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Garden Orb Weavers: Friend or Foe?

Garden Orb Weavers: Friend or Foe?

by | Oct 10, 2024 | Blog, Spider

With their signature webs made popular in Halloween decorations, garden orb weavers are easy to spot in gardens all across Adelaide. Learn more about whether or not this common backyard spider is worth worrying about in this Hivemind blog.

What questions will this article answer?

What is a garden orb weaver?

As their name suggests, garden orb weavers are a common spider found in backyards all across Australia. You’ll find them in areas with plenty of insects, including around night lights, in tall grass, tree branches, bushes, fences and walls.

 

What do they look like?

With over 100 known species in Australia, they can vary in colour from tan to mottled red-brown to black and grow between 1.5 and 3cm long. They have a distinct, large lower abdomen which may have a leaf-shaped pattern or dorsal stripe.

Benefits of having garden orb weavers in your garden

Well known for spinning strong, well-made, classic wheel-shaped webs designed to trap their prey, these nocturnal creatures feast on a range of small insects, including flies, mosquitoes, beetles and moths. This means that they’re great at helping to keep the insect population in your yard under control, which is especially handy in summer!

Are garden orb weavers dangerous?

Although they can spin large webs, garden orb weavers aren’t dangerous to people. They are not aggressive by nature and only bite if they feel threatened. We don’t recommend trying to physically handle them to avoid this from happening. In the rare situations that you may receive a bite, you may experience little to no symptoms, similar to a bee sting.

Problems caused by a garden orb weaver outbreak

The good news is, garden orb weavers are typically found outside, and rarely come indoors. They’re also unlikely to bite unless provoked and their venom is considered harmless. You may experience very mild symptoms of pain and swelling, if any at all.

However, garden orb weavers can still be an issue for around 5% of people who have arachnophobia, by triggering anxiety and distress.

Watch out for their large, sticky vertical cobwebs suspended between outdoor furniture, trees and bushes at night. These webs can be difficult to see, so if you accidentally bump into them, they’ll make a mess!

Sick of bumping into spider webs? Speak to an expert today

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8371 1277

How can I tell if there are garden orb weavers in my yard?

With their signature webs made popular in Halloween decorations, garden orb weavers are easy to spot in gardens all across Adelaide.

These well-constructed, circular-shaped webs are made from strands of silk which radiate out from the centre, connected with evenly spaced spokes in between. They are typically strung up in the evenings between tree branches, bushes and outdoor furniture in your garden. Depending on the size of the spider, these webs can be up to a metre in diameter.

You’ll normally see the orb weaver sitting head down in the middle, waiting to pounce on insects that get trapped in their sticky web. They will often tear their webs down as dawn breaks.

As nocturnal creatures, garden orb weavers hide away from predators during the day. They’re usually found resting underneath foliage with their legs tucked in.

By late summer and early autumn, they’ll have matured to reach their largest size, making them easier to see out and about.

How to avoid a garden orb weaver outbreak

We recommend the following tips so you can keep garden orb weavers under control in your yard:

Regular yard maintenance

Garden orb weavers stay hidden away during the day when they aren’t spinning webs at night. Remove available hiding places by mowing your lawn and keeping tree branches and bushes trimmed, especially if they are close to the exterior walls of your home. Sweep up leaf litter and vegetation and keep pot plants clear. Store piles of wood away from your home.

Seal off entry points

Prevent spiders from entering your home by regularly inspecting your home, including the roof, for all potential access points including vents, gaps, cracks, crevices and holes. Then, fill them with caulk, silicone or cover with fine mesh screens.

Use anti-insect night lights

By changing your outdoor bulbs to the insect repellent variety, you’ll reduce the number of insects gathering around lights at night which attract garden orb weavers.

Reduce food sources

Like many spiders, garden orb weavers mainly eat insects, so if you have many other insects such as flies hanging around, then it’s more likely that spiders will follow. Keeping your home insect-free makes your home less appealing for spiders.

Clear away existing spider webs

Messy and sticky webs are not only an unpleasant sight, but they can also attract more spiders. Thankfully, they’re easily removed using a vacuum cleaner, broom, duster or damp cloth.

Insecticide sprays

Fast acting and ideal for spot treatment, aerosol sprays can be purchased from hardware stores and supermarkets.

Diatomaceous earth

Naturally derived and available in powdered form, diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled around the perimeter of your home to stop spiders in their tracks. However, this must be used with caution around pets.

Spider traps

With a strong adhesive surface containing a tempting bait, spider traps can be placed in problem areas. However, they may be less suitable if you have curious pets and young children.

