Your guide to Pest Proof Parties in Adelaide

by David Fry | Dec 22, 2021 | Pests

With summer in full swing, it’s always a good time to catch up with family and friends.

Name: Allstate Pest Control
Address: 686 South Road, Glandore, South Australia, 5037, Australia
Telephone: 8371 1277
Rating: 4.9

Unfortunately, along with the sunny weather comes pests. From flies and mosquitoes to ants and spiders, even the smallest critters can spoil the party for you and your guests. So it’s a good idea to prepare your home and yard well in advance just in case pesky creatures make an appearance.

Our Allstate maintenance team understands the importance of cleanliness to preventing pest outbreaks. So that’s why we offer gutter guard cleaning and installation, solar panel cleaning and proofing, pressure washing and roof void cleaning to save you the time and effort.

For more information on how we can help you prepare for your next event, how to deter pests and tips on what types of pests to look out for, take a look through our guide.

Common pests found in Adelaide homes

Learn about the issues caused by an outbreak of flies, mosquitoes, bees and wasps, birds, cockroaches, spiders, ants and rodents

Ways to keep pests away from your home

Preventing pests from entering is the best way to protect your home from an outbreak, and here are our recommendations for what you can do

Property maintenance services

We offer gutter cleaning and installation, pressure washing, roof void cleaning and solar panel cleaning and proofing to help you get ready for your next party

Don’t let uninvited pests spoil your next party

As pest experts, we understand the importance of keeping your home and yard clean to deter pests, which is why we offer property maintenance services

Need urgent pest control?

or

8371 1277

Common pests found in Adelaide homes

Be aware of these pesky creatures that may be small in size, but can spook your party guests and cause big problems inside and outside your home if left unchecked.

Flies

A quintessential part of summer, flies are a notorious seasonal pest. Their unhygienic scavenging and feeding behaviour means that they’ll look for food everywhere – from rubbish bins to your barbecue.

This means they carry a range of germs, which not only spoil your food, but also spread diseases such as salmonella and hepatitis.

Here’s some ways to keep them at bay:

Keep food and bins covered
Wipe up spills immediately
Fit fly screens over windows and doors

Mosquitoes

The tell-tale whining sound of a mosquito’s flapping wings nearby makes most of us act instinctively to swat it away to avoid getting bitten. This makes perfect sense, given that mosquito bites can transmit serious diseases such as Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus, which currently have no cure.

Mosquito bites are itchy, swollen and unattractive looking. They can be even more uncomfortable if you have a mosquito allergy.

Unfortunately, mosquitoes are most active at dawn, dusk and in the evenings, when you’re likely to be hosting your party.

So it’s important to make sure you take steps to protect yourself and your guests, including:

Move the party indoors and close doors and windows without screens
Remove standing water which enables mosquitoes to breed, including buckets, kiddie pools, bird baths and pet water bowls
Use insecticide spray
Use natural repellents such as eucalyptus and citronella oil scented candles
Wear long sleeved clothing and apply insect repellent
Use a fan to blow them away

Bees and Wasps

Bees and wasps become aggressive and can cause painful stings when they feel threatened, especially when defending their hives and nests.

You can find bee hives and wasp nests in tree cavities, wall cavities and sometimes even underground. They tend to be more active throughout the warmer months of the year, from October to December.

Unfortunately, this can be a problem if you’re taking advantage of the sunny weather by holding an outdoor event, so here are some ways to prevent bees and wasps from ruining your plans:

Do not go near a bee hive or wasp nest and call pest control
Remove all sources of food and sugar from your yard, including pet food and fallen fruit
Remove all sources of standing water
Place a cover over sugary drinks
Set up wasp traps

Pest control for the home

With so much of our lives spent at home, it’s essential to keep your house and garden safe from pests. Different kinds of pests prefer different areas of the home and garden, so there’s a chance you’ll be dealing with at least one unwanted guest.

Termites

Ants

Cockroaches

Spiders

Birds

Bed Bugs

Bees & Wasps

Rats & Mice

Possums

Biting Insects

Disinfection Services

Birds

Pigeons and other species of pest birds can cause lots of trouble if you’re entertaining outdoors. They can swoop down in large numbers to scavenge food and scraps that are left out in the open, often becoming aggressive and noisy.

Pest birds leave messy, slippery droppings everywhere, causing a safety hazard and leading to the spread of germs and diseases. This results in contaminated food, damaged buildings and ruined gardens.

The best way to prevent them from wreaking havoc at your next party is look for signs of a potential outbreak, as it can take some time to prevente them completely. The most obvious clue will be that you’re noticing more droppings than usual.

To fix a pest bird problem, it’s best to:

Remove all potential food and water sources that they have access to
Clean the area where they roost as best as you can
If the problem persists, call Allstate Pest Control

Cockroaches

The sight of a cockroach may be enough to cause guests to leave early at your next party. If you see one, there’s usually many more hiding away. Their unhealthy nesting and feeding habits make them more likely to spread germs and diseases everywhere they crawl. This can cause gastroenteritis and diarrhoea. They can also damage you and your guests’ belongings as their teeth are strong enough to chew through leather, and fabric items such as furniture and clothing.

Cockroaches are more active at night, so if you’re planning an evening event, be sure to avoid a cockroach problem with these tips:

Inspect and repair damaged drains and pipes, check for leaking taps and damp areas as cockroaches thrive in moisture
Check inside cupboards and shelves
Practice good hand hygiene
Keep food preparation and entertaining areas clean
Keep food covered

Spiders

Messy spider webs are best reserved for Halloween parties only. Seeing a spider crawling along the wall may trigger anxiety in guests with arachnophobia. Although most spider bites are harmless, they still strike fear in many people.

They’re very good at hiding, but you definitely don’t want them to make an appearance at your next party.

