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The Termite Information Centre is now open for business on the Gold Coast.
Australia
's fastest growing region, with progress comes all sorts of problems not the least Termite infestation, spiders, cockroach and rodents.
When vast areas of Bush and wet land are cleared we are removing the natural ecology for most species we consider to be pests. If you remove the natural food sore e.g. trees for termites and replace it with homes made from timber and dish them up on a plate (concrete slab) , then provide moisture (leaking tap, rain water tank, hot water system, air conditioner etc.), we are providing a perfect replacement ecology for termites.
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Specials always available when buying in bulk. upto 50% off our regular pricing.
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Multi Dwelling Law in
Pest
Control
A new law gives NSW residents of multiple occupancy residential complexes more information about pesticide treatments in common areas. Changes to the NSW pesticides regulation 1995, which came into force on 1st February 2007, means that residents of multiple dwellings must be notified when licensed pest controllers treat common areas. Common areas include foyers, hallways, stairwells, shared laundries, Car parks, paths, building exteriors and gardens.
The changes are based on the principle that people have a right to be told about pesticide use where they live. Whilst this people to avoid the treated area if they wish, the changes do not give residents any new rights to prevent a planned pesticide application.
Under the new, the strata manager, property manager or other person organising the treatment must give residents the following information at least (5) working days before a pesticide application takes place:
1. The name of the pesticide to be used
2. Why the pesticide will be used
3. Where the pesticide will be used in and around the property
4. The date or range of dates when the pesticide use is planned
5. Any Temporary restrictions on re-entry to the treated area required by the pesticide label or permit
6. The contact details of the person/company applying the pesticide
Advance notice can be given in person, by fax, email or telephone, by post, in letterboxes, under doors, or by posting the information on common notice boards near the main building entrance. The necessary information should be provided to the property manager by the pest controller.
Pestcontrollers then have to display notices including the above information when they are on site applying the pesticide.
Penalties can apply if the new rules are ignored. With the new law now in force, if pesticides are applied in common area of a NSW
multiple occupancy residential complexes after 1st February 2007 without residential notification, on the spot penalties of $800 for corporations or $400 for individuals can apply. For very serious offences, court imposed fines of up to $44,000 can apply.
INTERVIEW WITH A
PEST
CONTROLLER
Termites are hungry, wood-eating pests, and they can destroy the structure of a home if left unchecked. By keeping your eye out for signs of their invasion, you can spot them sooner. "Anytime [people] suspect it, call" for a termite inspection, "There may be damage to the structure that they're not seeing." In some areas, two termite species are common: subterranean and dry wood. Subterranean termites like moisture, and they build mud tunnels typically from the ground up. But you also can find tunnels that hang down or go sideways. Dry wood termites don't need moisture as much, nor do they build tunnels. "They can live anywhere in the home and don't need to return to the ground every 24 hours, You'll know you have these termites by their droppings. They look like salt-and-pepper pellets. "You'll see a little pile on the floor," Termites typically live in colonies that include a king, a queen, soldiers and workers. People sometimes confuse them with winged ants. You can tell the difference by looking at the antennae, waist and wings. Termites have broader waists, small veins on wings and straighter antennae. If you find termites in your home, that means they've made your home their food source, "The same thing that attracts us to a restaurant - they see our home as a dead tree on top of a granite rock or concrete," he said. "We tend to build our homes on top of their established homes." Once they're in your home, they often have to be taken out by licensed pest control professionals. The treatment method will depend on the type of termite and the severity of the termite invasion. With dry wood termites, fumigation of the whole house is typical, As for subterranean ones, "it's a liquid chemical that will go into the ground around the perimeter of the home," A dust or baiting process will also be necessary to kill the nest completely "If they're coming out of the concrete slabs, we will be drilling holes into the concrete and pressure-inject some Termiticide." There are some things you also can do to make your home less appealing, For example, keep cardboard boxes away from walls, fix plumbing leaks quickly and make sure water drains away from the house.
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What is Bugging your home |
Prevalance of Termites in Queensland
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*Termites are often called “white ants” in Australia |
Subterranean termites or “white-ants” are a highly destructive timber pest, causing major structural timber damage to domestic and commercial buildings in Queensland.
A major economic pest: Recent industry surveys suggest about one third of all unprotected properties in Queensland are subject to attack by subterranean termites. Most of the latest technology for termite control products comes from the USA where termite control is a US$5 billion industry. Other major termite control markets include Australia, Japan, South East Asia, China and the south of France.
Most homes are at risk in Queensland in built-up urban areas, especially if well established gum trees are nearby the building - within a 100 metre radius.
The problem is getting worse: Severe termite damage to Australian homes is on the increase since the removal in 1995 of the long lasting soil barrier chemicals; the more common use of softwood building and other landscaping timbers that termites find irresistible, such as, hardwood timber mulch and railway sleepers on the ground.
Other important factors promoting termite colony development include automatic watering systems, landscaping and maintenance that encourage termite activity and inappropriate building design that allow hidden termite entry into a building.
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DESTRUCTIVE TERMITE RISK ASSESSMENT *
* Based upon CSIRO data and APCA national survey |
Termites live in the ground
and can eat your house down
Termites are known to destroy the wall and roofing timbers of a home within 3 months of construction.
Termites cause more damage to homes in Australia than fire, floods, storms and tempest, combined.
Termites occur throughout Queensland, with a high incidence of attack in virtually all urban areas.
Consumer Note: The standard Home and Building Insurance Policy will NOT cover the repair costs of termite infested structural and decorative timbers. |
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