Professional spider treatment

Sometimes, an outbreak can become difficult to control, no matter what you do. That’s why Allstate has a range of effective, tailored treatments, for spider problems of all sizes in homes and businesses. Speak to one of our friendly consultants today.

Keep spiders away from your home, speak to our expert team

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8371 1277

Professional spider treatment

Although garden orb weavers rarely come indoors, our technicians will always begin by performing a thorough inspection both inside and outside your home to locate the source of the outbreak.

Since we have an in-depth knowledge of spider species and behaviour, we can easily identify which spiders are involved, and offer targeted treatments that work quickly and effectively.

We use a range of nontoxic treatments, including insecticide control sprays, which are applied around externally around your building, as well as a spider control dust, which can be sprinkled inside hard to reach places, including voids, gaps, crevices and cavities.

For fast and effective spider management, choose Allstate

As you prepare your garden for the warm weather, the last thing that you want to encounter is an army of garden orb weaver spiders and their sticky webs. But there’s no need to worry – Allstate is always here to help!

Locally operated since 1986, we’ve offered premium pest control services to clients in all suburbs of Adelaide. Available 24/7 for urgent advice, our technicians are highly trained to understand spider behaviour to provide tailored, innovative solutions for pest infestations in residential, commercial and industrial settings.

With a commitment to using nontoxic treatments which are safe for children and pets, you can count on Allstate for long-term protection against spider outbreaks all year long.

Our expert team is ready to help you now

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8371 1277

What Not to do During a Bee Swarm

What Not to do During a Bee Swarm

by | Oct 9, 2024 | Blog, Pests

WHAT NOT TO DO DURING A BEE SWARM

 

A single beehive can house up to 20,000 to 80,000 bees at a time, but what happens when it reaches capacity? Many bees are sent away to look for a new home. Also known as a bee swarm, we’ve prepared some tips on what to avoid doing to stay safe when you encounter this unusually large number of bees.

What questions will this article answer?

What is a bee swarm?

As tiny experts in pollinating plants, bees are no doubt a very important part of our planet. They live in beehives which can house between 20,000 to 80,000 bees at a time, so it’s no surprise that overcrowding can eventually become a big problem for the colony.

With limited space to raise their young and store honey, worker bees spend around a month preparing for a swarm. The aim of the swarm is to support the current colony and allow it to continue growing.

There are 3 types of bee swarms: primary and secondary swarms, as well as absconding.

During a swarm, a significant number of bees say farewell to their hive to start a fresh colony elsewhere. In primary swarms, the resident Queen bee is escorted to a new hive with around half of the colony. A smaller secondary swarm may follow later, where one more new Queen bee will exit. If the entire colony leaves due to extreme circumstances such as disease, this is known as absconding.

Once a swarm departs the hive, it will travel to a spot that is determined to be safe and suitable as a home by scout bees. Worker bees will then begin the important job of building a brand new hive.

Are bee swarms dangerous?

Although it can be scary to see many bees flying around, you can rest assured that swarming behaviour is not considered aggressive at all. In fact, swarming bees are quite docile with no hive to defend. They usually feast on honey and nectar before leaving the hive to fuel them during their long journey, so they’re not searching or competing for food, either.

While it’s natural to assume that bees will sting you if you get too close, bee swarmers just want to move into their new home as quickly as possible. Long story short: if you don’t disturb them, it’s unlikely that they’ll sting!

However, this is often easier said than done. A swarm of bees can trigger anxiety in many people, and combined with a lack of understanding about bee behaviour, our panicked reactions can agitate bees. This can be particularly concerning when children and pets are in the area, as bee stings are painful and can even trigger allergies.

If you’re seeing more bees around than usual, keep well away from them, stay indoors and reach out to Allstate for advice as soon as possible.

Avoid getting stung by a bee swarm, speak to an expert today

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8371 1277

Warning signs of a bee swarm

Given that spring is peak breeding season for bees, it’s more common to see swarming during the warmer months. You’ll want to pay attention to any unusual bee activity in your yard around this time of year to avoid a summer outbreak!

The most obvious way to tell if you’re about to experience a bee swarm is that you notice more bees around your home. You may even hear their distracting buzzing noises before you see them.

You’ll most likely see them buzzing between flowering plants in your garden and lingering around certain parts of your building to build their new hive. Pay attention to potential entry points inside your roof and walls as these are popular nesting sites.

If there are established beehives nearby, there is always a risk that a swarm could approach your property, so be on the look out.

What not to do during a bee swarm

You don’t need to be a professional beekeeper to protect yourself and your family when you have a bee outbreak on your hands. Here’s a list of things to avoid to stay safe during a swarm:

Do not panic
While it’s completely understandable that your first reaction to experiencing a bee swarm is to feel anxious, we strongly recommend not acting on this. Stay calm if possible.