Here are some ways to reduce the chances of a spider problem:

Regularly check dark, isolated areas for spiders and cobwebs
Check drains, pipes and toilets
Remove piles of debris, wood and leaf litter in your garden
Clean frequently indoors and outdoors
Remove insects which attract spiders
Trim trees, plants and foliage to reduce access

Ants

With food and drinks being left out in the open at your party, ants become enticed to march over to claim their share, leading to food contamination. Because of their tendency to scavenge in unhygienic places, such as garbage bins and toilets, ants are exposed to germs such as salmonella and e.coli, so they can easily spread diseases. Furthermore, their bites can sting, cause skin swelling and trigger allergies in some of your guests.

To avoid an army of ants showing up at your next gathering, you can consider taking the following measures:

Cover and store food and drinks properly
Fill entry points, including cracks and crevices
Ensure food preparation areas are clean
Wipe away spills quickly
Fix leaking pipes as ants are attracted to moisture

Rodents

Having rats and mice scurrying around is a sure fire way to clear out a party quickly. Their droppings and fur contain germs, which contaminate surfaces and food. They can damage buildings and electrical wiring through gnawing with their constantly growing teeth.

Here’s some ways to stop rodents from causing chaos at your next get-together:

Keep your home, garage, attic and yard tidy
Identify and seal possible entry points
Ensure food is stored away properly

Concerned about a pest outbreak? Speak to an expert today

or

8371 1277

Ways to keep pests away from your party

The best way to stop a pest outbreak is to prevent them from entering in the first place.

Here are some of the recommendations we make to our clients to help them stay pest free.

Regularly clean your home

Mopping, vacuuming, dusting and washing bed linen, mats and pet bedding are important chores to remove pests and potential sources of food. Keeping storage areas clutter free (including your garage, attic and basement) reduces the number of hiding spots for pests.

Grow plants which deter insects

Citronella, mint, lemongrass, basil, lavender and rosemary are thought to discourage insects from coming into your home. However be aware that some of these may be poisonous for pets.

Keep your yard and garden tidy

Make your outdoor areas less inviting for pests by properly disposing fallen fruit, pet waste, and piles of leaf litter, debris, wood and vegetation. Mow lawns, trim and prune branches, hedges, excess foliage and vegetation to reduce pest access.

Proper food storage and handling

Wash and sanitise your hands before and after handling food, wipe food preparation areas before and after use, ensure utensils and cutlery are clean, dispose of food scraps immediately and store food, including pet food, in sealed containers.

Regularly check for entry points and seal them off

Identify and block access points inside, and to kitchen cupboards. Also consider sealing holes and cracks around pipes. You can fill wall crevices, cracks and holes with silicone.

Install screens over windows and doors, chimneys, vents and water tank openings. Door seals can be fitted to the bottom of doors.

Practice proper waste disposal and storage

Dispose of waste regularly, ensure bins have tight fitting lids, avoid open compost heaps and seal your compost bin.

Remove or cover sources of standing water

Kiddie pools, pet bowls, bird baths, under flower pots and watering cans contain varying amounts of stagnant water, which attracts insects. You can also cover buckets, water tanks and wheelbarrows. Fill any holes in the yard with soil to avoid pooling water.

Use diatomaceous earth, chalk and powdery substances

Sprinkling finely ground matter effectively deters insects such as ants and spiders when applied in hard to reach areas inside the home and around the perimeter of the building. This includes entrances, in between pavers, on lawns and around the edge of the garden.

Property maintenance services

To save you time, Allstate can help you prepare for your next event with our property maintenance services. As pest control is our specialty, we’ll also be able let you know if we identify risks and signs of pest problems. We can work around your schedule, and aim to cause as minimal disruption as possible.

Gutter cleaning and gutter guard installation

A buildup of pest droppings, debris and leaves in your gutters can lead to rusting and water damage to your home, and cleaning them out yourself just adds another chore to the to-do list. If you’re not so keen on overflowing gutters splashing water all over your guests, then Allstate Pest Control offers a gutter cleaning service. We use an environmentally friendly disinfectant to sanitise and refresh your gutters.

For further protection to prevent them from accumulating unwanted debris in the future, we also recommend considering a gutter guard installation.

Roof void cleaning

Noisy rodents and pest birds can attract more pests including spiders, and leave behind a mess in roof voids. Using a specialised vacuum, our maintenance team can clear out your space fast and if necessary, apply disinfectants to keep it clean and pest-free.

Pressure washing

Whether it’s due to rain, dust, UV, mould, rust or pest droppings, outside surfaces can become worn and tired-looking over time. To avoid permanent damage, and rejuvenate the look of your roof, building exterior, footpaths, pavements and driveways, consider using Allstate’s pressure washing service. Impress your guests with a fast and effective wash that also removes unwanted pests.

Solar panel cleaning and proofing

Wear and tear, as well as dirt, grime and bird droppings can cause solar panels to work less effectively. Pest birds also like to nest underneath solar panels, and leave behind a mess which can cause damage to the panels and wiring. Our pest control technicians and maintenance team will work together to remove pest birds, clean the panels and surrounding area, then install a protective wire mesh to prevent the birds from returning and causing further damage.

Needing home maintenance services before your next event? We can help you today.

8371 1277

Don’t let uninvited pests spoil your next party

Heading into warm weather, it’s no surprise that entertaining guests would be at the front of your mind. However, it takes time and effort to prepare your house and yard after a long, cold winter. If you’re needing some help, Allstate offers a range of services to assist you with getting your place tidy and keeping pest free well into the party season.

We offer payment plans for our pest control services where required, and our maintenance service products are environmentally friendly and non-toxic for people and pets. We understand that your time is valuable so we’re happy to work around your schedule.

If you need maintenance services and a team with expertise to address your pest concerns and also pre-empt potential problems, we can assist.

Allstate exterminates pest compliance headaches with PestSENSE Digital Pest Register

by David Fry | Aug 4, 2021 | news

Introducing… PestSENSE by Allstate Pest Control

Allstate has always been at the forefront of commercial pest control, but their latest innovation will positively impact businesses of all sizes.

Their new PestSENSE Digital Pest Register will allow businesses to do away with their paper registers and streamline their entire pest compliance process.

The innovation gives businesses of all sizes their own online portal to handle everything related to pest sightings, records, compliance and audits, and it can be accessed by any staff member with the scan of a QR code.

