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Pest Control in Action: How to Control Termites with Chemical Treatment

Pest Control in Action: How to Control Termites with Chemical Treatment

by | Mar 10, 2024 | Pest in Action

Pest Control in Action: How to Control Termites with Chemical Treatment
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Pest Control in Action: How to Control Termites with Chemical Treatment

forktree project tim

Have you ever wondered how professionals deal with termite problems? Our Pest Control in Action video series gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how we take on tough pest situations.

When termites are detected, professional pest controllers must act quickly to manage the infestation and protect the property. In this Pest Control in Action episode, we follow Allstate technician Josh as he carries out a comprehensive chemical termite treatment.

The chemical termite treatment process

  • Preparation
    Josh begins by clearing access paths around the exterior walls of the home to allow for efficient treatment. Since this property had been previously treated, he locates the pre-existing drill holes to be reused.
  • Exterior Drill and Inject
    Using a specialised drill, Josh reopens the series of holes around the home’s perimeter at regular intervals. This allows the termiticide chemical to be pressure-injected into the soil surrounding the property.
  • Interior Drill and Inject
    Moving indoors, Josh also drills new holes through interior walls and injects termiticide into any potential termite entry points from inside the home.
  • Sub-Floor Spraying
    In properties with accessible underfloor areas, Josh applies a liquid termiticide spray throughout the sub-floor space to create another defensive barrier against termites.
  • Hole Patching
    After the chemical injections, Josh carefully patches up all the drill holes using cement to conceal the treatment points.

The result

The homeowners can breathe easy thanks to Allstate’s comprehensive termite treatment. Their team managed any existing termite threats and established long-lasting protection with a quality barrier that will safeguard the property for up to 5 years.

Established in 1986, Allstate has grown to become one of the best known and loved pest control providers for Adelaide families and businesses. Our knowledgeable and friendly technicians are available 24/7 to all suburbs of Adelaide. Fully equipped to treat pest outbreaks in residential, commercial and industrial settings, our modern and innovative treatments will ensure that your property is safeguarded from pests for years to come.

For effective and reliable pest control services, contact Allstate today.

Choose Allstate for safe, nontoxic treatments to

protect your home or business from pests today.

or
8371 1277

What do termite inspectors look for?

What do termite inspectors look for?

by | Feb 21, 2024 | Blog, Termites

Although they are a threat all year round, termite outbreaks can be hard to detect. In fact, termites are thought to affect 1 in 5 houses in Adelaide, and cause thousands of dollars in damage that unfortunately isn’t covered by insurance. Learn how licensed termite inspectors identify the subtle signs of an outbreak in this Hivemind article.

What questions will this article answer?

Why are termite inspections important?

A notorious pest in Australia, termites are estimated to cause over $100 million in damage to homes every year, affecting 1 in 5 houses in Adelaide.

Sadly, as termite-related damage is considered to be preventable, it is not covered by home and contents insurance.

That’s why government guidelines recommend termite inspections at least once a year, and more frequently if your property is at higher risk of an outbreak.

Since the cost of a termite inspection is much lower than price of repairs, it’s worth making sure that your home stays protected.

At Allstate, our comprehensive termite inspections start at $200 per visit and are conducted by our fully licensed inspectors who will send you a report documenting all their findings.

Signs of a termite outbreak

Unless you have a severe infestation on your hands, it can be hard to tell if you have a termite problem.

At Allstate, our professional termite inspectors have experience, extensive training and the right tools to recognise the subtle hints of a termite outbreak. Here are examples of early signs of termites:

Damage to walls, floors, skirting boards, beams and ceilings

Wooden structures inside your home are vulnerable to termites, and you may notice cracks, blisters, warping and sagging. Paint might appear to have bubbling or have water-stain marks.

Damage to trees, outdoor wooden structures, sleepers and furniture

Some species of termites prefer living in tree stumps and wooden structures above the ground, hollowing out the wood inside. This means that trees and branches may topple, and sleepers may crumble, potentially causing a hazard.

Hollow sounds in timber

If you knock or tap your walls and hear an empty, hollow sound, this could be due to termites tunnelling through the insides of the timber.

