paths
  • Garage
  • Fireplaces
  • Bathrooms
  • Laundries
  • External Perimeter Walls

What types of soil treatments are there for termites?

 

There are 2 main types of soil treatment available, the repellent and the non-repellent.

Repellent

This type of termiticide works by creating a barrier around the house which create a no-go zone for termites. For this treatment to be effective it needs to be applied in an unbroken method around the foundations. This method is often difficult to achieve simply because of the construction and design of your property or if there Is concrete against the house.

Non-repellent

This type of termiticide works as termites are unable to detect the area that has been treated and will not avoid the treated area. When termites pass through the chemical in the treated area they become in contact with it, return to the nest and pass it amongst the other termites in the colony.

Pest Control Today Recommendations

 

Termite Pest Control Sydney
DO NOT
  • Disturb any termite workings, leads, galleries.
  • Spray termite infested area with any chemical.
  • Plant trees or plants close to the house.
  • Add mulch or any type of bark to the gardens too close to the property.
  • Cover weep holes in brickwork.
  • Allow soil to build up over the edge of the slabs.
  • Place plastic or newspaper on gardens.
  • Allow moisture or dampness to build up in the sub floor as poor sub-floor drainage will attract termites.

If you notice or worried about possible termite activity do not hesitate to seek professional assistance.

You should check the following areas on a regular basis
  • Timber frames inside the home
  • Fences
  • Blistered paint on the walls
  • Bulging or rippled walls
  • Timber joints or gyp-rock walls for mud packing
  • Foundation walls, piers and edges of concrete slabs for termite mud galleries
  • Form-work timbers beneath suspended concrete patios

Remove any:

  • Stored timber or cardboard that is contact with the ground in the sub-floor
  • Timber stored alongside the house & kept as far away from the house as possible

Common misconceptions about termites

 

Myth: Termite damage can be easily seen

Fact: As termites eat wood from the inside out a new termite infestation would not have any visual signs that can be easily seen. By the time damage is noticed on the outside of the wood, extensive damage could have already occurred.

Myth: Termites are more active during spring and summer

Fact: Termites are active all year round.

Myth:  Preventing termites is hard

Fact: Termite prevention is a matter of common sense and regular home maintenance such as

  • Keeping gutters clean of debris
  • Removing dead trees and their stumps
  • Removing fallen branches
  • Keeping timber and firewood off the ground and away from your home.
  • Fixing water leaks in and around your home
  • Having your home inspected annually by a timber pest expert. Click here to read more about termite inspections.

Pest Control Today highly recommends annual Termite Inspections.

 

Pest Control Today SydneyEach property, building and location is different, a customised management solution should be designed to suit your specific needs.

We would love to find out more on how we may be able to help you.

Click to call or  contact with us via the contact form available at our website.

 

Pest Control Today