Your Guide to Termite Protection for New Homes

by SerumTD-019 | Mar 4, 2022 | Termites

YOUR GUIDE TO TERMITE PROTECTION FOR NEW HOMES

There are over 350 known species of termites active in Australia. With many parts of Adelaide at high risk of termite attacks, you don’t want your dream home falling victim to them. Also known white ants, these pests are capable of chewing through walls, ceilings, floors and even electrical wiring, and if left unchecked could put the damage bill in the hundreds of thousands. Fortunately, a termite management can protect your new home before the foundations are even laid.

If you’re building a new home and concerned about termite outbreaks, we’ve prepared this helpful guide to explain how termite protection is installed and the different types of termite management systems used in pre-construction.

What questions will this article answer?

Why termite protection is important

Adelaide is considered to be at high risk of termite attacks that can cause significant structural damage to your home. Worse, it’s not usually covered by home and contents insurance.

Is termite protection mandatory?

Yes. According to the National Construction Code, your new home is required to have a built-in termite management system, or be built with materials which are termite resistant.

Ways to protect your home from termites

We use and recommend several methods to assist with termite prevention in new homes, including waterproofing, side slab moisture protection, chemical reticulation systems and concrete curing.

Kordon termite barriers

Kordon is our preferred termite barrier for new homes, thanks to its long term chemical and physical defence against the concealed entry of subterranean termites.

Allstate’s termite protection team

Our dedicated pre-construction termite protection team has thorough knowledge of termite behaviour, South Australian building regulations, and Australian Standards for termite protection – ensuring your new home is safe for years to come.

Why does my new home need termite protection?

Many parts of Australia are considered to have a high risk of termite infestations, and Adelaide is no exception.

An estimated one in five Adelaide homes have fallen victim to termite attacks, resulting in treatment and repair bills averaging $10,000 and major disruptions to households. That’s why it’s well worth the investment to prevent them from entering in the first place.

Why are termites so drawn to buildings?

Because they feed on cellulose-rich materials such as timber, which is a key component in most homes. Termites are able to quietly dig complex underground tunnels and gain entry into your house through tiny cracks and crevices.

Once they’re inside, they can cause significant damage, affecting your walls, floors and ceilings. You’ll notice cracks, blisters, sagging floors, warped door frames, bubbling or honeycomb patterns appearing in paint. Electrical wiring can also be affected.

What’s worse is that termite-related damage is not covered by home and contents insurance as it is deemed highly preventable.

The best way to reduce your risk of a termite outbreak is by choosing termite-resistant materials for construction, and having correctly installed and well-maintained termite barriers.

Anxious to protect your new home? Speak our termite protection experts

or

8371 1277

Is termite protection mandatory?

Yes, there are specific termite risk management guidelines which are outlined by the National Construction Code.

Your new home is required to have a built-in termite management system, or be built with materials which are termite resistant. This is because termites can damage every room of your home, including the electrical wiring. Even treated timber or steel roofing is not immune to a termite attack.

Regular inspections and maintenance of the termite management system are also important.

How can I protect my new home from termites?

At Allstate, we have a thorough understanding of termite behaviour and feeding habits. Using this knowledge and many years’ experience, we’ve adopted several effective ways to safeguard your home from destructive termites.

Waterproofing and side slab moisture protection

Concrete slabs must be water resistant, as internal moisture can attract termites.

The exposed side edges of concrete slab foundations are most vulnerable to the elements, particularly water and dampness. Dampness shows up as efflorescence, a condition where white coloured crystalline deposits of salt and minerals remain on the surface of building surfaces.

We recommend using waterproofing compounds to treat the concrete slab during the construction stage. Many of these compounds offer excellent protection from moisture:

Ardex WPM 300: this can be applied directly to freshly laid concrete.
Deep Cure: this penetrates inside the slab, forming a gel which helps to retain water and stop excess moisture from seeping in.
Homeguard Protectacote: this Bifenthrin based termite barrier is applied around the perimeter of new concrete slabs and extensions.
Xypex concentrate: this product is active within the pores of the concrete to produce a non-soluble crystalline compound, which blocks the water from penetrating inside

Chemical reticulation systems

Whether you’re adding a house extension or building a new granny flat on your property, Australian building standards state that you will need to add a termite barrier between the foundation of your existing home and new concrete slab. The barrier must be easily replenished with termiticide so that it remains effective.

This is where a reticulation system is useful. It consists of a network of pipes which are carefully positioned underground and around key areas of your property. The system is designed to continuously discharge termiticide into the soil to deter termite activity.

At Allstate, we choose to use Termidor, which needs to be topped up every 3-5 years.

Concrete curing

The concrete slab is the all-important foundation for your new home. Cement must be carefully laid out and then allowed adequate time to set properly so that it reacts with moisture to form a dense, tough and strong concrete base.

This way there will also be less surface cracking, which can introduce a potential entry point for termites.

At Allstate, we recommend using Rendacure to cure your new concrete slab. This water-based product can either be sprayed or rolled onto freshly laid concrete. It is a convenient choice as Rendacure will not delay other tradespeople from working at your building site.

Protect your dream home from termite damage. Get a free quote today.

or

8371 1277

Kordon termite barriers

At Allstate, we are certified Kordon installers and recommend it as our preferred pre-construction termite and moisture barrier for concrete slabs.

How Kordon is installed

Sheets of Kordon are placed between the bedding sand and steel reinforcing mesh layers, with cement for the slab poured over the top. Once this has been successfully completed, you’ll be issued with Certificate of Installation, also known as a termite treatment certificate.

Benefits of using Kordon

Kordon is an innovative termite barrier that has been shown to provide the best long term chemical and physical defence against the concealed entry of subterranean termites when installed correctly.