Do not try to move the swarm yourself
Hosing bees with water or sprinklers, swatting and throwing stones will not deter a swarm away from your yard. Instead, bees will become aggressive and sting if they believe that they are in danger, particularly if they are trying to protect their Queen.

Do not create sudden movement
This can be perceived as a threat and aggravate the swarm.

Do not go outdoors
Move your children and pets indoors until the swarm has moved away from your yard, or clustered a safe distance away. This may take up to 30 minutes.

Do not go barefoot
To protect yourself from the sting of fallen bees, wear appropriate footwear.

If you have a bee swarm, it can be hard to figure out what to do when you’re feeling stressed. The best action that you can take is to contact Allstate straight away for professional advice and calm reassurance.

Need expert bee advice? Call us today

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8371 1277

How to prevent a bee swarm in your yard

Here are our simple tips to making your property less prone to bees this spring:

Remove food and water sources

Bees mainly feed on nectar and pollen, but some species will eat meat, dairy products, fungi and flower-based oils. So keep food items covered where possible, including pet water bowls.

Choose your flowering plants carefully

Bees are attracted to bright coloured blue, purple and violet flowers with a pleasant sweet scent, so having less of these around will make your garden far less appealing. They are unable to see red flowers, such as tulips, making them a better choice.

Bee deterring plants

Some plants emit an unpleasant smell for bees and can assist in keeping them away from your garden. These include mint, eucalyptus, basil, geranium, lemongrass, neem, marigold and citronella.

Ultrasonic deterrents

You can consider purchasing electronic devices which emit sound waves outside the spectrum of human hearing. Bee antennae are sensitive to these ultrasonic sound waves, which cause confusion.

Keep safe from bee swarms, speak to our expert team

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8371 1277

Professional bee management

When it comes to bee handling, it’s best to leave it to the experts who have extensive training in bee behaviour and species, as well as the right equipment and protective clothing.

Above all, our handlers refrain from causing harm to the bees and prefer to safely relocate the hive to an appropriate location where possible.

If there is a severe outbreak or a significant health risk to you or your family, we will initiate treatment by applying an insecticide control dust.

For safe and humane bee control, choose Allstate

Heading into the warmer weather, the last thing you need is a bee swarm when you and your family want to relax in the backyard. There’s no need to worry, though – Allstate is always ready to help!

Since 1986, we’ve provided reliable and effective pest control services to residential, commercial and industrial clients. Available 24/7 to all suburbs of Adelaide for urgent advice, our highly trained and fully equipped technicians can recognise and safely manage bee swarms with minimal impact on the bee population.

With payment plans available on all our services, you can have fast, yet long-lasting solutions to all bee swarms that settle on your property.

Our expert team is ready to help you now

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8371 1277

How to prevent birds from nesting in your roof

How to prevent birds from nesting in your roof

by | Sep 25, 2024 | Bird Control, Blog

With the winter chill setting in, the last thing you need to worry about is a flock of pest birds sheltering in your roof. They’re messy, noisy and cause damage to your building.

Continue reading to find out how you can stay free of pest birds this winter season.

What questions will this article answer?

Why are pest birds attracted to my home in winter?

Well adapted to survive the harsh winter elements, pest birds such as pigeons, sparrows, starlings and mynas can thrive in homes and businesses across Adelaide.

Similar to people, pest birds are drawn to the warmth and shelter that your home provides when the mercury drops.

With the ability to squeeze through tiny gaps between loose roof tiles, they make their way inside your roof space, roof ventilators, attics and walls to build nests, lay eggs and raise their young. Another popular cosy nesting spot is underneath solar panels.

If you’ve got food and water sources available, this makes your home even more appealing for pest birds, who survive by scavenging a wide range of food. From small insects to diving in rubbish bins to food scraps left on the ground, they are definitely not fussy eaters!

How to spot a pest bird outbreak

If you’re wondering whether or not you have some bird visitors or a full-blown pest bird outbreak, here’s some signs to look for:

Large numbers of pest birds around your home

You may find them perching and roosting on your roof, chimney, verandah, balcony, antennae, window panels, solar panels, gutters or wooden support beams.

Persistent chirping noises

Birds, and especially chicks, chirp to communicate with each other.

Bird droppings

An accumulation of messy brown, black or white droppings on the ground is a clear sign of a pest bird outbreak.

Nesting material

Pest birds are clever at crafting sturdy nests from various foraged scraps, such as twigs, leaves, straw, pine needles and grass. So look out for nests underneath solar panels, inside your roof, or even tucked between some wooden beams.