Allstate CEO Vasili Tsoutouras says he is excited about how much easier PestSENSE will make compliance for their customers. “One of the big challenges for a pest control company is ensuring customers have the most up to date information available in their pest register,” Vasili explains.

“For our customers, maintaining a paper pest register is one more thing on a long to do list. Come audit time they’re calling us scrambling to get everything together, and losing even more valuable time in their day. PestSENSE will help them prevente those issues once and for all, while having the peace of mind that they are compliant 24/7.”

This new technology has a range of benefits for quality assurance managers, site managers, and the business as a whole, including:

Keeping all compliance information up to date and in the one place
Automatic updates to service report and sitemap data
Enabling all staff to report pest sightings by scanning the QR code
Having all information on hand for third party audits
Improved hygiene and security by moving all information online

Allstate has been innovating in the pest control industry since the company’s inception in 1986. Vasili explains that this focus came about due to their emphasis on their customers.

“Ever since my dad founded Allstate in the 80s, we have been about offering the safest, most effective and most compliant services possible” Vasili says. “Innovation has enabled us to live up to these standards and meet the targets that we set ourselves. Whenever we see an opportunity for technology to solve our customers’ problems, we jump on it straight away.”

Read more about the PestSENSE digital register here.

Your Guide to Spider Control in Adelaide

by David Fry | Jun 30, 2021 | Blog, Spider

YOUR GUIDE TO SPIDER CONTROL IN ADELAIDE

From the Redback and Funnel Web to the hairy Huntsman, Australia is home to an estimated 10,000 species of spiders. You’ll most definitely have come across them crawling around your home or business at some point.

They can be a nuisance by weaving sticky, messy cobwebs wherever they please, and aren’t afraid to bite if they feel threatened. Females can lay hundreds of eggs all at once, so it doesn’t take long for an outbreak to happen.

For those who are afraid of spiders, this can be a real worry, but luckily, Allstate Pest Control can help.

If you suspect that you have a spider problem, continue reading to find out about the most common types of spiders that could be responsible, the problems they cause and how to prevent and treat an outbreak.

What questions will this article answer?

Types of spiders

Identifying the species of spider causing an outbreak can be helpful as some spiders are more venomous than others.

Problems caused by spiders

Here’s some issues that these pesky creatures can cause indoors and outdoors

Signs of a spider infestation

How to tell if spiders have decided to settle in your building or yard.

How to prevent spider outbreaks

Learn about how to stop spiders from being attracted inside and entering buildings.

Spider outbreaks in businesses

Spiders can cause various problems in warehouse and distribution facilities, as well as hotel and accommodation facilities, and put your business reputation at risk.

How to control a spider outbreak

There are chemical and natural treatments as well as repellents that are effective against spiders.

Professional spider elimination

Our approach involves an initial assessment and inspection of the problem, treatment and follow up so that you are protected from another outbreak in the long term.

Why choose Allstate?

Our experienced pest control technicians are fully equipped and available 24/7, to all suburbs of Adelaide, to help with any spider concerns. Our treatments come with a comprehensive warranty and the chemicals we use are safe towards children, pets and the environment.

Types of spiders

Although there are many different species of spiders, bites from some common household spiders are more venomous than others. Even though most bites are unlikely to make you very sick, it’s still helpful to know which spiders to avoid, and where they prefer to live. Let’s get to know some of them:

White-tail spider (also known as white tip spiders)

1.2-1.8 cm, dark reddish grey colour with white tip
Not considered venomous to humans but cause a painful, itchy bite
They tend to live under rocks and leaf litter in the garden

Black house spider

Venomous
1-1.5cm length, grey abdomen, dark brown to black legs
Cobwebs look like untidy lacy sheets with a funnel-like entrance
Prefer tree trunks, logs, rocks, walls and buildings – especially window frames and crevices
Look for them in dark corners of windows, sheds, verandas, and fences

Brown house spider (cupboard spider)

Up to 1.2cm length, yellow-brown body with faint markings, pale grey-brown abdomen with short hairs
Spin sheet-like cobwebs
Find them in buildings, walls and sheds

Redback spider

Venomous – seek medical attention immediately if bitten
Up to 15mm long, has a distinctive orange-red stripe on its abdomen
Commonly found in dark, dry areas – particularly under logs or rocks in the bush, roof eaves, floorboards, shelves, flower pots and garden sheds

Funnel web spider

Venomous – seek medical attention immediately if bitten
Up to 35mm long, black or brown, with glossy and segmented looking legs
Prefer moist, cool, sheltered habitats outside – under rocks, in rotting logs, crevices, timber rot and borer holes in trees
Can survive up to 2 days in a swimming pool

Daddy long legs

Brown, 7-9mm, characterised by long, thin legs
Live in houses, garages, sheds
Have spindly, flimsy webs that often go unnoticed

Huntsman

Venomous but not fatal
Can be > 160mm in size, brown, furry looking with long legs which range from 6-20cm long
Live in tree trunks and walls, under bark or stones. Also check for them in between the hairline cracks of sandstone and granite outcrops

Problems caused by spiders

Here are some reasons why you will want to avoid a spider outbreak:

Spider bites and venom

When you disturb a spider, they react by biting and injecting venom. In most cases, the venom is not toxic and doesn’t cause severe illness.

Most bites don’t show symptoms.
Some bites cause pain, followed by minor swelling and redness around the area of the bite, lasting up to a few days. You can use an ice pack for temporary relief.
Bites from funnel web, redback and mouse spiders require immediate medical attention.

Cobwebs are messy

Cobwebs are unsightly and make your home or workplace look untidy. The strands accumulate over time to become tough, and become harder to clear away.

Cobwebs are unhygienic

The fine, sticky strands collect insects, pollen and dust which can trigger allergies within an enclosed area.

Outbreaks can happen quickly

Female spiders can lay hundreds of eggs at once, so a small problem can quickly escalate if you don’t act fast.

They can trigger anxiety in some people

It’s estimated that around 5% of the population has arachnophobia, otherwise known as a fear of spiders

They can attract other pests to use the same entry point

Spiders are drawn towards shelter and food sources, such as other insects that may have already entered the building through the same entry point.
This can encourage even more pests inside, so check that you don’t have outbreaks of other pests and creepy crawlies too.