Made in Adelaide and patented by Bayer, one of the world’s largest environmental science companies, Kordon has been tested extensively by the CSIRO over more than two decades with a 100% success rate.

It is highly flexible, suitable for all building applications, excellent for high-risk areas, allergen-free and non-hazardous.

Does Kordon have a warranty?

If you choose Kordon, there are different types of termite warranty available on your new house.

Homes installed with Kordon are covered for six years for termite entry and damage by the Limited Kordon Product Warranty.

The Bayer Protection Program offers a $1 million warranty for a period of 12 months, which can be renewed annually, for homes that have been installed with a complete Kordon Termite Management System.

Designed to last for 50 years, Kordon guarantees comprehensive termite protection to your new home right from the beginning.

How it works

Kordon acts as both a physical and chemical barrier against termites, as it contains an active ingredient known as deltamethrin, a type of pyrethroid termiticide, sandwiched between two layers of flexible and durable UV stable, low density polyethylene plastic webbing.

Termites are forced to build visible mud tubes in obvious areas to avoid the Kordon, alerting your termite inspector to their presence so that they can take action to remove them before they cause significant damage.

Get reliable termite protection for your new home

Protecting your new home from a termite outbreak starts well before the foundation is laid, and your investment will likely spare you from expensive repair and treatment bills in the future.

Allstate has a dedicated construction team headed by licensed builder Aaron Thompson, who oversees all of our new build installations. All team members are highly trained with a thorough knowledge of termite behaviour, South Australian building regulations and Australian Standards for termite protection to ensure that your new home is safe for years to come.

When you choose Allstate to for concrete slab termite protection, our team can work and communicate effectively with all tradespeople on site to ensure there are no disruptions. Just as we protect home owners from the threat of termites, we protect builders’ reputation from termite-related issues.

We only use high quality products that once installed are non-toxic towards children, pets and the environment. We have payment plans available, long term warranty on our termite barriers, and a 100% money back guarantee on all of our services.

If you’re after comprehensive termite protection solutions for your new home, Allstate is here to help.

Our expert termite protection team is ready to help you now

or

8371 1277

Your Guide to Pantry Moth/Indian Meal Moth Control in Adelaide

by SerumTD-019 | Feb 21, 2022 | Pests

What questions will this article answer?

Get to know pantry moths

These pesky insects are introduced into your home via contaminated food. They crawl into your dried food products such as cereals, grains, flour and even herbs and spices, leaving behind silk webbing and droppings. It’s important to be aware that they vary in appearance at different stages of their life cycle, and can penetrate well-sealed food packaging.

Why should I worry about Indian meal moths?

Outbreaks can happen quickly as female pantry moths lay up to 400 eggs at a time. The silk webbing and droppings left behind in your food makes it unfit for consumption. They pose a major threat to warehouse facilities and hospitality venues, where there are large amounts of stored food.

Signs you’ve got a pantry moth outbreak

If you’re noticing silk webbing, or feeding tracks, or pantry moths themselves, you’re most likely experiencing an outbreak.

Pantry moths in commercial facilities

Pantry moths are attracted to places with large amounts of stored food such as hospitality venues, food handling and distribution facilities. An outbreak can create expensive stock losses, as well as potential breaches of health and safety standards.

Preventing a pantry moth problem

Keep your pantry and kitchen clean, regularly inspect stored food, dispose of any affected food immediately, inspect food before purchase and store food in air tight containers.

Ways to control a pantry moth outbreak

DIY methods include exposing affected items and areas to heat or freezing temperatures, applying insecticide aerosols or setting up traps.

Professional pantry moth management

Our team takes a 4 step management approach to remove all pantry moths as quickly and effectively as possible: inspection, clearing away eggs and larvae, treatment and follow up.

Allstate’s pantry moth prevention service

We understand that pantry moth outbreaks aren’t always obvious until they are severe, so our high trained pest control technicians are available 24/7 to all suburbs of Adelaide to assist. Our treatments are nontoxic for people, pets and the environment. We offer payment plans and a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our products and services.

If you open a packet of food and discover messy strands of silk webbing and caterpillars already enjoying its contents, it’s usually because pantry moths have beaten you to it.

Also known as Indian meal moths, these troublesome pests are sneaky and silent, and their presence makes your food unfit for consumption

You’ll find them lurking in your cupboards and food storage areas where they manage to crawl inside hard to reach places and lay hundreds of eggs…weeks later you have a full-blown outbreak on your hands.

So it’s no surprise then that pantry moths have been known to cause major headaches in both homes and businesses around Adelaide.

If you’re worried about Indian meal moths, we’ve put together some information to help you identify the signs of an infestation, as well as some tips from our pest control technicians about how to prevent, prevente and treat an outbreak.

Get to know pantry moths

These pests are attracted to dried food products and are typically found hiding in stored items in your pantry. This includes flour, rice, oats, grains, cereals, powdered milk, cocoa, dried fruit, nuts, herbs, spices, confectionary, nuts, pet food and bird seed. They are normally introduced into your pantry from other contaminated products.

Indian meal moths vary in appearance

Identifying an outbreak means becoming familiar with how they look at different stages of their life cycle.

Their eggs are white in colour and about 0.3-0.5mm long
Once they have hatched out of their eggs as tiny off-white coloured caterpillars or larvae, they crawl around searching for food
Once they’ve established a food source, larvae leave behind their droppings and spin silky strands to form cocoons, where they become 0.6-1.1cm brown coloured pupae
After a few weeks, adult pantry moths emerge from the cocoons. They are approximately 1cm long, with bronze or tan coloured bands near the tip of their grey wings

They are clever at sneaking into food items

Caterpillars and larvae are small enough in size to crawl under poorly sealed lids, and inside tiny cracks and holes in food packaging. Large larvae have even been known to penetrate well-sealed packaging. They can also hide in corners of cupboards and pantry door hinges.