Mud tubes

Subterranean termites build tunnels to protect them when they are foraging for food away from their nests, which are located underground. These tunnels are usually made of a mixture of saliva, dirt, wood and other debris and provide a safe pathway to travel.

Clicking sounds in the wall

As termites tunnel through wood, they make clicking sounds with their constantly chewing jaws and teeth. Soldier termites are known to knock their heads on wood to make clicking noises and warn other termites of impending danger.

Termite wings

Winged termites or swarmers leave the colony every few years when it is ready to expand, and start a new one elsewhere. They’ll find an old tree stump or wood pile to create a nest. After mating, they will lose their wings, and you may see these accumulating around your windows and doors.

Termite droppings

If you notice a build up of a fine, dark, powdery substance on your floors, this could be due to a termite outbreak.

Tiny holes in wooden structures

These could be entry points for termites.

Windows and doors become hard to open

Termite activity can increase the amount of heat and moisture within affected structures, such as window and doorframes, and result in expansion. This can mean that doors and windows become hard to open.

Handle termites fast. Speak to an expert today.

or

8371 1277

Types of termites

It’s helpful to know what types of termites are responsible for a termite outbreak, as they all behave differently. This can help us come up with a targeted treatment plan that effectively preventes the termites at their source, as quickly as possible.

Subterranean termites

With a preference to nest underground as their name suggests, subterranean termites thrive in moist conditions. They are 1/8 to 1 inch long and yellow to dark brown in colour. You can also find them in trees, dead stumps, and buried wooden poles and sleepers.

Dampwood termites

Found mainly in moist areas with decaying wood, dampwood termites thrive in tree stumps, logs and buried wooden poles such as fence posts. They are usually 1/2 to 5/8 inches long, with a creamy white to brown colouring.

Flying termites

Also known as swarmers, you’ll know that there is a mature colony within 100m if you see winged termites.

What happens during a termite inspection?

No matter the size of your property, your licensed Allstate termite inspector always has the right tools and knowledge conduct a thorough assessment inside and outside. They will also assess how well your current termite protection system is working.

Termite detection equipment

To help identify early signs of a termite outbreak, our termite inspectors use the following devices:

  • Borescopes assist with taking photographic evidence of termite activity within timber structures
  • Moisture meters can pinpoint areas with a higher than normal moisture content
  • Movement detectors can locate active termites
  • Sounding tools are tapped against timber structures to check their integrity

Physical inspection

Our termite inspectors will pay close attention to the following areas of your property, which are known to be popular spots for termite activity:

  • Timber beams
  • Interior rooms, covering the walls, floors, ceilings, door and window frames, skirting boards and cupboards
  • Subfloors
  • Outdoor/yard inspection, including the perimeter of the house, garden beds, sleepers, woodpiles, trees, stumps and wooden fencing
  • Interior and exterior sections of outbuildings

Don’t delay your termite inspection. Speak to an expert today.

or

8371 1277

Professional termite prevention

Treating a termite outbreak happens over a period of time and requires patience. At Allstate, we use modern treatments with a proven effectiveness against termites.

Sentricon Always Active bait stations

Positioned 30cm away from your house, with each station 3m apart, Sentricon bait rods are positioned underground. They are laced with a termiticide that doesn’t harm pets or other wildlife, making them both safe and environmentally friendly.

Premise liquid spray

For large areas that have a significant amount of termite activity, we recommend a residual treatment spray as a fast and effective option to remove termites.

Choose Allstate for reliable and long-lasting termite protection

A termite outbreak can be stressful and expensive to fix, so we understand how important it is to prevent it from happening in the first place. That’s why yearly inspections by licensed termite inspectors can be extremely valuable.

Established in 1986, Allstate has been carrying out comprehensive termite inspections in homes and businesses across all suburbs of Adelaide for over 35 years. Using modern technology, our team is fully equipped and highly trained to assess properties of all sizes, inside and out.

Available 24/7 for urgent callouts, our inspections are covered by competitive warranties. You can even arrange for a payment plan, so there’s no need to delay your next termite inspection. Safeguard your home from termites today.