If you’ve noticed any of these telling signs of a spider outbreak, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Adelaide spider control team.

Get help from our spider experts now

or

8371 1277

Signs of a spider infestation

Most spiders are small in size, but this just means that they can hide better. Once you know what to look for, you will probably realise just how many spiders are hiding around your home. Here are some signs:

Spider webs

These come in all different shapes and sizes, depending on the species of spider. In severe infestations you’ll see extensive networks in less frequently used areas.

Spider burrows in the front or backyard

Wolf spiders are commonly found living in burrows or leaf litter in lawns and gardens.

Spiders living in gaps and cracks

Spiders can easily crawl into small spaces so be sure not to overlook these places as hiding spots.

Spiders settled in moist environments

Some spiders that live in drains, drainage pipes and toilets don’t leave cobwebs. They survive in walls, basements, sheds, attics, at the intersection between the wall and ceiling, closets and storage boxes.

Check where there are lots of insects

If you frequently see ants, woodlice and flies around your home, this is sure to attract hungry spiders.

Spider egg sacs

This is a sign that there are more spiders around. These can carry hundreds of eggs, and are sometimes seen fixed to a surface indoors or hidden within a web.

Look in dark, isolated areas, in your home and garden

Look for cobwebs and other insects in the area as well.

Look for spiders in autumn

This is the season where they leave their hiding spot to look for a mate.

How to prevent spider outbreaks

The best way to control a spider infestation is to prevent them from entering the building in the first place, as well as removing their food sources. We have some tips to help you keep spiders at bay:

Clean frequently

Inside and outside the building
Don’t forget the walls, ceilings and windows
Wash, vacuum, wipe, dust and sweep to remove insects that attract the spiders, spider eggs and webs

Reduce clutter

Keeping your spaces clear offers spiders less hiding places

Regular garden and yard maintenance

Trim tree branches, foliage, vines and shrubs that hang close to the building to reduce access
Clear plant pots
Move firewood and construction materials away from the building
Dispose of piles of vegetation into the organic waste bin

Secure rubbish bins properly and move them away from the building

Flies are attracted to rubbish, which in turn attracts spiders

Thoroughly clean window frames and screens

The corners are especially a popular hiding spot for spiders

Install insect repelling night light bulbs outside

Less insects attracts less spiders

Use draught excluders

These will seal off gaps for spiders to easily crawl through like open windows without a screen, or under doors

Switch off unnecessary lighting

Lights attract insects, which are food for spiders

Inspect items that have been sitting outside or on the floor before using them

This includes furniture, pots and laundry
Gives clothes that have been left on the floor a shake before wearing them

Spider outbreaks in businesses

Having a colony of spiders crawling around your business is not only distracting and distressing for employees, clients, and customers, but also risks their safety.

You also don’t want to be left cleaning up the mess made by their unsightly cobwebs on your stock, supplies and equipment.

Warehouses and distribution facilities

Spiders can easily find many dark places to hide within a large facility, and spider infestation can be dangerous when operating heavy machinery.

Hotels, hostels and accommodation facilities

Spiders crawling around a room gives guests an unwanted surprise, and cobwebs will have them questioning the cleanliness. As a result they will be likely to cut their stay short, leave poor reviews and be reluctant to return.

How to control a spider outbreak

If you’ve been seeing lots of spiders around the place, there are a couple of options available to help you to remove them without having to call a professional pest controller:

Spider sprays

Commercially available aerosol sprays can leave a residue, but are easy to use and very effective. They do however contain a chemical called pyrethoid.

Spider traps

A glue board spider trap is a tray coated in a sticky substance to trap unwanted spiders. It is a nontoxic alternative to sprays, more effective in mild infestations and can be placed along walls and in corners where spiders are lurking.

Catch and release

Use a glass jar to safely trap the spider and then take it outside to release.

Natural spider repellents

Sprays can be applied directly onto spiders, and can be prepared with different ingredients such as:

Vinegar: mix of equal parts of white vinegar and water
Peppermint oil or eucalyptus oil: mix about 20 drops with water

Diatomaceous earth

This can be sprinkled in hard to reach areas inside the home and around the perimeter of the building to stop spiders from crawling inside.

Professional spider extermination

Larger spider outbreaks can leave you feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. Fortunately, our technicians at Allstate are equipped and ready to help. Our removal method involves 4 steps:

Inspection

Our spider removal team will begin by thoroughly inspecting the spider problem in your home or business so that we can come up with a specific plan to treat it.

Spider removal and treatment

You can have peace of mind that we only use chemicals that are approved for use by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.

Depending on your situation, we may use a combination of:

Spider control dust, which is applied to voids in the affected areas
Spider control insecticide, which is applied to treated zones at the perimeters of the building

You will need to leave enough time for the treatments to dry before re-entering the treated areas.

Follow-up treatment

Sometimes more severe outbreaks can be difficult to treat in one visit, so we will review and replenish the treatment as needed.

You receive a report

We will give you a written report so you can understand how we treated the outbreak and future spider prevention tips.

Available for emergencies

For advice and urgent problems, contact us through the chat box on the bottom right at any time.

Why choose Allstate?

Whether you’re at home or running a business, we are aware of how unpredictable and disruptive a spider outbreak of can be. That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to reach out to us for Adelaide spider control.

Available 24/7, all suburbs in Adelaide
Send us a message via our chat box on the bottom right of this page.

We respond to your emergencies
A small spider problem can quickly escalate, so out team is always ready for urgent call outs.

100% money back guarantee
We are confident that our spider removal techniques will work successfully at your home or business.

Interest-free payment plans
To ensure that you can access our services quickly to get on top of an outbreak.

Targeted, effective solutions with follow ups
Our team takes the time to understand the problem, perform a thorough inspection, apply treatment and take steps to actively prevent it from happening again.

Non-toxic treatments
We only use chemicals that are child, pet and environmentally safe.

We work around your schedule
To minimise disruption to your home and business.