Don’t leave your annual termite inspection too late!
Make an appointment today

or

8371 1277

Why should I worry about Indian meal moths?

Pantry moth larvae are thought to be harmless to people as they don’t spread diseases. However, having silk webbing and droppings in your food items makes them unfit for consumption.

With females able to lay 60-400 eggs at a time, often in hard to reach places, it doesn’t take long for an outbreak to happen.

This means that pantry moths pose a major threat to warehouse and distribution facilities in particular, where there is a large volume of stored food. An outbreak could result in a significant and costly loss of stock.

Signs you’ve got a pantry moth outbreak

If you’ve observed some unusual changes in your food, kitchen, pantry or storage room, it’s likely that you have a pantry moth problem on your hands.

Webbing

As Indian meal moth larvae produce a silk webbing to form cocoons, pay attention to silky white strands in your food or within food packaging. They are commonly mistaken for spider webs.

Feeding tracks

Larvae leave trails as they burrow through your food.

You notice pantry moths flying around

This is one of the earliest signs of a pantry moth infestation and they are most likely to be seen during their active times at dusk or in the evenings. They tend to fly around with an unpredictable path.

Have you noticed these signs of Indian meal moths lurking around?

Speak to a pest control expert today

or

8371 1277

Pantry moths in commercial facilities

Whether you’re at home or at work, having these pesky insects flying around erratically is sure to be distracting, off-putting and frustrating to find them hiding in your staple food items.

Cafes, restaurants and hospitality venues

With a large amounts of stock and ingredients, an outbreak of Indian meal moths can render your supplies unfit for consumption. This can result in a loss of stock, reduced trade and income, and failure to meet government food safety standards, leading to substantial penalties.

Food handling and distribution facilities

Pantry moths fluttering around a warehouse aren’t just a nuisance; they can become dangerous when there is heavy machinery in operation. With many hiding places and an abundance of food to choose from, an outbreak can happen quickly and quietly, resulting in a violation of industrial health and safety regulations as well as hefty fines.

Preventing a pantry moth problem

You can be pro-active in taking the following steps to protect your home from an outbreak:

Keep your pantry and kitchen clean

Regularly wipe or vacuum all the shelves, cupboard doors and walls, containers, kitchen utensils, cutlery, especially potential hiding spots such as hard to reach corners and holes
Dispose of old or poorly sealed food items
Wipe up spills immediately
Replace shelf liners

Inspect stored food regularly

Carefully check lids of cans and spice jars for migrating larvae
Check flour carefully as tiny pantry moths can easily be camouflaged
Don’t forget dried pet food

Dispose of any affected food immediately

As larvae can migrate, it’s best to remove any potential sources of further contamination as quickly as possible to stop an outbreak from spreading

Inspect food before purchase

If possible check packaged food for signs of contamination prior to bringing it inside your home, and ensure it is properly sealed

Store food in airtight containers

Securing pantry items in metal, glass or plastic containers with screw-top lids rather than plastic bags are an effective way to reduce the spread of a pantry moth outbreak.

Homemade repellents

Spraying and wiping over surfaces with a mixture of water, white vinegar and essential oils can act as a deterrent. You can use a combination of peppermint, cedarwood and eucalyptus oil.

Flying termite swarms and discarded wings

Every three to five years, a colony will send winged termites or swarmers to start a new colony elsewhere. If you notice white flying insects or piles of wings around your property, near lights or windowsills, particularly during spring and summer, you may have an outbreak of swarmers. They nest in woodpiles and tree stumps, so it’s recommended to clear your yard.

Short-circuiting power

Electrical wiring in walls, floors and ceilings are all susceptible to termite damage. If you experience electricity interruptions more often than usual, check for mud tubes or a build-up of organic material around your electrical fittings. Remember to take extra care when handling high voltage electricity fixtures.

How to remove a pantry moth outbreak

If you’re looking for ways to manage Indian meal moths, here are some options:

Exposure to heat

Pantry moth larvae and eggs cannot survive exposure to freezing and temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, so applying heat or extreme cold can help to sterilise areas and items which can harbour these pesky creatures.

Insecticide aerosol

You can spray this directly onto flying moths and applied inside empty food storage areas, however, ensure the product has completely dried before restocking your food inside.

Setting up traps

You can find these products at hardware stores. Non-toxic pheromone-laced traps placed inside at risk areas are designed to attract male pantry moth larvae inside, where they become stuck to an adhesive lining the walls of the trap. This method disrupts the life cycle of pantry moths.

Professional pantry moth managion

Our pest control technicians will come up with a treatment plan that is in line with food standard HACCP. We follow a 4 step management approach to ensure that all traces of an outbreak are removed as quickly and effectively as possible.

Inspection

Our pest technicians will perform a physical assessment of the affected area and deteremine if any parts can be isolated, and which items are contaminated and should be immediately discarded.

Clearing away eggs and larvae

We usually vacuum or thoroughly wash the affected area to ensure it is clean, sanitised and free of any traces of pantry moths. It’s often best to only clean out pantry moths

Treatment

We use a combination of non-toxic aerosols and well-placed traps, depending on the severity of your outbreak.

Follow up

To prevent a re-infestation, we usually recommend leaving the affected area empty for a few weeks to ensure that all eggs and tiny larvae have been removed. If additional treatment or monitoring is required, we’ll let you know.

Reporting back to you

We’ll provide a useful resource for you to refer back to as part of your workplace health and safety plan. Having a copy of our report ensures that you stay informed of our assessment and treatment plan regarding your pantry moth outbreak.

You can count on Allstate for a reliable pantry moth prevention service

Our highly trained team at Allstate has a thorough understanding of food standard HACCP and is always fully equipped to assist you in resolving a pantry moth infestation. We understand how stressful and overwhelming an outbreak can be and we draw on many years’ experience in helping homes and businesses around Adelaide manage pantry moths for good.