Control pest birds fast. Speak to an expert today.

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8371 1277

Problems caused by a pest bird outbreak

There are many problems that a pest bird outbreak can cause in your home or business:

  • Constant chirping sounds can be distracting and disruptive
  • Pest bird droppings are an eyesore and contain corrosive compounds that can damage your roof, buildings, air conditioning unit, solar panels and outdoor furniture
  • Sticky and slippery bird droppings are a health and safety hazard for stairs, fire escapes and footpaths
  • They can carry and spread germs and diseases such as ornithosis (Bird Fancier’s Lung), cryptococcosis, salmonella, E-coli bacteria, histoplasmosis and aspergillosis
  • Pest birds carry parasites such as bird mites, bed bugs and ticks, which can trigger secondary pest outbreaks and allergiess
  • Birds can contaminate food and water contamination through droppings, nesting material and feathers
  • The accumulation of feathers and nesting material in your gutters and drains can cause water blockage, leaks and overflow
  • Pecking and fouling in your garden can ruin your plants, fruit trees and veggie patch and leave a mess behind
  • Pest birds can be aggressive and breed fast, so if you notice fewer native birds in your yard, chances are that pest birds have taken over the space as their territory

5 ways you can prevent pest birds this winter

We recommend the following tips to help protect your home or business from a pest bird outbreak:

Tip 1: Remove all sources of food and water

Pest birds are expert scavengers and have a wide and varied diet which can include common things you would find in an average suburban backyard. This includes flowers, fruit, vegetables, and insects. Pet food and water bowls, as well as food scraps in compost piles and rubbish bins are also a popular choice.

While bird feeders and bird baths can attract native birds, they’re also likely to capture the interest of pest birds. Where possible, we recommend having less available food and water and keeping compost and waste tightly sealed and covered.

Tip 2: Regularly inspect your home for access points and proof them

Pest birds range in size and have the ability to squeeze into small spaces to enter your home. So, it’s best to check your roof for gaps between loose tiles, uncovered vents and other small openings and either seal them off or cover them with a fine mesh. Overhanging branches and vegetation can also encourage birds to nest close to the building.

Tip 3: Locate and remove nesting material

As territorial creatures by nature, pest birds carefully choose places to nest, roost and breed. Besides harbouring different types of parasites, germs and diseases, nests also provide a safe place to lay and incubate eggs, which attracts more birds and worsens an outbreak.

Regular yard maintenance and keeping your garden tidy and relatively free of small loose twigs and leaves can also help reduce the availability of nesting material.

Tip 4: Clean and disinfect the affected area

Not only do pest birds make a mess with feathers, germ-infested nesting material, debris and droppings, they also leave behind pheromones, which attracts other birds. That’s why it’s always important to clean up the mess from any pest bird infestation.

Allstate offers professional cleaning and property maintenance services to refresh, rejuvenate and sterilise the mess from pest birds. Our services include gutter, roof void and water tank cleaning or pressure washing to keep your property looking sparkling clean and pest-free.

Tip 5: Solar panel cleaning and proofing

With the rise in solar panel installations, pest birds have had increasingly more options for safe and comfortable nesting spots on roofs all around Adelaide.

Unfortunately, they are also responsible for causing messy stains and damage to expensive solar panels, resulting in the loss of efficiency.

You can avoid pricey repair bills with Allstate’s solar panel cleaning and proofing service.

After managing the pest bird problem, we conduct a thorough clean of the area and then install a UV coated mesh skirting to the sides of your panels. This hard-wearing mesh prevents birds from nesting underneath your panels, enabling them to function at their best.

Protect your home from pest birds today

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8371 1277

Professional pest bird management

At Allstate, we provide a range of innovative and humane pest bird management methods Depending on the extent of the outbreak, we may use a combination of approaches to ensure that the root cause of the problem is fixed as quickly as possible.

These include:

  • Installing roosting deterrents such as bird spikes, netting, wire, jolt
  • Physical control measures such as trapping
  • OvoControl – an RSPCA approved and AI-powered modern long-term bird control solution

To learn more about a tailored bird control program for your home or business, contact Allstate for a comprehensive pest bird assessment today.

For safe and fast pest bird control, choose Allstate

Having a pest bird infestation is a noisy and messy distraction, and the last thing you need to deal with in the cold winter weather!

At Allstate, we understand pest bird behaviour so that we can manage all infestations from their source, and use a range of innovative and modern treatments to help prevent the problem from returning.

Since 1986, we’ve assisted homes and businesses across all suburbs of Adelaide with pest bird outbreaks of all sizes in commercial, residential and industrial settings.

