Pest control is an essential component of home maintenance.
Employing the services of a pest control professional
will ensure that your home is safe from termites
and other pests that could pose a threat to the
health and comfort of your family.
Termites
Termites can gain entry into the home in a number
of ways, including: through hairline cracks in
concrete slabs; through the cavity walls in a
full brick home; through areas in concrete slabs
where services are, e.g. plumbing, electrical
conduits; over the edge of concrete slabs; and,
through the soil. As termites can be a massive
problem for the homeowners, it is vital to get
regular inspections and treatments to keep the
home safe.
Inspections should be carried out at least once
a year by a qualified pest control professional.
This allows early detection of any termites and
a treatment program to be implemented before significant
damage is done. It is also recommended that homeowners
visually check their property monthly for signs
of termites.
Many homes have a chemical barrier around them,
usually sprayed into the soil, to deter termites.
This is very effective but the soil will need
to be re-treated every five to ten years. If termites
are found on your property, there are a range
of treatment options available, and the professional
will decide which one is most suitable to your
particular situation.
If you ever see evidence of a termite problem,
it is important that you do not try to treat it
yourself. Call in the professionals, and, in the
meantime, do not disturb the termites. The professional
will need to be able to assess the problem, identify
the species of termite and decide what treatment
is most appropriate.
Other Pests
Other pests that can be treated by a professional
include ants, spiders, cockroaches, vermin, birds,
fleas, and possums. In most cases, these pests
do not pose a structural problem to the property
but rather are very annoying, and in some cases
are health hazards. Removing these pests makes
for a much more comfortable and sanitary home.
Professionals will treat these pests using pesticides
that are sprayed both inside and outside the home.
This surface treatment should last for around
a year before reapplication is required. Ideally,
pest control professionals will use pesticides
with the lowest amount of toxicity required to
complete the job.
Professionals will often install insect traps,
such as mosquito or fly traps, as a preventative
measure. When a pest control treatment is applied,
in most cases (90%) you will not need to leave
the home. However, animals should be kept off
treated surfaces for thirty minutes, or until
the surfaces are completely dry.
Selecting a Pest Control Professional
When selecting your pest control professional,
there are some things to consider. Firstly, they
should be fully licensed and carry the appropriate
insurances. Also find out if they have a license
to use pesticides. Ask if they use non toxic or
low toxic treatments wherever possible. If they
are carrying out a termite inspection, the inspection
and subsequent treatment plans should be compliant
with Australian Standard AS 3660. This standard
relates to termite treatment and says that a full
inspection must be carried out before any treatment
is begun. As always, you should ask for a written
quote before any work is done. Ideally, this quote
will be free of charge and obligation free. Finally,
ask what warranty the professional provides and
what it covers.
Tips on Keeping Your Home Pest Free
The best way to keep your home pest free is to
keep your home as clean and as free of clutter
as possible. Bins should be emptied regularly
and outdoor bins should be fitted with sturdy
lids. Never leave food out in the open. Cockroaches
need water to survive, so try to avoid leaving
sources of water for them. Make sure that the
lawn is kept short and that you do not have stacks
of wood or other piles of debris on the ground.
To avoid vermin infestations, keep food and pet
food in strong containers that rats and mice cannot
chew through.
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