Our expert team is ready to help you now

or

8371 1277

Your Go-to Guide for Bed Bug Control in Adelaide | Clean Bed Bug Infested Hotels, Healthcare Facilities and Apartment Buildings

by David Fry | May 13, 2021 | Bed Bug, Blog

YOUR GUIDE TO BED BUG CONTROL IN ADELAIDE
BED BUG INFESTATIONS ADELAIDE

Over the past 10 years, the number of Adelaide bedbug infestations has been on the rise. They’ve become a menace in homes, hotels and hostels alike, and it’s not hard to see why. For expert pest control services, contact Allstate Pest Control Thebarton.

Bed bugs feast on blood while you’re fast asleep, and their bites can cause allergies. Squished bugs and droppings will stain your linen, and they certainly get in the way of a good night’s sleep.

They’re good at avoiding detection and pesticide control, but that’s not all. Bed bugs breed quickly, and hitch-hike on clothes and luggage to spread all over Adelaide and beyond.

If you’re concerned that you have bed bugs, this guide will help you identify an outbreak, the problems caused by bed bugs, and how to prevent and control them.[bed-bug-infestations]

What questions will this article answer?

What are bed bugs?

Learn more about this serial pest that causes the most trouble while you’re sleeping.

Signs of a bed bug infestation

What to look out for if you suspect that you have an outbreak.

Problems caused by a bed bug outbreak

Here are some of the issues that an infestation can bring.

Problems caused by bed bugs in accommodation and health care facilities

Bed bugs can spread fast in hotels, hostels, clinics and aged care facilities. Their bites leave visitors feeling uncomfortable, unable to sleep, and unwilling to return. This can also lead to costly fines for non-compliance with health and safety regulations.

How to prevent a bed bug outbreak

Ways to avoid an invasion of these pesky creatures.

Bed bug treatment

Managing an outbreak can require time and repeated attempts due to the bed bugs’ ability to hide.

Allstate bed bug control

We have a 3-month guaranteed warranty on our treatments, where our team will inspect, control, follow-up and prevent further outbreaks. Don’t wait until the problem gets out of control and let us help you.

Why choose Allstate

Contact our team any time for 24/7 emergency service, to any suburb in Adelaide, for all of your bed bug concerns. Our treatments come with a 3 month warranty and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, as well as affordable payment plans. We use products that are safe for children, pets and the environment.

What are bed bugs?

The most likely types of bed bugs you’ll encounter in Australia are the Common Bed Bug (Cimex Lectularius, C. lectularius) and the Tropical Bed Bug (Cimex hemipterus, C. hemipterus). Here’s some facts that will help you to understand why they are such a nuisance:

They are physically built to hide in narrow spaces in bed mattresses and ensembles

Flat oval shaped body
Grow to 1-5mm in size (fully grown adults are the size of an apple seed)
Rusty brown coloured

They feed on blood

They usually do this every 5-10 days, but can survive for up to 6 months without a blood meal.

They have evolved to feed without being detected

They have 2 mouth tubes:

One to pierce the skin to draw blood
Another to inject an anaesthetic and an anticoagulant so that they can draw as much blood as possible without you noticing

They like living in beds

Because bed bugs are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide, and tend to feed at night while you’re asleep, you are their preferred host. Apartment complexes, cruise ships, aged care facilities and hospitals can be a haven for exploding bed bug populations.

Signs you have an infestation of bed bugs

Bed bug outbreaks are becoming increasingly common in Adelaide, so it’s helpful to be able to recognise the clues that suggest it’s happening in your home or hotel room:

Bite marks on your skin

Bed bugs’ characteristic feeding pattern will leave the “breakfast, lunch and dinner” sign: a row of red bite marks on your skin, or blood stains on your sheets, they love the blood of humans. These can appear straight away or take up to 14 days to develop. They may trigger allergies such as blisters, rashes and hives, causing swelling, redness and itching.

In some cases you may have no reaction, or a delayed reaction and a mark on your skin.

Bite marks on your skin

In some cases you may have no reaction, or a delayed reaction and a mark on your skin.

Bites on cats and dogs

Pets are not immune to bed bugs in a heavy infestation.

Dark Spots : dark brown or red marks

These are caused by bed bug droppings and by blood leaking from squashed bugs. Check for these on your upholstery, bed linen, mattresses, and walls.

Eggs and egg cases

These won’t be such an obvious sign. They are usually 1mm in size and require a magnifying glass to see them properly.

Bed bug cast skins

As bed bugs mature and grow larger, they shed an outer skin which is pale yellow coloured.

Sickly sweet or musty smell

This is a sign of a heavy infestation.

Common Hiding Spots : Have a peek at their favourite haunts

You won’t need to look far to find bed bugs as they only move short distances to feed. You can check the following places:

Mattresses: peel back stitched edges with folds as bed bugs conceal themselves there
Mattress Seams
Bed frames and slats, crevices of beds (check for bedbug excrement)
Bedside furniture
Picture frames, cracks in plaster
Behind wallpaper, crevices of walls, inside electrical outlets
Carpet edges, behind skirting boards, between wooden floorboards
In cracks and crevices

If you see them in the daytime

This means that the infestation is severe and they are very hungry.

If you suspect that you may have a bed bug issue, or you need some advice about how to treat it, contact one of our friendly Adelaide bed bug exterminators today.

Problems caused by an Adelaide bed bug outbreak

A few bed bugs can quickly become a large colony, with females laying up to 2-3 eggs a day, which take 5-10 days to hatch. It doesn’t take long for the situation to get out of control. Here are some of the issues that can come about from an infestation:

Sleep deprivation and stress

Once you’ve been bitten by bed bugs, it’s common to experience insomnia due to the fear of falling asleep and getting bitten again. This can lead to physical and mental fatigue over a long period of time.

Damage to belongings

Bed bug droppings, blood from squashed bugs and shed skin can stain furniture, bedding, flooring, curtains and linen.

Anaemia

In repeated bites in children.

Allergies

You can experience allergic reactions to their droppings and shedding, or the chemicals in their bites.

Infected bites

Continuous scratching at bed bug bites can result in secondary infections.