Available 24/7 for advice and solutions, we offer payment plans to help keep you and your family protected from pest birds for good.

Our expert team is ready to help you now

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8371 1277

Termite nests: what they look like and how to prevent them

Termite nests: what they look like and how to prevent them

by | Sep 24, 2024 | Blog, Termites

Adelaide is riddled with termite nests which are home to some of the most destructive termite species in Australia. With an entire colony of hungry termites to feed, these nests can cause significant and expensive damage to buildings. Find out how you can protect your home or business from a termite nest in this Hivemind article.

What questions will this article answer?

Reasons to avoid a termite outbreak

Adelaide is riddled with termite nests which are home to some of the most destructive termite species in Australia. So, it’s no surprise that around one in five houses have been affected by a termite outbreak.

With an appetite for cellulose-rich food, termites chew through wooden structures including trees and timber beams in and around your home. When you start noticing signs of damage, it’s already too late.

Not only does termite damage compromise the structural safety of your family home, it can also increase the risk of fire hazards and electrical short circuits.

To make things even more stressful, termite damage is also expensive to fix. The average repair bill for termite-related damage is around $10,000 and unfortunately isn’t covered by insurance as it is considered highly preventable.

It’s clear that termite nests can spell bad news for Adelaide homeowners. With thousands of hungry termites to feed, you’ll want to keep them away at all costs!

What is a termite nest?

With a fragile outer skin, termites must protect themselves and their colonies from the environment and predators by building and living in tightly sealed nests. Being dark, warm and high in moisture, these nests provide them the ideal conditions to survive.

Termite nests are carefully constructed from a mixture of dirt, chewed wood, clay, saliva and droppings which combine to form a tough, solid outer shell.

Inside, they usually contain various chambers which are connected by an extensive intricate network of tunnels.

Keep termite nests away from your garden. Speak to an expert today.

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8371 1277

Types of termite nests

Depending on the species of termite, nests can vary in location and appearance. Here are the more common ones that you might have come across:

Subterranean nests

These out of sight nests are usually hard to spot as they are tucked away several feet underground in soil and underneath rotten tree stumps.

While the actual nest itself isn’t visible from the surface, you may instead spot brown mud tubes nearby, which are protected tunnels that termites use to travel safely between their food source and nest.

Termite Mounds

Made of soil and clay mixed with termite saliva, mounds are raised dome or hill shaped dirt structures. They can be up to several feet tall (in some cases, even up to 3-4 metres!) and indicate that there is a large colony inside. Sometimes, mounds can even have unique architectural features such as chimneys or pinnacles.

Arboreal nests

Made of wood shavings and termite droppings, oval shaped arboreal nests are built on trees, as their name suggests. They can either be seen protruding off the side of a trunk or branch, or sit between branches. Their outer walls have the consistency of paper mâché.

Termite nest prevention techniques

Consider taking the following steps to actively deter termites from building a nest on your property:

Regular garden maintenance

Avoid storing piles of wood near your house, and remove rotten tree stumps and wooden sleepers. Clear away piles of leaves and litter from your gutters. Keep tree branches, plants, shrubs and bushes trimmed away from the walls of your home.

For landscaping projects, take care not to damage any existing termite protection barriers.

Remove sources of moisture

Inspect for leaking pipes and drains and fix them as soon as possible, as moisture attracts termites.

Termite inspections are the best way to prevent a termite outbreak

Without proper the training and equipment, it can be hard for the average person to know for sure if there are active termites on your property! That’s why our top tip for termite protection is getting regular termite inspections conducted by an experienced professional.

Termite Inspections

For homes at low risk of a termite attack, we recommend having a termite inspection at least once a year, following government guidelines.

For properties with a higher risk level, more frequent inspections may be necessary to ensure that any subtle signs of termite activity are detected as early as possible.

At Allstate, our technicians are trained and licensed to conduct comprehensive inspections which are compliant with Australian standards.

Our inspections cover all internal and external areas of your property, including subfloors, outbuildings and surrounds.

Your technician will perform a physical assessment for signs of termite damage, activity, nests and ingress points using advanced termite detection equipment, such as borescopes, sounding tools, moisture meters and movement detectors.

When your inspection is completed, we’ll send you all the information that you need to know in a handy inspection report.

To learn more about how termite inspections can help termite proof your home or business, speak to a friendly Allstate consultant.

Don’t delay your termite inspection. Book today.

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8371 1277

How are termite outbreaks treated?

Depending on the extent of the outbreak and the number of active termites, our technicians will use a combination of the following termite management methods:

Premise termiticide spray

Applied directly to areas with heavy termite traffic, Premise works within a few hours to stop termite activity. It is formulated to specifically target termites, making it safe for people, pets and the environment.