Our expert team is ready to help you now.

or

8371 1277

Cockroach control for distribution facilities

Cockroach control for distribution facilities

by | Feb 21, 2024 | Blog, Cockroach

No matter if it’s summer or winter, cockroaches are tough pests that are capable of surviving in any environment. With distribution facilities providing plenty of shelter, food and water, they provide ideal conditions for pesky cockroaches to spread germs and cause damage. Avoid a cockroach outbreak at your distribution facility with our tips in this Hivemind article.

What questions will this article answer?

Why are cockroaches attracted to distribution facilities?

Cockroaches are tough insects capable of thriving in a range of different conditions. They will look for shelter, warmth, food, water and quiet hiding spots to nest and breed all year round. With distribution facilities providing all these resources, it’s not hard to see why your facility could fall victim to a potential outbreak.

As the cockroach peak breeding season is summer, they’re often on the prowl for quiet hiding spots to lay eggs in the warmer months. However, cockroaches are just as likely to use the same places to hibernate in winter.

With a wide-ranging diet that consists of many organic and inorganic materials that are found in distribution facilities, they have easy access to food sources. These include paper, leather, fabric, cardboard, grease and starch found in packaging and transport products and of course, stock.

If your facility has wet areas or a high moisture environment, this can also entice cockroaches, which can often be found living in drains.

Common cockroach species

While cockroaches have wings, some species are not often airborne. This can have an impact on how we manage outbreaks. Here’s how to identify the most frequently sighted types of cockroaches in Australia:

American cockroach

They are reddish brown in colour and 35 to 40mm long.

German cockroach

Brown to dark brown coloured and 1 to -16mm long, they have 2 dark stripes along thorax. While they have wings, they rarely fly.

Australian cockroach

Ranging from 23 to 35mm long, they are brown coloured with pale stripes on their head.

Oriental cockroach

They tend to be dark brown to black coloured and 22 to 27mm long.

Problems caused by cockroaches

A notorious pest in industrial facilities, cockroaches can be found in many different places and cause disruption to your workplace. Here’s how:

Contaminate food and surfaces

Due to their unhygienic foraging habits, cockroaches collect germs and spread them along their travels.

Spread diseases

Your workplace could be at risk of illnesses such as gastroenteritis, salmonella, dysentery, typhoid fever, cholera, hepatitis A and leprosy.

Penalties for non-compliance to industrial health and safety standards

Breaching regulations can result in hefty financial penalties and affect your ability to trade as a business.

Damage to business reputation and operations

Clients, customers, employees and contractors will be deterred from attending your facility if there is a known cockroach outbreak.

Damage packaging, belongings, furniture, stock and furniture

Cockroaches have sharp teeth and strong jaws, which can chew through a wide range of materials found in distribution facilities, including grease, starch, plastic, leather goods, clothing, furniture and paper and cardboard.

Trigger allergies

With a known allergen called tropomyosin found in their droppings, and sometimes even parasitic worms, cockroaches can trigger asthma and eczema in employees and customers.

They are messy

Cockroaches leaving their droppings, eggs, moulted skins all around the workplace. This can make the floor slippery and unsafe. Their droppings also contain pheromones to attract more cockroaches to the area and make outbreaks even worse.

Manage cockroaches fast, speak to an expert today.

or

8371 1277

Signs of a cockroach outbreak

Look out for the following clues to know if you have a cockroach infestation on your hands:

You see live cockroaches

Typically nocturnal pests, if you see cockroaches in the daytime, this means that there’s a good chance that there are many more hidden away.

Droppings

Similar in appearance to coffee grounds, cockroach droppings are black, variable in length and less than 1mm wide.

Egg capsules

Cockroaches laying eggs means that it won’t be long before the population multiplies. Eggs can look different depending on the species of cockroach.

Moulted skins

Throughout their life cycle, cockroaches shed their outer layer as they grow in size. So, if you see skin shedding fragments around, this means that there could well be an outbreak.

Unpleasant odour

Cockroach droppings give off a musty odour that intensifies as the infestation worsens.