Ongoing infestations

As their eggs are deposited in hard to reach places, this makes treating the outbreak more challenging. The eggs will eventually hatch and produce more bed bugs, which in turn will keep laying more eggs, continuing the cycle.

Spreading to other places

Bed bugs “hitch a ride” and latch on to clothes, luggage, linen, and other materials, initiating an outbreak in a separate location. They then multiply very quickly – females can lay hundreds of eggs over their lifetime.

Bed bugs in accommodation and health care facilities

Bed bugs spell trouble within the accommodation, hospitality and health care industries. Their ability to spread and breed quickly means these businesses have to be especially vigilant in preventing and treating infestations.

A bed bug infestation can damage your reputation overnight. What’s more, you could receive hefty fines for breaching health and safety standards, and have to undergo a costly replacement of furniture and linen. A health care provider has the most to lose from a bedbug infestation.

Hotels, hostels and other accommodation facilities

With high foot traffic and new guest arrivals every day, it only takes one unknowingly infested traveller to create a bed bug infestation throughout the entire premises.

Read more about commercial bed bug control and pest control in accommodation businesses.

Hospitals and aged care facilities

The presence of bed bugs puts people with pre-existing medical issues and compromised immune systems at risk of further health complications.

Read more about bed bug control in aged care.

Our expert team is ready to help you now

or

8371 1277

How to prevent a bed bug outbreak

Here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of having these pesky creatures roaming around at night:

Avoid visiting infested areas or properties
Seal your mattress and pillow with a bed bug prevention case, check the seams of mattresses before you do
Avoid storing luggage under the bed, check any crevices in beds
Remove clutter and vacuum the floors frequently
Keep work or school belongings away from bedrooms
Don’t allow guests to use their own bed linen
Be wary of second hand furniture: inspect it carefully first before bringing it back with you

When staying at an accommodation facility

Check the room thoroughly for evidence of bed bugs, including the mattress, headboard and luggage rack
Keep your suitcase on a luggage rack away from the mattress and off the floor
Don’t leave an open suitcase lying around
When you return home, inspect your luggage before bringing it indoors, and wash your clothes immediately with hot water (above 60°C), or dry them at high temperature (using the hot setting for over 30 minutes)

DIY bed bug control

To control an Adelaide bed bug infestation, you will need to do more than apply conventional insect repellent. You will need to target all infestation sites and possible hiding spots with specialised bed bug treatment. The trouble is, bed bugs usually lay their eggs in places that are difficult to find and access. Here are some ways to gain the upper hand against an infestation:

Apply bed bug killer powder

There are several products which are commercially available through hardware stores.

Vacuum and maintain good hygiene

This is helpful to remove dust, debris and dead bugs before starting treatment, to make it easier for the chemical control to penetrate and be effective
Vacuum behind and under beds, paying attention to the corners of the room, near furniture and around fixtures
Immediately after cleaning, place the vacuum bag in a sealed bag, then incinerate or discard it appropriately
Don’t use appliances with stiff brushes as this may unintentionally spread the eggs

Physical removal

Adhesive tape can be used to trap a few insects.

Heat

This is useful on bedding and sheets
You can prevente bed bugs instantly if you apply heat above 60°C, and within 1 hour when exposed to temperatures above 45°C
Take care to not apply slow and gradual heating, as this causes them to migrate away from the heat source and infest another area

Steam

This is effective at getting rid of bed bugs in all stages of its life cycle
Steam can be used on all soft and hard surfaces, especially along seams and in small crevices

Freezing

Rapidly freezing infested textiles and fabrics can successfully remove bed bugs. Place them in the freezer for 10 hours per 2.5kg of dry linen weight.

Seal cracks and crevices

Use gap filler to plug small hiding places for bed bugs.

Professional bed bug control

In most cases, you will need professional help to exterminate bed bugs in Adelaide. This is especially important for any commercial facilities.

This will ensure you’re removing both the bed bugs and their eggs, as chemical sprays alone are ineffective on the eggs.

At Allstate Pest Control Adelaide, we are equipped to deal with the complexities of treating a bed bug outbreak.

We provide a comprehensive 5-stage treatment and prevention plan, which carries a 3-month warranty:

Pre-treatment inspection

A pest control technician will conduct a thorough assessment of the affected rooms, adjacent rooms, and all possible hiding places, to come up with a plan to treat the problem. We want to ensure that the treatment is successful the first time, so that bed bugs don’t build a resistance to the pesticides.

Control

Our licensed technicians are careful to only use pesticides that are permitted for use by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, and we are aware that some cannot be applied to mattresses. We normally use a combination of the following ywo treatment methods:

Bed bug powder/dust

This is helpful for penetrating voids and cracks. It is less effective in areas where they can be dispersed by foot traffic and vacuuming.

Spray

This forms a residue that can remove bed bugs from mattresses, cracks and crevices in furniture and flooring. This method is not effective on eggs.

We apply the spray is applied accurately and directly. Otherwise, there is a good chance any bed bugs that are not prevented properly will release pheromones to warn others away, so they will disperse to other areas of the building.

Follow up

We allow 1-2 weeks for bed bug eggs to finally hatch before we return to re-apply more pesticide.

Prevention

Once your outbreak is under control, we use mattress protectors to protect your bed from future outbreaks.

We report back to you

Once the treatment has been completed, our technicians will send you a report with recommendations and feedback so you can refer back to it at any time.

Why choose Allstate?

We understand the stress and overwhelm that a bed bug outbreak can cause, so our team of expert bed bug removalists is ready to help you any time.

Emergency call outs
For all urgent problems or advice, we’re here for you.

Trusted pest control services throughout Adelaide
Contact us through the chat button at the bottom right.

100% guarantee money back guarantee
If you’re not satisfied with any of our pest control services, we will provide corrective service for no extra charge – or refund you if you are still not happy after 30 days.

Interest-free payment plans
So that you don’t have to delay your bed bug extermination.

Targeted, effective solutions with follow ups
We’ll take the time to inspect your outbreak, apply treatment and ensure that you’re permanently protected from another one.

Non-toxic treatments
Rest assured that the chemicals used are child, pet and environmentally safe.