As Indian meal moth outbreaks can be hard to detect until the problem is severe, we’re available 24/7 to all suburbs in Adelaide to assist in all urgent cases. Our technicians are happy to work around times that suit you in order to minimise disruptions.

We value the safety of people, pets and the environment, so the treatments and products we use are nontoxic and applied with careful consideration.

Our treatments and services are covered by competitive warranties, and we offer a 100% money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. With interest-free payment plans available, this enables you to prevente pantry moths as quickly as possible.

For a tailored approach to control any pest outbreak, with follow up checks to ensure that you stay pest-free permanently, choose Allstate Pest Control.

Get help from our expert team

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8371 1277

Fly Control

by SerumTD-019 | Feb 17, 2022 | Fly

YOUR GUIDE TO FLY CONTROL IN ADELAIDE

No matter where you live in Australia, when the weather heats up you’ll be sure to find yourself swatting away pesky flies. From house flies to fruit flies and drain flies, they’ll scavenge for food everywhere, whether it’s garbage, animal droppings or even your lunch.

And they are more than just a nuisance. They carry germs and contaminate any surface they come into contact with, leading to the spread of diseases such as typhoid and dysentery. With female flies capable of laying over 100 eggs at a time, it doesn’t take long for an outbreak to occur.

Unfortunately for businesses, especially those who handle food, this can result in poor health and safety compliance, leading to reputation damage and potential fines. Restaurants, cafes and manufacturing facilities are some of those most at risk, but any business that handles or sells food should be on alert.

Types of flies

Identifying the type of fly responsible for your outbreak can help you come up with a targeted and effective treatment plan.

Problems caused by flies

Flies are not only a nuisance and distraction; they can also spread diseases, contaminate food and sterile surfaces and result in poor hygiene.

Signs of a fly infestation

You can tell if you have a fly outbreak if you’re noticing a large number of flies, an accumulation of droppings or even the presence of maggots.

Fly outbreaks in businesses

Flies pose a significant threat to food handling businesses, which must meet strict health and safety regulations in order to remain open for trade. A failure to comply can result in heavy fines, damage to your reputation and customers turning away.

How to prevent a fly outbreak

You should keep food covered and stored away, clean up waste and spills, ensure your plumbing is in good condition, cover entry points and remove clutter.

Ways to control a fly outbreak

For DIY fly prevention, consider purchasing insecticide sprays, a fly repellent fan, fly traps or fly paper.

Professional fly prevention

Our technicians are highly trained to manage your fly outbreak. We’ll start by conducting an inspection, then identify and remove fly attractants, apply treatment and schedule appropriate follow ups as needed. You’ll receive a service report to keep for future reference afterwards.

Choose Allstate for a fast and effective fly removal service

Our experienced technicians are familiar with food standard HACCP so we aim to prevente your fly outbreaks as quickly and as safely as possible. We service all suburbs of Adelaide, with 24/7 call outs in case of emergencies. To make our fly treatments as accessible as possible, we offer interest-free payment plans and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Types of Flies

There are many species of flies present in Australia, with varying feeding habits, life cycles and seasonal activity. By determining which species of fly is responsible for an outbreak, this can assist with developing an effective, targeted treatment plan. These are the more common species you’re most likely to encounter:

House fly

Lays 120-130 eggs a time, can take up to 42 days to mature into an adult fly
Attracted to food smells
Deposits eggs onto decaying material such as garbage, animal waste, sewage, organic plant matter such as compost
Rests on walls, floors, ceilings, the ground, plants, fences, compost heaps and rubbish bins

Bush fly

Drawn to large animals, particularly proteins in bodily fluids such as saliva, sweat and tears and animal waste
Known to transmit eye infections to humans and livestock

Fruit fly

Attracted to fermenting sugary liquids in waste bins, fruit and vegetables, drains, spills and cracks in floors/other surfaces
Commonly found in hospitality settings such as bars, pubs, breweries, vineyards, kitchens, restaurants, fruit and vegetable plants

Drain Fly

Favours rotting food and other organic waste material that builds up in drains, septic tanks and compost
Largely resistant a lot of pest control chemicals and cleaning agents

Blowfly

Attracted to and deposits eggs in rotting meat, particularly dead animals such as rodents and birds, as well as food waste from hospitality venues, and occasionally cheese

Cluster fly

Usually found in quieter, less frequented areas such as attics and wall voids
Seeks warm places to hibernate in winter

Fermentation fly

Attracted to fermenting bacteria and yeast in rotten fruits and vegetables, as well as alcohol
Found in breweries and pubs

Flesh fly

Attracted to decaying food, garbage and animal waste

Problems caused by flies

A couple of flies may seem small and harmless, but in the event of an outbreak you may experience the following issues:

They spread diseases

Including typhoid, cholera, dysentery, trachoma, poliomyelitis, cutaneous diphtheria, leprosy. Flies transfer germs which they collect as they scavenge for food in filthy places, via small hairs covering their bodies, droppings and vomit.

They contaminate food and sterile surfaces, resulting in poor hygiene

Flies are generally attracted to all types of food, particularly those that are decomposing.

They’re a general nuisance and distraction

A large swarm of flies and the constant whirring sound from their wings beating together can disrupt business operations, reduce visibility in the workplace and affect productivity

Signs of a fly infestation

If you’re noticing any of the following clues, you may have a major problem on your hands:

Accumulation of fly droppings

These appear like clusters of dark spots in places where they frequent or rest. Different species of flies prefer different areas. Try checking the usual places including ceilings, walls and light fittings. You should also pay attention to difficult to clean places such as drains, pipes, sub-floor cavities, gully traps, around sinks and underneath damaged floor tiles.