Sentricon termite stations

A proven long term termite prevention barrier, Sentricon provides continuous protection from termites as soon as it is installed. Positioned around the perimeter of your home, 30cm away from your walls, Sentricon underground baiting stations are laced with termiticide to keep termites from venturing any closer inside.

Choose Allstate for effective termite control

The last thing your home or business needs is the stress and destruction caused by termite outbreaks. At Allstate, our technicians are available 24/7 to all suburbs of Adelaide to help with any urgent enquiries.

Established in 1986, we have a proven track record for successfully preventing and managing termites for clients in residential, commercial and business settings. Our technicians are fully equipped with modern termite-detecting equipment and innovative, proven treatments to keep your property termite-free for good.

With payment plan options and competitive warranties on all our services, you can act fast against termites today.

Our expert team is ready to help you now

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8371 1277

How to Rat Proof Your Roof

How to Rat Proof Your Roof

by | Aug 19, 2024 | Blog, Rats

With the winter chill well and truly setting in, it’s no surprise that rats are seeking refuge inside, just like the rest of us! Noisy, messy and unhygienic, rats make the most irritating houseguests, so we’ve put together 4 helpful tips for you to keep rats away from your roof all winter long.

What questions will this article answer?

Why are there rats in my roof?

Just like people, rats also feel the cold in winter, so naturally they seek refuge indoors.

With the ability to squeeze through small entry points, such as air vents, cracks and holes, they can easily set up cozy nests and breed in quiet places such as your roof space.

Once inside, it doesn’t take long for the rat colony to multiply. Female rats breed extremely quickly, so it’s best to act soon before the problem gets out of control.

How to tell if you have a rat outbreak

As nocturnal creatures, rats are generally most active when you’re fast asleep. However, there are still several ways to tell if you have a rat infestation. Here’s how:

Droppings

Black, elongated in shape, and resembling rice grains, rat droppings are typically 12-18mm long.

Noises in your roof

If you’re hearing squeaking, scurrying or even gnawing sounds above your ceiling, or in your roof and walls between dusk and dawn, it could be coming from pesky rats.

Rat nests

Though these are usually well hidden to protect their young, rat nests typically resemble a messy pile of foraged scraps such as twigs, leaves, cardboard, wood and fabric offcuts.

Unpleasant odour

If left to accumulate and decompose, particularly during an outbreak, rat droppings and urine leave behind a sour, musty smell.

Gnaw marks

With constantly growing teeth, rats keep them filed down by finding things to chew. Carefully inspect your electrical cables, conduits, timber, plaster and pipes for tell-tale bite indentations.

Greasy fur marks

If your skirtings and walls seem to need cleaning and scrubbing more often because they look scruffier, greasier, and worse for wear, this could be due to rats travelling alongside to and from their nest.

Burrow holes

Look for disturbed soil with a burrow entrance around the perimeter of your home.

Food debris

If you’re noticing more food crumbs and partially eaten food scattered around your home and yard, it could be due to hungry rats.

Worried about rats? Don’t wait. Speak to an expert today.

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8371 1277

Problems caused by a rat infestation

With a notorious reputation for being disruptive and annoying pests, rats are known to strike fear and dread in many people. Besides stress and anxiety, here are some other issues that may arise during a rat outbreak:

Spread of diseases

Rats carry a range of germs and diseases, including leptospirosis, salmonellosis, the plague and tularemia. These can be passed on to people and pets through contaminated objects and surfaces via their droppings, urine, saliva, fur and bites.

Allergies

Parasites such as ticks and fleas  living in rat fur can trigger allergic reactions.

Contamination

Rat droppings, fur and urine are unhygienic and leave a mess around a clean home.

Damage to your home

You may experience unexpected signs of damage around your home from rats gnawing on your walls, wooden structures and insulation.

Electrical disruptions

Rats gnawing at electrical cables and conduits can cause electricity short circuits and even potentially spark fires.

4 tips to stop rats from entering your roof

You can easily prevent a rat outbreak this winter by following these recommendations from our resident rat control experts:

1. Regularly inspect your roof for potential entry points

Carefully check your roof, gutters and eaves for small access points and damage. This includes vents, holes, gaps, cracks and crevices, which rats can easily flex and squeeze through.

Once you locate them, you can install chimney grates and caps, and fit weather strips around doors and windows. You can cover larger openings with a tough wire mesh, and fill others with silicone, caulk, putty and other waterproof sealants, which are easily available through hardware stores.