We work around you
To minimise disruption to your family or your business operations.

Speak to an Adelaide bed bug expert today

or

8371 1277

What you need to know about Ant Control in Adelaide

by David Fry | May 13, 2021 | Ants, Blog

YOUR GUIDE TO ANT CONTROL IN ADELAIDE

When the ants go marching, it’s hardly a “hurrah” for many us who are home and business owners.

Ants have good reason to be a dreaded pest in Adelaide, and it’s not just their painful bites. Like other creepy crawlies, they forage in unsanitary areas and encounter all sorts of nasty germs. They then introduce them to clean food and places, leading to contamination and illness. Ants also damage buildings and electrical wiring.

If you’re experiencing an ant problem, this guide has tips on identifying the signs of an outbreak, which species of ant is responsible and how to prevent and remove them. For professional help, contact Allstate Pest Control Glenside.

What questions will this article answer?

Signs of an Ant Outbreak

What to look for when you’re trying to figure out if you have an ant problem on your hands.

Problems caused by an ant infestation

Don’t be fooled by their small size. Ants can cause more issues that you’d think, and here are some of them.

Ant species

Knowing the type of ant that is responsible for your infestation can make treatment much easier.

Ant problems in businesses and health care facilities

Ants cause damage to buildings, stock and supplies. They also spread germs, making them particularly unsafe for places with people in fragile health. In Adelaide, an ant infestation can also lead to fines for failing to comply to health and safety standards.

How to prevent an ant outbreak

We offer some tips on how to deter ants from your home or business before they cause a big issue.

Ways to treat an ant problem

There are many commercially available solutions as well as homemade treatments that you can consider to control an outbreak.

Professional ant removal

If you need the help of professionals, choose those with a targeted and effective approach. It should involve removing the ants at their source, and follow up treatments for long-term protection.

Working with Allstate Pest Control Adelaide

We understand how overwhelming an ant outbreak can be, that’s why we are available 24/7 for emergencies. Our experienced technicians are fully equipped to manage your ant problems in a manner that is safe to your children, pets and the environment. We offer affordable payment plans and a guarantee on our work to ensure that you get the best service when you need it.

Signs of an ant outbreak

Ants are generally discreet and don’t make noise or leave an obvious mess, especially when compared to other pests. However, you will get the following hints that they have set up a nest nearby:

Frequent ant sightings

They tend to move around in large groups along defined trails, travelling between food sources and their nest; this makes them quite easy to spot

Disturbed soil or dirt

Small mounds of soil or dirt with a central opening indicate an entrance to ant nest, or that a nest is nearby
Fire ants have nest mounds which can be up to 40cm high

Wood shavings (frass)

When carpenter ants carve space for their colony within wood, they leave behind discarded wood shavings, debris and other dead insects

Termite

Termites are not ants, but they are called white ants, and there is a reason for that. White ants have several characteristics in common with ants: they are not winged, live together in colonies and go on raids together. But termites are not ants at all; they have evolved separately.

Control

Problems caused by ants

Despite being small, ants come in large numbers and work well together to create big problems. Ant problems include:

They contaminate food

Although ants themselves aren’t known to carry diseases, they come across many germs, including viruses, parasites, fungi and bacteria, as they forage through rubbish, toilets and dog droppings. So, if they come into contact with your food, it’s best not to risk eating it.

Ants spread disease

Ants scavenge in rotting waste contaminated with germs, such as salmonella, streptococcus, staphylococcus and e.coli. They are then able to spread this bacteria by roaming around to other places. This can lead to illnesses such as diarrhoea and food poisoning.

Ant bites sting and cause allergies

The sharp sting of an ant bite is due to the secretion of formic acid. In some people, this chemical can trigger an allergic reaction, forming red bumps or an uncomfortable rash on the skin at best, and anaphylaxis at worst. Fire ant stings have been known to cause significant swelling.

They attract more ants

Ants communicate to each other through pheromones, so they leave trails of chemical markers for other ants to follow. That’s how a small cluster of ants can quickly turn into an army.

They damage buildings

Carpenter ants make nests inside wooden structures by tunnelling into beams, wall cavities, window and floor panels and floorboards.

They can also introduce moisture and soil from outside to inside your walls, resulting in corrosion over time.

Ants can damage electrical wiring

Ants crawl into electric sockets and chew through wiring, causing it to short circuit and potentially spark a fire.

They damage electrical wiring in vehicles

Ants are attracted to dead insects in your radiator grill, scraps and drink packaging, or spills inside your car. They won’t just stop there. Ants will also chew the electric wiring and relay components, which leads to costly repairs.

Fire ants ruin vegetable crops

Fire ants are known to feed on vegetables like red potatoes and okra, as well as corn, watermelon and cucumber seedlings.

If you’re experiencing any of these ant problems, reach out to our ant extermination team any time for advice.

Get help from an ant control expert today

8371 1277

Pests

Ants

Once you are aware that you have an outbreak, it’s handy to know which species of ant is causing it. Having this knowledge makes it easier to figure out an effective management plan. These are the most common species of pest ants in Australia and Adelaide:

Black House Ant

Shiny and black, workers are 2.5mm to 3mm long
Scavenges in kitchens, garbage and dog droppings

Fire Ant

Coppery-brown head and body, darker abdomen, 2mm to 6mm long
Forages on dead animals, vertebrates, insects, earthworms, as well as vegetables, sweets, protein and fat
Collects insect honeydew

Ghost Ant

Pale and translucent legs and abdomen, 16mm long
Feeds on sweets, grease, insects producing honeydew
Nest underneath objects lying on the ground, loose tree bark, in small spaces, roof cavities, flowerpots
Attracted to high moisture areas such as kitchen and bathroom cabinets
One colony can occupy multiple nesting sites

Odorous House Ant

Brown or black, 1.5mm to 3mm long
Gives off a coconut smell when crushed
Feeds on most household leftovers, especially sweets and melon, and pet food
Drawn to high moisture areas such as the kitchen, laundry and bathroom

Pharaoh’s Ant

Workers are yellow-brown with a brown abdomen, 1.5mm to 2mm long
Some have wings
Enjoys high protein edibles including meat, fats, dead insects and blood
Prefers humid conditions
Found in hard to reach spaces in heated buildings, including hospitals
Leaves well-defined trails connected with heating systems

Black House Ant

Fire Ant

Ghost Ant

Odorous House Ant

Pharaoh’s Ant

Several Pharaoh ants bringing food back to colony

INSPECTION

Ant problems in Adelaide businesses and health care facilities

Ants cause problems in even the cleanest of Adelaide businesses and facilities. Why? Ants are usually busy looking for supplies, water and shelter, so you’ll just as likely find them wandering around your sanitary areas as you are to find them in waste areas. This means that ants are spreading all the disease-causing germs they have collected into your clean environment. Once ants contaminate your meals and stock, they put your customers and employees at risk of falling sick, and risk ruining your business reputation.