Maggots

Once fly eggs hatch, they become cream coloured larvae, known as maggots, before maturing into an adult fly. This indicates a breeding site is present.

A large number of flies

Particularly in areas that can attract flies, brightly lit and water areas. This includes:

Food storage/preparation/consumption areas
Areas with standing water including gutters, tyres, old machinery, tanks, water butts, potted plants
Refuse areas, bins, waste containers, compost and mulch piles can indicate a more serious problem

Fly outbreaks in businesses

A swarm of flies in a workplace can be just as dangerous as it is distracting for staff, patrons and customers. An outbreak may act as a deterrent for people to return, while causing damage to your reputation.

Food and food distribution businesses

Cafes, restaurants, pubs, service stations and supermarkets are required to adhere to hygiene and cleanliness practices. A fly outbreak would indicate a failure to meet food health and safety regulations and result in trading restrictions as well as heavy penalties.

Warehouse and manufacturing facilities

With high volumes of food and stock in a large space, it’s important to have proper food handling, storage and sanitation protocols in place to ensure that flies stay away. If the proper industrial and commercial standards are not met, this can lead to contaminated or damaged goods, stock and equipment, as well as substantial fines.

How to prevent a fly outbreak

By taking extra steps to proactively deter flies, you’ll be able to save time and energy on preventing an outbreak. Here are some tips on how you can discourage flies from entering your building:

Keep food covered and stored away

Flies are strongly attracted to food odours so it’s important to remove any lingering traces of food smells that can be carried by air currents.

Clear away waste and spills

Tight fitting bin lids keep waste secure
Dispose of garbage regularly
Remove pet waste
Clear away food debris, grease and spills from kitchen benches, table, underneath and around appliances and other dead insects that can attract flies
Regularly mop floors and wipe benches and sinks
Don’t leave dirty dishes and cutlery lying around

Maintain drains and fix leaky taps

Removing sources of water helps keep flies away
Keep drains clean and remove debris and blockages

Identify and cover entry points

Fit fly screens over windows, doors and other openings, especially around the kitchen and waste areas

Keep bird feeders clean

Remove bird food before dusk

Remove clutter

To reduce hiding places and breeding sites

Ways to control a fly outbreak

If you want to prevente flies in your building, you can consider the following options:

Insecticide spray from hardware stores

Flying insect aerosols can be applied directly onto the flies.
Indoor and outdoor surface sprays in pump packs can be used to cover surfaces. Once a fly comes into contact with the surface, the insecticide is transferred to the fly. Pump packs act as a longer lasting deterrent and can last up to a few months inside

Fly repellent fan

Some devices are fitted with holographic blades to scatter light and deter flies.

Fly traps

Containers can be purchased from hardware stores, but can also easily be made DIY using jars or bottles filled with sugar, vinegar and water.

Fly paper

A sticky adhesive surface embedded with fly attractants can physically trap flies.

Professional fly prevention

In business settings, we recommend you don’t take any chances with flies because an outbreak can happen quickly. Allstate’s highly trained technicians are familiar with food standard HACCP, so we can provide professional fly control solutions for your business to ensure that you stay compliant with health and safety regulations. Our fly removal service involves 4 steps:

Inspection

Our fly prevention team will come over to perform a visual assessment of the outbreak to determine the best treatment plan.

Identifying and removing fly attractants

We’ll help you to remove potential food sources and breeding sites for flies to see if this fixes the problem. If needed, we’ll also make recommendations for waste management and maintaining good hygiene practices.

Applying fly treatment

For severe outbreaks, our treatments can be applied out of business hours to minimise disruption. We only use AVMPA approved chemicals, which are safe for the environment, children and pets.

Treatment may include using a combination of sprays, aerosols, fogs, dusting powders and baits.

For reliable, long-term fly control at commercial and industrial facilities with food handling, we highly recommend installing a fly killer unit.

Follow-up treatment

Flies are a constant threat to many food handling businesses and require ongoing monitoring and additional treatment if necessary.

Reporting back to you

We’ll send you a document with important information about your fly outbreak and treatment that you can keep as part of your workplace health and safety management plan. This report is easily accessible for you and your employees for future reference.

Choose Allstate for a fast and effective fly removal service

At Allstate, we know that flies can be an ongoing and costly pest for businesses if you fail to get on top of an outbreak.

If you need professional fly prevention, our highly trained technicians can work around your business hours to assist. Our team not only has a thorough knowledge of food standard HACCP to ensure that you meet health and safety regulations, but we also use treatments that are non-toxic to keep your staff and customers safe.

Being local to Adelaide, we’re able to recognise the behaviour of the different fly species that are responsible for problems in businesses in the area.

We service all suburbs in Adelaide, and make sure that we’re available 24/7 for emergency call outs.

To ensure that your business always stays protected and complaint, we offer a 100% satisfaction money back guarantee on all of our services and products, as well as interest-free payment plans.

Speak to an Adelaide fly control expert today.

8371 1277

The Ultimate Guide To Termite Inspections

by SerumTD-019 | Feb 9, 2022 | Termites

What questions will this article answer?

How often do I need a termite inspection?

Government guidelines recommend that a termite inspection should be carried out at least once a year, depending on your property’s risk of termite activity.

How do you prepare for a termite inspection?

Allowing your termite inspector access to more of your property means that they can provide you with a more thorough assessment. For better access, you can move furniture away from walls, clear away items in wet areas, enable easy access to entry and exit points, and trim overgrown vegetation around the house.

How are termites detected?

A termite inspector will visually inspect your property to check for building damage, mud tubes, and ingress points. We may use specialised equipment such as borescopes, sounding tools, moisture meters and movement detectors. Once we’ve finished, we’ll send you an inspection report with our findings, recommendations and a proposed treatment plan if required.

What happens during a termite inspection?