2. Keep your roof and gutters clean

Reduce the amount of available nesting material that accumulates on your roof by regular gutter cleaning and yard maintenance. This includes removing fallen leaves, branches and twigs, and trimming trees and vegetation so they are away from your home. Consider installing gutter guards as an added layer of protection.

3. Rat deterrent devices

Consider installing humane and weatherproof electronic and ultrasonic rat deterrent devices. Operated by motion sensors, these emit silent ultrasonic frequency waves, which confuse rats and discourage them from entering your roof.

4. Remove all sources of food and water

Keep rats away from your yard by removing fruit, vegetables and nuts in your garden, as well as pet food, bird feed and chicken feed. Ensure that all cooked food in your kitchen is covered and tightly stored away.

Get rid of the mess with property cleaning and maintenance services

At Allstate, pest control is not the only thing we’re great at. We understand that property cleaning and ongoing maintenance  play a key role in an effective long-term pest management plan.

Our team can help you to save time and hassle in working out how to protect your property from pests, and clear away the mess that they leave behind. We provide a range of convenient pest proofing and maintenance solutions for your home or business, including:

  • Gutter cleaning
  • Gutter guard installs
  • Solar panel proofing and cleaning
  • Water tank cleaning
  • Roof void cleaning
  • Pressure washing

To safeguard your home or business from future pest outbreaks, speak to a friendly Allstate consultant today.

Keep rats away for good. Get fast advice today.

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Professional rat control in Adelaide

An Allstate pest technician will start by conducting a comprehensive rodent inspection of your home or business; locating entry points and rat nests, and identifying the source of the outbreak.

Then, a rat control plan will be actioned to remove nests and seal over entry points. Finally, to reduce the population of rats, we’ll use the following methods, replenishing the treatments when needed:

Chemical baits

Safely stored within tamper-proof stations, our chemical baits contain a targeted rodenticide. We’ll position these at strategic locations to discourage pesky rats from entering inside.

Physical traps

Effective in heavier infestations, rat-sized traps are positioned in highly trafficked areas to stop scurrying rats in their tracks.

For expert rat management this winter, choose Allstate

The last thing you need in cold and wet weather is a rat problem, and unfortunately at Allstate, we’ve seen it happen too many times during the winter season.

That’s why our pest technicians are on standby 24/7 to assist you with all urgent rat issues. Since 1986, we’ve provided proven and effective rat prevention and control services to residential, industrial and commercial properties all over Adelaide.

For long lasting rat protection that is covered by competitive warranty in your home or business, speak to a friendly Allstate consultant today.

Our expert team is ready to help you now

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How to Prevent Anthills in Your Garden

How to Prevent Anthills in Your Garden

by | Aug 19, 2024 | Ants, Blog

With the remarkable ability to sniff out food up to 6 metres away, hungry ants won’t hesitate to set up a new anthill once they find a great place to feed.

Avoid having ants marching their way to your home and garden by following our top tips to prevent anthills all year round.

What questions will this article answer?

Why ants are attracted to your garden

While they are still around in winter, ants are more commonly seen out and about foraging for food in the heat of an Aussie summer.

With a colony of sometimes millions to feed, ants will travel great distances to scavenge for food. They may venture 700 feet from their nest and have the ability to detect food up to 6 metres away.

This means that ants living in your area can potentially sniff out their next feed in your home and yard. With wide and varied diets depending on the species, ants will come over and help themselves to whatever sparks their appetite, and also invite the rest of the colony around to set up a new ant nest!

Ant species you’ll find in your garden

Out of over 4000 species of ants existing in Australia, there are around a handful of mainly introduced species which are considered as common pests. These include:

Black house ants

Arguably the most recognised species, black ants grow 2.5-3mm long and have a shiny black appearance, as their name suggests.

Bull ants

Packed with venom, painful bull ant bites are best avoided. Red and black in colour and growing up to 40mm in size, bull ants can become aggressive when their nests are disturbed.

Argentine ants

Considered an invasive species, Argentine ants are 2.2-2.6mm long, and light to dark brown coloured. With an aggressive nature, these ecological pests are territorial and drive away other native ants.

Carpenter ants

Built with strong jaws and having an affinity for wood, carpenter ants are notorious for tunnelling through timber, leaving behind wood shavings and causing structural damage to trees and buildings alike. They grow 3-12mm long, and can be black, dark brown or orange coloured.

Pharoah’s Ants

Drawn to warm and humid areas, Pharoah’s ants are brown and yellow coloured, grow up to 2mm long, and males have wings. They are commonly found in hospitals.

Ghost ants

Known for their pale brown, translucent legs and abdomen, ghost ants are a pint-sized nuisance at 1.3-1.5mm long. You’ll find them in areas of high moisture content.