How to prevent cockroaches in distribution facilities

When it comes to outbreaks, cockroach prevention is far better than cure. We recommend the considering the following tips as part of your pest management plan:

Regular building maintenance

Building inspections are helpful to identify all possible entry points. By sealing them off, you can stop cockroaches from squeezing through very small gaps.

Check and repair all leaking pipes, faucets and drains as moisture attracts cockroaches.

Regularly clean and sanitise

For food preparation surfaces and food storage areas, good hygiene practices are key.

Remove all spilled food items and wipe down food preparation areas thoroughly. Consider disinfection as well.

Don’t forget to clean less frequently used areas and other potential hiding spots for cockroaches, including behind or underneath shelving and pallets.

Keep all food tightly sealed and properly stored away

Check that lids are secured tightly and all food packaging is intact.

Ensure all waste is properly disposed of

Make sure that lids are properly fitting and rubbish is tightly sealed off in bags.

Don’t delay cockroach treatment, get expert advice today

or

8371 1277

Professional Cockroach Control

All our pest control technicians are certified and compliant with Australian standards, including Food Safety Standard HACCP and Quality Standard ISO 9001. We use the following methods to control a cockroach outbreak:

Cockroach bait

Baits contain insecticide in a solid, liquid or gel form. They are strategically placed close to established nesting areas and feeding sites.

Insecticide Spray

Applied to the perimeters of the affected building, an insecticide spray acts as a deterrent for cockroaches to enter the building from outside.

Cockroach control dust

For hard to reach places, especially small spaces such as cracks and crevices, which are popular hiding spots for cockroaches, we sprinkle insecticide granules.

Fumigation

Usually used alongside other methods, this is effective for more serious infestations in a confined space. We’ll seal off the area before applying the treatment.

Heat treatment

This is a chemical free and the most environmentally friendly method for cockroach prevention. Dry heat of between 50-60 degrees Celsius is delivered using a mobile system to prevente cockroaches at any stage of their life cycle.

Integrated pest management for distribution facilities

For over 35 years, we have partnered with many businesses to prevent all unwanted pest outbreaks. Our Integrated Pest Management System plays an important role in keeping staff, clients, customers and workplaces safe all across Adelaide.

With a dedicated pest control technician assigned to your facility, to perform an initial inspection, we will thoroughly check for any risks, current pest control measures and learn how your business operates. This information will help us to come up with a personalised Pest Management program for your facility.

Using our 24/7 online portal you’ll be able to access, manage and update your Pest Management Program. This includes all compliance documentation, your pest management strategy and inspection reports. You’ll be able to report any new concerns immediately. Our tailored approach makes it easy for you to alert your assigned pest control technician to any new issues and receive accurate advice as quickly as possible.

For up-to-date pest control technology at your fingertips, contact Allstate today.

Choose Allstate for safe and effective cockroach management

At Allstate, we understand how devastating cockroach outbreaks can be in large, busy distribution facilities. We have the experience to help you come up with an effective pest management program to protect your business from cockroaches, allowing you to redirect your time and energy into other important matters.

Since 1986, we have helped businesses in all suburbs of Adelaide with pest control services. Whether you have a small or large facility, our technicians are equipped with the latest in pest control technology to keep all pests out. Available 24/7 for urgent enquiries, we also offer flexible appointment times to minimise disruption to your day to day operations.

Our treatments are non-toxic to people and the environment, and covered by competitive warranties.

Our expert team is ready to help you now

or

8371 1277

Pest Control in Action: How to Manage Pigeon Problems

Pest Control in Action: How to Manage Pigeon Problems

by | Feb 20, 2024 | Pest in Action

Pest Control in Action: How to Manage Pigeon Problems
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Pest Control in Action: How to Manage Pigeon Problems

forktree project tim

If you get a pest outbreak, have you ever wondered how we’ll treat it?

Well wonder no more. Our new series, Pest Control in Action, gives you a glimpse into how we tackle outbreaks of all of your ‘favourite’ (aka most dreaded) pests.

This week, Allstate pest technicians Stephen and Nikolas (Kiki) are tasked with a heavy pigeon infestation at a property. After sitting vacant for 8 months, allowing pigeons to really make themselves at home and leave behind a huge mess.