A fully licensed and experienced termite inspector will use termite detecting equipment to perform a physical inspection of your property. The inspection should include inside rooms, roof voids, outbuildings, on floors and subfloors, around your yard and along the outside walls.

How will I know if I have termites?

You’ll notice damage to walls, floors and ceilings, and a hollow sound when you knock. Your electricity may short circuit often, and there may be flying termite swarms, discarded wings, or mud tubes.

How much does a termite inspection cost?

Our termite inspections start at $198, though the exact price depends on the size of your home, the extent of the inspection and the need for additional equipment.

How do you treat a termite outbreak?

We’ll propose a customised treatment plan using termiticides such as Premise Treated Zones and Sentricon® Always Active™ and make recommendations for general maintenance, which can help prevent future outbreaks.

Will I need a termite inspection if I live in a new home?

Annual inspections are necessary according to government guidelines. Unfortunately, no termite barrier is completely guaranteed to keep termites away, whether your house is new or old. You’re also more at risk of a termite attack if you live in a hot and humid climate, have neighbours with termites, water leaks, previous outbreaks, or recent landscaping changes.

How can you safeguard your home (and wallet!) from a termite attack?

Annual inspections by our fully licensed termite inspectors will keep you and your family safe from an expensive and destructive termite attack. We are available 24/7 for emergency call outs, offer payment plans so everyone can afford to stay protected, and offer a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee for our services.

What is a Termite Inspection?

A termite inspection is a thorough examination of a property to detect signs of termite activity, infestation, or damage. This process visually inspects various parts of the property, including the subfloor, roof void, internal and external areas, and surrounding outdoor spaces.

Conducted by a licensed termite inspector, professional termite inspections utilise specialised equipment such as thermal imaging cameras, moisture metres, and termite detection devices. These tools help identify termite activity and damage that might not be visible to the naked eye, ensuring a comprehensive property assessment. For those in Melbourne, our termite inspections Melbourne services are tailored to address the specific challenges of the region.

What is the Purpose of Termite Inspection?

The primary purpose of a termite inspection is to assess the risk of termite infestation and provide actionable recommendations for termite control and prevention. This comprehensive process involves visually examining various parts of the property, including the sub-floor, roof void, internal and external areas, and surrounding outdoor spaces. A termite inspection helps implement timely measures to protect your property from extensive damage by identifying early signs of termite activity.

Why is a Termite Inspection Important?

Regular termite inspections are crucial for detecting termite activity and preventing costly damage to a property. Professional pest control services are essential for detecting termite activity and preventing costly damage to a property. Termites can cause significant structural damage, leading to expensive repairs and even potential collapse. Regular termite inspections are essential for early detection of termite activity, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of further damage. According to Australian Standards, properties should be inspected for termites at least once a year. This proactive approach helps safeguard your investment and maintain the integrity of your home.

Risks of Termite Infestation

Termite infestations pose significant property risks, often leading to costly repairs and structural collapse. According to the CSIRO, termites within the structure’s economic life will affect one in three homes in Australia. These silent destroyers can attack homes and buildings without warning, causing extensive damage before detection.

Regular termite inspections are crucial in identifying potential risks and preventing infestations. By staying vigilant and proactive, homeowners can safeguard their properties from the devastating effects of termite attacks.

How often do I need a termite inspection?

According to government guidelines, termite inspections should be performed at least once a year, depending on your home’s risk level.

Termites are known to cause extensive and costly problems to homes and businesses. It’s estimated that one in five Adelaide homes have fallen victim to termite destruction, and the average cost of treating and repairing the damage is around $10,000 (according to the AEPMA).

What’s worse is that termite damage is considered preventable, so it’s not covered by home and contents insurance. Taking precautions against termite infestation is well worth the long-term investment, especially when the cost of an inspection is comparatively low, at around $200.

Don’t leave your annual termite inspection too late!
Make an appointment today

or

8371 1277

Preparing for a termite inspection

Improving accessibility helps your termite inspector provide a thorough assessment and makes it easier to detect the earliest signs of a termite attack. Here are some ways to ensure that you get the most out of your inspection:

Enable easy access to entry and exit points such as garage doors, roof voids, basements/subfloors, attics
Move furniture away from walls for easier testing of moisture levels and sounds
Clear away items located in wet areas, around and underneath sinks, and pipes in kitchens and bathrooms
Trim back overgrown vegetation, such as branches, to enable easier access to exterior walls
Store firewood and timber away from your house and in a dry environment
Check for signs of a termite nest, such as bulging walls and high moisture readings

What are the Signs of Termite Activity?

Detecting termite activity early can save you from extensive damage and costly repairs. Here are some common signs that may indicate a termite infestation:

Mud tubes or trails: Termites create these tunnels on walls, floors, or ceilings to travel between their nest and food sources.
Discarded wings or dead termites: Finding these near windows or doors can indicate the presence of swarmers, which are reproductive termites.
Damaged or hollow-sounding wood: Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving it hollow and weak.
Cracks or fissures in walls or floors: These can result from termites tunnelling through the structure.
Unexplained changes in floor or wall levels: Warping or sagging can occur due to termite damage.
Musty or earthy odours: Termites produce a distinct smell that can be noticeable in infested areas.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to contact a professional termite inspector to confirm the presence of termites and recommend a course of action.

How termites are detected

Termite inspection specialists from Allstate will attend to your property to conduct a comprehensive, professional assessment of termites in compliance with Australian Standards. We’ll record our findings and present them in an easy-to-understand report.

Physical inspection

A termite inspector will begin by visually examining your property to check for damage to walls, ceilings, and floors, as well as the presence of mud tubes and ingress points. As termites are usually hard to see and hear, we’ll bring specialised equipment to help identify subtle signs of an outbreak. This includes borescopes, sounding tools, moisture metres and movement detectors.

