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Your guide to Managing Termite Risk

Your guide to Managing Termite Risk

by | Sep 30, 2020 | Blog, Termites

Here’s a fact you might not know: over the last 20 years, termites have caused more damage to Australian homes than fires, floods and storms combined. No wonder termite damage is excluded from most home insurance policies!

These highly destructive pests infest Adelaide homes in large colonies to feed on timber frames, walls, under floorboards, and any other wood fittings within your house. With colony sizes ranging from 100,000 to 2 million termites, by the time you notice any signs of damage it is usually far too late.

In fact, a colony of 2 million termites is capable of entirely destroying a house within 2 years.

Fortunately, it’s not all bad news: there are some steps you can take to drastically reduce the risk of an infestation and safeguard your current or future home.

Termite prevention when building a home

If you’re about to build a home, your termite risk management starts now. It’s important to use termite-proof materials like concrete slabs and steel frames, and we highly recommend installing a barrier such as the Kordon Termite Barrier, which will repel termites from your home.

At Allstate Adelaide we also provide moisture protection and concrete curing to further mitigate the risk of termites in the construction phase.

Speak with your builder about Allstate’s preconstruction division or contact us directly using the orange chat button.

Check for termites when buying a home

Purchasing a property is one of life’s biggest investments, which is why should you always make sure you’re investing wisely by getting a building inspection. However it’s important to know that this inspection doesn’t cover termites.

That’s why it’s essential to also get a separate pre-purchase timber pest inspection from a qualified termite professional.

Precautions when living in your existing home

Whether or not you took the right precautions when buying or building your home, there are several important steps you should take to reduce the risk of a termite infestation at any stage:

  • Repair any leaks immediately – moisture-compromised wood is a haven for termites
  • Make sure you have sufficient drainage and grading to keep the soil surrounding your home dry
  • Keep all plants, bushes and trees trimmed away from the house
  • Don’t stack firewood against your house
  • Book a termite inspection from a qualified pest control professional at least once every 12 months

Prevention is a whole lot easier than cure

For homebuyers and owners, it really pays to invest in managing termite risk now, so that you can be confident you’ve protected yourself for the future.

Our termite control team at Allstate are some of the most experienced in Adelaide, and our dedicated pre-construction division helps builders keep homes protected from the beginning. Learn more about our termite services here.

Sort out your termite risk management today – click the orange chat button or speak to our friendly team on 8371 1277.

5 easy ways to stop bugs from spoiling your spring

5 easy ways to stop bugs from spoiling your spring

by | Sep 28, 2020 | Blog, Pests

In Adelaide, we spend the second half of winter hanging out for those sunny 25-degree days just around the corner. But when they finally come, they tend to bring with them an onslaught of spiders, termites and other spring pests that we don’t usually welcome so warmly.

Fortunately with a bit of preparation and some help from the experts, you can enjoy all the best parts and none of the pest parts of SA’s favourite season.

1. Start your outdoor spring clean

If you wanted a reason not to delay your backyard clean up any longer, this is it! Get onto this now, and you’ll be able to enjoy a tidy yard and reduce the chance of pest infestations over the next few months.

Here’s what to focus on to help keep the spring pests out:

  • Clean your gutters. Leaves and gutter debris are a great food and water source for a lot of pests, so removing these will make it harder for them to thrive.
  • Weeding and mowing. Long grass provides the perfect hiding place for many pests.
  • Trim shrubs, bushes and branches that overhang your roof. These provide easy access for ants and possums, so it’s best to keep them distanced from your home’s exterior.

If you need some help with your spring clean, the Allstate team has you covered with our new Property Maintenance Service. Just click the orange chat button to book.

2. Make time for a kitchen cleanout

The kitchen is a favourite haunt for spring pests – especially ants and cockroaches. Keep up with the obvious like regularly emptying bins and wiping down bench-tops; but there are also a few other things you can do:

  • Go through your pantry and cupboards and discard any stale or dated cooking items, then make sure everything is in sealed containers.
  • Wipe down the inside of the pantry, cupboards and draws.
  • Pull appliances away from the wall to thoroughly clean behind them.
  • Scrub the kitchen counter and floor with dish detergent mixed in warm water.

3. Bust bugs with a professional pest spray

One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep bugs away all spring is with a pest inspection and spray. We’ll come and inspect all areas of your house, outdoor area and additional buildings, then apply treatment that kills and deters pests, but is safe for you and your family.

Click the orange chat button or call 8371 1277 to book.

4. Inspect cracks, doors and drains

It’s worth doing an inspection on any points where pests might gain access or be attracted by moisture in your home. Check for:

  • Leaking taps.
  • Torn or badly fitting flyscreens in doors and windows
  • Any cracks or gaps in the interior of your home.

5. Hunt down termites with an Allstate termite inspection

Spring is also primary activity season for our least favourite pest – the dreaded termite. These wood-eating insects will live off the timber inside your walls and cause hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of damage without you even knowing they are there.

A far cheaper and easier alternative to repairing that mess is to get a regular Allstate termite inspection, and the start of spring is the best season to do it.

Click the orange chat button or call 8371 1277 to book.

Here to help with your spring bug blitz

Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or property or facility manager, spring shouldn’t have you tearing your hair out over avoidable problems with pests. We provide integrated pest management plans tailored for homes, businesses and commercial facilities, as well as a dedicated service for property managers.

Get the support you need this spring by clicking the orange chat button or calling 8371 1277.