Kiki recommended installing bird netting and gutter guards to prevent future issues, but first the technicians needed to give the property a deep clean to manage all the droppings, debris and nesting materials left behind by the feathery squatters.

The pigeon control process

  • Diagnosis
    Pigeons have been roosting and nesting throughout the property, leaving behind substantial accumulations of droppings, fouling, and nesting materials in gutters, roof voids, courtyards, and other areas.
  • Vacuum cleaning
    The first major step is to vacuum and extract all the pigeon waste and debris using powerful industrial vacuums with specialised attachments. This rigorous cleaning process targets gutters, roof cavities, solar panels, and even hard-to-reach nooks and crannies where droppings and nests may have built up.
  • High pressure cleaning
    Following the vacuum treatment, the technicians employ high-pressure water jets to thoroughly cleanse and sanitise all affected surfaces like walls, roofs, and courtyards, blasting away any residual staining or grime left behind by the pigeons.
  • Gutter guard and bird netting installation
    With the property now disinfected, focus turns to prevention. Gutter guards are installed to inhibit future nesting in gutters, while bird netting is strategically placed to create physical barriers, denying pigeons access to previous roosts and potential new nesting sites.

The result

What was once a dilapidated eyesore covered in droppings and nests is now a clean, well-maintained premises thanks to Allstate’s diligent efforts. After thoroughly removing all traces of the pigeon infestation, they implemented preventative measures to make the location inhospitable to these winged pests going forward.

Established in 1986, Allstate has grown to become one of the best known and loved pest control providers for Adelaide families and businesses. Our knowledgeable and friendly technicians are available 24/7 to all suburbs of Adelaide. Fully equipped to treat pest outbreaks in residential, commercial and industrial settings, our modern and innovative treatments will ensure that your property is safeguarded from pests for years to come.

For effective and reliable pest control services, contact Allstate today.

Choose Allstate for safe, nontoxic treatments to

protect your home or business from pests today.

or
8371 1277

On the road with Kiki – Episode 51

On the road with Kiki – Episode 51

by | Feb 12, 2024 | Kiki

On the road with Kiki – Episode 51
mao0231

On the road with Kiki – Episode 51

forktree project tim

Welcome back for our latest episode of Out the Road with Kiki. In this series, we follow pest consultant Kristian as he visits homes and businesses across Adelaide that are experiencing pest outbreaks. Today, we have pesky termites on the agenda!

The first client of the day has noticed some active termites in their doorframe, and they’ve even managed to dig out a hole in the wall. As they are small in size, the client mistakes them for nesting termite offspring, but when Kristian takes a look, it’s definitely fully grown active adult termites. He finds that they’re also active in the garage, and recommends treating the problem with a termite baiting system attached directly to the affected wall. As the house is semi-detached, Kristian offers both the client and his neighbour a quote for a combined baiting system package deal to ensure that they are both protected from termites in the long term.

The next client wants a quote for a Sentricon Always Active termite barrier system, which is Allstate’s preferred choice for comprehensive termite protection. While they already have a termite barrier system installed by a competitor, Kristian notes that the stations seem to be located further away from the house compared to Allstate’s preferred approach. This means positioning each station no more than 300mm away from the house, 3m apart to better protect the house. He leaves the client with 2 options: the first is to have the existing stations reactivated with Sentricon as they are, or to reinstall new stations following Allstate’s method.

Finally, it’s time for the last job of the day! The client bought their home about 3-4 months ago, and is looking to safeguard it from termites. They had a termite assessment completed as part of a pre-purchase inspection, which did not show any problems, and Kristian confirms today that they are still termite-free. He measures up and leaves the client a quote for a preventative termite baiting system. And that’s a wrap for another week!

Family-operated and established in 1986, Allstate has now grown to become Adelaide’s largest independent pest control company. Available 24/7 to all suburbs of Adelaide, our technicians can resolve all pest outbreaks in residential, commercial and industrial settings. As a local business, we are always keen to support our local community by working together with other businesses to build a strong future.

For safe and effective pest control services, contact Allstate today.

Choose Allstate for safe, nontoxic treatments to

protect your home or business from pests today.

or
8371 1277