Inspection report

Following the inspection, we’ll discuss our findings and prepare a formal document for your reference. This will include all observations, results, photos, and recommendations for treatment if needed.

What happens during a termite inspection?

Without proper training, it’s easy to miss early signs or mistake termites for another problem altogether. Our comprehensive pest control services ensure every area is checked carefully for signs of termite activity. Our highly trained termite inspectors follow an inspection protocol that ensures every area is checked carefully.

We are fully equipped with devices that assist with accurate termite detection and estimating the extent of an outbreak. Following the inspection, it is crucial to implement a termite control treatment to manage and prevent further infestations effectively.

Termite detecting equipment

Borescopes are specialised optical devices used to photograph active termites inside timber structures.
Sounding tools are tapped against wooden structures to assess their integrity.
Moisture metres are used to locate areas of high moisture that attract termites, including inside rafters, joists, and sills.
Movement detectors using an infrared sensor help us detect active termites behind walls, in ceilings, and beneath floors.

Physical inspection of your property

To ensure nothing is missed, we follow a general inspection procedure that allows for variations in property layouts. You can expect us to cover these termite hotspots:

Interior rooms are assessed using a moisture metre, sounding tool and screwdriver. This covers wall, ceiling and floor surfaces, door frames, skirting boards and cupboards.
A sounding tool and screwdriver can check timber beams in roof voids.
Subfloors are a common entry point for termites, so we pay extra attention to this area. We may try to gain access by carving a trap into the floor, or if this is not possible, we’ll use a borescope to inspect for signs of termites.
An exterior property inspection around the entire perimeter of your house is conducted using a sounding tool and screwdriver.
All interior and exterior sections of any outbuildings are inspected with a sounding tool and screwdriver.
The grounds surrounding the building are carefully assessed, including the garden beds, landscaping timbers, trees, stumps and along the fence line.

How will I know if I have termites?

Regardless of the colony’s size, termites can be hard to see and hear, so a professional inspection by a well-trained eye is best. However, knowing how to check for termites is essential to avoid worsening the issue. The following signs that may indicate a termite attack:

Changes to walls, floors and ceilings

You notice cracks in your walls, floors and ceilings which can be mistaken for water damage.
The paint on your walls may appear to have a “bubbling” or “honeycomb” appearance due to termites destroying the timber underneath.
You may gradually see cracks, blisters and sagging to surfaces like laminated floors, ceiling beams and skirting boards.
Warping of doors and frames can make doors and windows hard to open due to moisture filling the timber cavities left by termite destruction.

Mud tubes

Termites make tunnels from dirt, wood, debris, and droppings to protect them when they forage for food away from their underground nests. You should keep the perimeter of your house clear of moist soil and dirt to discourage termite activity.

Hollow sounds when knocking on timber structures

If you knock on your walls and hear a hollow, echoing sound, this may indicate that termites have tunnelled through the insulation to eat away the wood.

Clicking sounds can indicate termites eating away at the wood or soldier termites banging their heads against the wood to signal a threat to the colony.

Flying termite swarms and discarded wings

Every three to five years, a colony will send winged termites or swarmers to start a new colony elsewhere. You may have an outbreak of swarmers if you notice white flying insects or piles of wings around your property, near lights or window sills, particularly during spring and summer. They nest in wood piles and tree stumps, so it’s recommended that you clear your yard.

Short-circuiting power

Electrical wiring in walls, floors, and ceilings is susceptible to termite damage. If you experience electricity interruptions more often than usual, check for mud tubes or a build-up of organic material around your electrical fittings. Remember to take extra care when handling high-voltage electrical fixtures.

Noticing signs of a potential termite attack? Act fast!

Organise an urgent inspection today

or

8371 1277

How much does a Termite Inspection cost?

At Allstate, we offer termite inspections for $198. This figure can vary depending on the size of your home or property, the extent of the inspection and whether additional equipment is required to improve accessibility or detection.

A standard termite inspection can cost between $200 and $500, while a comprehensive inspection can cost upwards of $1,000 or more. However, the cost of a termite inspection is a small price compared to the potential cost of repairing termite damage.

What Factors Affecting the Cost of Termite Inspection?

The cost of a termite inspection can vary based on several factors, including:

Property size and complexity: Larger or more complex properties may require more inspection time and resources.
Location and accessibility: Hard-to-reach areas or properties in remote locations can affect costs.
Type of inspection: Standard, comprehensive, or specialised inspections may have different pricing.
Equipment and technology used: Advanced tools and technology can increase costs but provide more accurate results.
Inspector’s experience and qualifications: More experienced and qualified inspectors may charge higher fees.
Frequency of inspections: Regular inspections, such as annual or bi-annual, may offer cost savings compared to one-time inspections.

By following this plan, the new sections will seamlessly integrate into the existing article, providing valuable information while maintaining the same tone and style.

If I live in a new home, will I need a termite inspection?

Whether your home is new or old, pesky and persistent termites can still find their way into your property. Here are some other factors that may influence your susceptibility to an outbreak:

Hot and humid climates

For a significant part of the year, most areas in Australia, including Adelaide, have favourable weather conditions, which pose a high risk for termite infestations.

Neighbours with termites

If adjoining properties have confirmed outbreaks, termites may have also spread to your property, as they’re able to travel 50 to 100 metres away from their nest. If your neighbours have termites, we recommend that you conduct a property inspection just in case.

Water leaks

If you live in a high moisture, damp climate, or you’ve had a plumbing issue with water leakage, you may have attracted termites. In this case, you may require more frequent inspections.

Previous termite infestation

If there has been a previous outbreak in your area, this could mean that termites were able to penetrate any previous barriers that were installed.

Landscaping

Changes to your yard can compromise your existing termite barrier and offer termites new entry points to your property and home.

