Subterranean Termites (White Ants)

These are the most destructive termite species. Subterranean termite species such as Coptotermes acinaciformis build massive underground tunnels and subterranean nests that can house millions of worker termites.

They feed on timber structures, tree stumps, and even roof timbers, often without being noticed until major damage is done.

Drywood Termites

Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites don’t need soil moisture to survive. They nest directly inside dry timber, such as furniture, door frames, and roof timbers.

Colonies are smaller, but they spread silently, often discovered only when a wooden item crumbles under pressure.

Ghost Termites

Ghost termites, more formally known as compass termites (Amitermes meridionalis), are found in the Northern Territory, especially in low‑lying grasslands around Darwin. These termites build distinctive north–south aligned mounds. They build striking pole nests shaped like tall, narrow mounds pointing north to south.

While not as aggressive in South Australia, their presence highlights how varied Australian termites can be across coastal and mountain regions.

South Australia’s climate creates ideal conditions for termite activity. Subterranean nests thrive where soil moisture is high, especially near tree stumps or decaying wood.

The cost of termite damage in Australia exceeds $1.5 billion each year, and most insurance policies do not cover it.

Protecting timber structures early ensures long-term safety and avoids reactive maintenance costs down the track.

DIY methods can’t tackle an entire colony. Termite baiting, safe treatments, and barrier systems require expert knowledge. At Allstate Pest Control, we customise solutions for your property, whether you’re dealing with dampwood termites in tree wood or subterranean termite colonies attacking timber structures. Our team provides long-term protection with safe, effective treatments tailored for South Australian conditions.

For fast, reliable termite control in Adelaide and across South Australia, call Allstate Pest Control today on (08) 8371 1277.

Summer is the peak time for many insects to emerge from winter hibernation in order to reproduce and look for food. Hungry spiders are no exception.

With plenty of food sources around to support their mating season, you’ll tend to notice spiders around the place more often as they sneak indoors to escape the heat.

While there are an estimated 10,000 species of spiders living in Australia, most of them aren’t harmful to humans. Although they’ll most likely bite when they are disturbed, these bites aren’t usually venomous or painful. They might just leave a mild, itchy bump on the skin for a short time.

However, spiders with more potent venomous bites can cause more serious illness requiring immediate medical attention. The good news is that antivenom treatments are readily available, so you should be fine if you see a doctor quickly.

Known for their dark red to grey, cigar-shaped body with a characteristic white spot at the tip, white tail spiders are a nocturnal hunting spider. While they don’t spin webs to catch insects, instead, they hunt other spiders for food, such as daddy long legs, redback and black house spiders.

You’ll find them living beneath leaf litter and piles of vegetation in your garden, as well as underneath tree bark and rocks.

Males grow up to 12mm long and females up to 20mm long.

Often confused with funnel web spiders, mouse spiders have a distinctive bulb-shaped head and jaw.

You’ll find them in burrows that can be more than 1m deep, so they are more reclusive than aggressive by nature.

They are mainly black or dark blue but can have bright red or orange-red coloured jaws or around their eyes, as well as a light grey to white patch on top of their abdomen. Adult mouse spiders vary from 10 to 35mm in length.

A common sight around the home, black house spiders spin fine, lacy webs in zig zag patterns that aren’t sticky. However, they do leave behind old sheets which become messy.

They grow up to 15mm long and are dark brown to black, with a textured velvet appearance.

Black house spiders prefer dry habitats and secluded locations such as window frames, gutters, eaves, bricks, garages, sheds, and even toilets. Outdoors, you may encounter them among rocks, underneath tree bark, or inside tree trunks and logs.

The best way to keep spiders away from your home or business is to seal off entry points, reduce the number of hiding spots and remove all potential food sources.

Regularly cleaning inside, such as sweeping, wiping and mopping can assist with removing insects that attract spiders, and clearing away cobwebs and spider eggs. Don’t forget to check behind the furniture, window corners and other less frequented areas.

We also recommend regular garden and yard maintenance, such as trimming back plants and trees that are growing close to your building to reduce access and mowing lawns. Dispose of litter piles, such as leaves, and move wood piles away from your building. Keep compost and rubbish bins well secured. However, please wear gloves when gardening in case you disturb some hidden spiders!

You can also purchase insect repelling night light bulbs from your local hardware store.

Coming into summer, the last thing you need to worry about is deadly spiders lurking around when you just want to relax and enjoy outdoor activities.

That’s why at Allstate, we’re available 24/7 for urgent advice to all suburbs of Adelaide. No matter if you’re in a commercial, residential or industrial building, our fully equipped technicians are ready to assist with spider outbreaks of all sizes.

Since 1986, we have offered pest control services with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, backed by competitive warranties. With our new payment plans, we can promptly address your spider issues using innovative, long-lasting treatments. Our expert team is ready to help you now.