Fire ants

With their fiery bright red copper heads, feisty fire ants are aggressive when provoked, and fierce defenders of their distinctive nests, which can be up to 40cm high. It’s important t oavoid getting painful stings from fire ants at all costs, as they can result in swollen welts and trigger allergic reactions. Worker fire ants grow up to 3-6mm long.

Odorous house ants

Emitting a pleasant coconut scent when crushed, odorous house ants are brown or black coloured, and grow up to 3.18mm long. They are often spotted in moisture-rich places, such as leaking pipes.

Stop marching ants in their tracks. Speak to an expert today.

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Signs you have an ant outbreak

It’s not hard to tell if these tiny terrors are trying to invade your property. Here are some clues to look for in a potential ant infestation:

  • You notice more ants, usually moving along well-defined trails
  • You spot anthills in your yard (dirt mounds with a central opening to their underground nests)
  • If you have carpenter ants you might notice piles of fine wood shavings on the floor 

Reasons to avoid an ant infestation

Here are some problems that you may experience when ants invade your home

Contamination of surfaces and food

Experts at foraging, ants travel far and wide to scavenge for food to feed the colony. Their movements will take them from rubbish bins and toilets to your kitchen and pantry. Along the way, they can pick up germs, including bacteria and viruses, contaminating many areas of your home.

Don’t forget to inspect potted plants, mulch, hay and manure for signs of fire ants.

Spread of diseases

If your family or pets come into contact with surfaces or food items that have been contaminated by germ-carrying ants, it can lead to illnesses such as gastroenteritis.

Ant bites

Some species of ants, such as bull ants and fire ants, have more potent, venomous bites, which can trigger allergic reactions. However, for most other species, ant bites only produce mild discomfort.

Damage to buildings

Carpenter ants chew through wood and timber, and cause expensive structural problems to your home.

Damage to plants in your garden

Fire ants will help themselves to fruit, vegetables and seedlings in your yard.

Avoid the sting of an ant outbreak. Get advice today.

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How to prevent anthills in your garden

Once you have a few ants around your home, it doesn’t take long for more to join them. Here are some ways that you can keep anthills out of your yard for good:

Lawn maintenance

Keeping your lawn healthy and thick makes it more difficult for ants to dig through and create an underground nest. You can also rake over any anthills that you happen to spot.

Regular garden maintenance

Rotten fruit and vegetables can attract a range of pests, including ants, so dispose these promptly. Remove piles of vegetation, which make good hiding spots for anthills, and clear away trees and foliage which come into contact with your home, as they provide an easy access point.

Remove food sources

From nectar and small insects to plants, sweet and greasy foods, bread, and meat, most ants will eat almost anything. With a remarkable ability to sniff out food from many metres away, it’s best to keep food carefully covered and stored away to avoid ants helping themselves to it first. Don’t forget to empty pet food bowls as well.

Keep surfaces clean

Food spills and crumbs can also attract ants. We recommend maintaining good hygiene in dining and food preparation areas by regularly sweeping, wiping, mopping, vacuuming and disinfecting.

Practice proper waste management

Rubbish bins are a favourite for ants, so ensure that all waste is tightly sealed in sturdy bags, and bins have tight fitting lids. Keep compost piles well covered.

Home maintenance

Leaking pipes and drains provide a source of moisture, which attracts ants, so repair these quickly.

Seal off entry points to your home

Inspect your home regularly for potential access points and fill them. This includes tiny holes, gaps, cracks and crevices. Check that the window and door seals are well fitted.

Professional ant control

We use the following ant treatment methods:

Chemical baits

Laced with an insecticide that is toxic to ants, chemical baits are strategically placed at popular feeding sites to attract ants, which then carry the lethal compounds back to the rest of the colony.

Ant control dust

Consisting of diatomaceous earth, which is ground down to a fine, powdered form, ant control dust is sprinkled along the perimeters of your home, as well as hard to reach areas that carry heavy ant traffic, and around anthills.

Insecticide spray

A fast acting approach to quickly reduce the number of active ants, insecticide sprays are useful for heavy infestations. We recommend keeping your pets away from treated areas.

Choose Allstate for effective ant management

Ants are active all year around, so outbreaks can happen at any time, and the last thing you need is for a couple of ants to escalate into a whole army. That’s why Allstate is always here to help.

Since 1986, we’ve successfully managed ant outbreaks in commercial, residential and industrial settings, using innovative treatments and the latest in pest control technology.

Available 24/7 for urgent advice, our pest control services have safeguarded clients in all suburbs of Adelaide.

No matter where you are, you can count on Allstate to assist with fast, targeted ant infestation solutions at any time.

Our expert team is ready to help you now

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