Termite inspections before purchasing a home

For extra protection against termites, particularly if you live in a high-risk area, Allstate can conduct pest inspections before you commit to buying your dream home.

We’ll let you know if we detect any termites or if the house has other risk factors that may pre-dispose your new place to a termite outbreak, such as dampness.

How to treat a termite outbreak?

Your inspection report will include all the information you need to know about preventing termites.

Depending on the severity of your outbreak and the layout of your home, we’ll propose a customised treatment plan using various types of termiticides and offer tips on preventing future outbreaks. It is crucial to seek professional termite treatment to ensure the infestation is managed effectively and safely.

Premise Treated Zones

Premise is a non-repellent termiticide that causes termites to become confused and disoriented, lowering their defence mechanisms. This makes them vulnerable to deadly diseases from fungi and soil microorganisms. By placing Premise in specific areas, known as treated zones, strategically around your property, more termites will interact with the product. While Premise is toxic to termites, it is safe for humans, the environment and other wildlife.

Sentricon® Always Active™

This product contains in-ground termiticide-coated rods designed to attract termites and then disrupt their growth and development by inhibiting the moulting process. By positioning a Sentricon® station in prime termite foraging areas, termites carry the termiticide back to the nest, spreading through the entire colony. This offers powerful protection against termite infestations by preventing them from happening in the first place.

Reduce your risk of attracting termites

Garden and yard maintenance is essential. Store piles of wood and timber away from your house in a dry place, remove tree stumps and clear away piles of vegetation and litter.
Ensure wooden furniture in the home is sealed, treated and moisture-free.
Repair sources of leaks as quickly as possible, including pipes, drains and roof damage.

For safe and effective termite control,
speak to a termite technician today

or

8371 1277

Safeguard your home (and wallet) from a termite attack

At Allstate, we understand how dangerous, costly, and stressful a termite outbreak can be, so being proactive with annual inspections is the best way to stay vigilant of these quietly destructive pests.

To help keep you and your family safe, our fully licensed and experienced termite inspectors have extensive knowledge of termite behaviour and adhere to Australian Standards. We are highly trained to use specialised equipment to detect even the most subtle signs of a termite outbreak. Once your inspection is completed, we’ll send you a report of the findings and, if necessary, treatment recommendations.

We use strategically placed, targeted, high-quality treatments such as Premise Treated Zones and Sentricon® Always Active™, which are safe for people, pets and the environment.

We offer highly responsive services to inspect and treat termite infestations. Regular inspections are conducted with minimal disruption at a time that suits you. To ensure peace of mind that you and your family always stay protected, we offer payment plans and a 100% money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied with our service.

If you need to schedule a termite inspection or have concerns about termites on your property, speak to an Allstate consultant today.

For a reliable and experienced termite inspection service,
contact us today

or

8371 1277

Return to Work

by SerumTD-019 | Feb 7, 2022 | Blog

Have pests have taken over your workplace while you’ve been away?

With the summer holidays coming to an end and kids going back to school, for many it’s also time to head back to the office.

Unfortunately, while you and your team have been enjoying a much-needed break, sneaky pests like rats, mice, cockroaches and flies have had the chance to get into vacant office buildings while seeking shelter from the hot weather.

Once they’ve found a good hiding spot, they’ll usually multiply quickly and quietly – leaving you with an invisible pest outbreak just as you have returned to work.

Besides being a general nuisance, pests can destroy equipment and stock and deter customers from coming back. They have the potential to cause major health and safety issues, which in turn can lead to fines and damage your business reputation.

Fortunately, Allstate Pest Control’s Return to Work Pest Service can save the day. We will help you prevente any brewing pest outbreaks swiftly and effectively, setting up your workplace for a pleasantly pest-free year ahead.

Ensure a successful reopening with a Return to Work Pest Service

If you’ve just reopened, there’s an easy way make sure you’re pest free. Allstate’s Return to Work Pest Service is a straightforward inspection and managion program
so you can be confident your business is 100% safe and healthy.

or

8371 1277

Termites

Ants

Cockroaches

Spiders

Birds

Bed Bugs

Bees & Wasps

Rats & Mice

Possums

Biting Insects

Disinfection Services

Pests you should look out for and why

Some pests pose more of a problem than others. These are the main ones to look out for:

Rats and mice

Notorious for carrying diseases and damaging walls and furniture, rats and mice are a major hygiene problem, particularly for food service businesses. And because they dwell in enclosed areas like corners and behind cupboards, it could be a while before you realise they’re there. Look out for:

A strange, musky smell left by the rodents’ bodies, faeces and urine
Dark droppings – mice droppings look like ground coffee, while rat droppings are slightly bigger and look like grains of rice
Squeaking or scurrying sounds coming from the walls
Greasy streak marks on walls or furniture, left by rodents’ fur
Signs of gnawing, or tears to food packaging

Cockroaches

Like rats and mice, cockroaches are very unhygienic and fast breeders. They contaminate food, spread disease, and can cause asthma and other allergies. Keep an eye out for:

An unusual musty smell
Brown smear marks, usually seen on horizontal surfaces and where walls meet the floor
Egg capsules, which are brown and oval-shaped
Cockroach droppings, which look like ground coffee
Live cockroaches – if you see one there are almost certainly many more out of sight

Flies

Flies are not only a nuisance, but pose a health risk to both customers and staff, thanks to their ability to spread diseases like Salmonella and E.coli. If you notice signs of flies, it’s important to nip a small outbreak in the bud before it becomes a major problem. Watch out for the following types of flies:

House flies will be found hanging around rubbish bins, as this is where they lay their eggs
Drain flies – a tiny tan-coloured fly which dwells around drains as the name suggests
Fruit flies are found around drains, rubbish bins, and empty bottles and food containers

Our expert team is ready to help you now

or

8371 1277

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