You can also end up with a costly repair bill if ants damage your buildings, equipment and appliances. Their painfully sharp stings don’t just trigger allergies – they become a dangerous distraction in the workplace, especially for those operating heavy machinery.

To make matters worse, any breach of Occupational health and safety standards can lead to heavy penalties and a costly inspection bill.

Restaurants

Once ants have contaminated stock, food and supplies, these things can no longer be used. This quickly gets costly if it happens too often. The sight of ant trails along food preparation surfaces, utensils, cutlery, tables, chairs and even the bathrooms is a sign of low hygiene standards, which will deter diners from returning.

Distribution facilities and warehouses

A colony of ants will happily feed on large quantities of stock and goods, unless they are stored appropriately. They can damage wiring in expensive equipment and machinery, so measures must be taken to deter them from entering the building in the first place.

Read more about ants in distribution facilities .

Hospitals and medical centres

Ant prevention should be an important part of your hygiene and sanitation plan.
Preventing fire ant outbreaks should be a particular focus where there are people with fragile health and immune systems.

Read more about ants in distribution facilities.

Pest Control

How to prevent an ant outbreak

If you can remove potential food sources and reduce the accessibility of your home, ants will become less interested in wandering inside. Here are some ideas to help you deter ants from your Adelaide home:

Fill entry points, cracks and crevices using silicone and acrylic
Store food properly; uncovered food attracts ants
Store food out of sight and reduce access, including pet food
Wipe away spills and wipe down surfaces; if you see an ant trail on a surface, wipe it with bleach or vinegar
Tightly seal containers and food packaging

Thoroughly rinse and put away cutlery, utensils and tableware
Fix leaking pipes, as moisture attracts ants
Waste management: ensure the rubbish bin is properly covered and seal all bin bags tightly
Maintain your garden: clear away tree branches that are touching your home and piles of vegetation; remove all fallen and rotten fruit and vegetables
Vacuum floors regularly: check underneath and behind furniture

Get help from an ant control expert today

8371 1277

Ant control adelaide

Ways to treat an ant problem

There are many ways to manage an ant outbreak, even if you haven’t yet found the ant nest. However, destroying the nest and the queen is the best way to prevente the issue altogether. Here are some ideas:

Pour boiling water into the nest

Be aware that the boiling water may not be able to penetrate deep enough into the ground to reach the entire nest, particularly where the queen is situated.

Baits

Baits contain insecticide chemicals, which are ingested by ants and then spread to the rest of the colony when they return to the nest.

Homemade baits can be made using borax and sugar or syrup, and are often just as effective as commercial baits.
Granular or sand commercial baits should be scattered these around the perimeter of your home, in entrances, between pavers, on lawns and around the edge of your garden. Apply with care as they are often toxic to pets and children.
Gel commercial baits should be applied to cracks and crevices.

Insecticide Spray

This targets other insects in addition to ants.

Water as a repellant

To deter ants you can place your pet’s food bowl in a shallow dish partially filled with water.

Strong smelling deterrents

These mixtures can be applied in a spray or left in a bowl near the ant nest:

Strong smelling herbs and spices: mint, cinnamon, garlic, and black pepper combined with vinegar
Essentials oils: peppermint, patchouli or cedarwood with water and vodka

Chalk and powdery substances

Sprinkle a line of chalk, baking powder or baby powder near entrances or along the perimeter of your home.

Adelaide

Professional ant extermination in Adelaide

If you have a major ant problem needing professional treatment, make sure you use an experienced ant control technician.

We recommend finding someone who gets to the source of your problem, so that you’re protected in the longer term.

The team at Allstate are fully equipped to target all the indoor and outdoor spots where ants feed, and to remove their nesting site. We’re available for both emergency call outs, and free assessment and quotes.

This is the Allstate Adelaide professional ant removal process:

Initial assessment

An expert ant control technician will inspect your building, examine the extent of your outbreak, look for nesting and feeding sites, and then come up with a treatment plan.

Ant removal

We normally use a combination of the following solutions to ensure success. Patience is key here – it will take time for these to have an effect, especially if the nesting site is inside a wall cavity.

Ant control dust is sprinkled into cavity walls and voids in the building, including the roof space
Insecticide forms part of treated zones which are applied to the perimeters of the building
Chemical baits are strategically positioned near favoured feeding sites

Follow up treatment

The team will replenish your ant removal treatment at a follow up visit, as its effectiveness dwindles over time. This will ensure you stay ant-free for longer.

Why choose Allstate?

At Allstate Pest Control Adelaide, we understand that an outbreak of ants can be overwhelming. It can also be difficult to find the time to look for nesting sites and come up with a solution to control them. This is where our expert ant control technicians can help.

As Adelaide’s leading independent pest control company, we are available to help you 24/7 in any suburb of Adelaide. We can attend for urgent or emergency problems, or even just provide advice to control ants and support through our website. Contact Us today.

Our ant treatments are environmentally friendly, and safe for children and pets, while minimising disruption to you and your business.

At the same time our control services are highly effective against even severe infestations, as proven by our 100% money back guarantee.

We also provide affordable, interest-free payment plans, making your ant treatment both convenient and accessible. Speak to an experienced Adelaide ant exterminator today.

Get help from an ant control expert today

8371 1277

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