Your Guide to Rat and Mouse Control in Adelaide

by David Fry | Feb 19, 2021 | Blog, Rats

YOUR GUIDE TO RAT AND MOUSE CONTROL IN ADELAIDE

Are you struggling with unwelcome guests in your home or business?

Between these pests’ mess, unhygienic nature and the damage they cause, rat and mouse control is troubling issue for many Adelaide home and business owners.

If you’re concerned you have a rodent outbreak or want to prevent one, it helps to know the basics about rats and mice and how you can stop them. In this guide we cover: learn more here.

What questions will this article answer?

Where rats and mice hide?

They are usually most active at night, but tend to nest in the walls, ceiling, or behind cupboards and furniture.

The signs of a rat or mouse infestation

There are several sights, sounds and smells to look out for that could stop a lone rodent becoming a hair-tearing-out issue.

How to stop rodents from getting in your home?

Rats and mice can cause damage to many parts of your home, but there are several ways to prevent them.

How to keep rats and mice out of your business?

Rodents in an Adelaide business contaminate more than your stock – they can ruin your entire reputation. Some industries are more susceptible than others, but there are steps you can take to keep them out.

Getting rid of rodents

The two main ways to prevent rodents are trapping and baiting. The Allstate team can help you with an integrated and comprehensive approach to get rid of rats and mice for good.

Why are rats and mice a problem?

Rats and mice cause significant damage Adelaide homes and businesses. Not only do they chew through walls, timber and electrical wiring, they carry harmful bacteria in both their droppings and coats, and contaminate food and stock.

Rodents may be small in size, but their path of destruction can compromise your health, cleanliness, safety and even ruin your good business reputation along the way.

Rats and mice are clever at adapting to living in a range of environments, and known for having two sharp front teeth in their upper and lower jaws. These teeth grow continuously, and their size is controlled by constant gnawing, chewing and eating. Though this is a matter of survival for them, it is unfortunately at the expense of our homes and livelihoods

To make matters worse, property damage caused by rats and mice is not covered by most insurance policies, as it is considered to be preventable. In other words, it is the home or business owner’s responsibility to keep these pesky rodents at bay.

Remember, acting fast is more likely to minimise the problem. This is where our rodent control team at Allstate Pest Control can help.

We are available 24/7 and follow a no-risk approach to ensure the wellbeing of our customers, employees and the environment. Ask us about our safe, effective and innovative solutions to control rodents.

Speak to one of our rodent control experts today

or

8371 1277

Where to find rats and mice

Rats and mice are generally more active at night when looking for food and water. They usually shelter and nest within homes, garages, sheds and gardens, particularly:

In holes underneath buildings
In the walls, ceiling or under the floor
Behind or inside boxes, equipment, machinery and tools
Behind or under cupboards and furniture
In piles of rubbish, paper, cloth
In vegetation or wood stacks
In animal enclosures such as chicken coops

Signs of a rodent infestation

To stop a small problem becoming a major drama, it’s important to act on the earliest indicators of rats or mice in your home or business. Keep your eyes, ears and even nose alert for the following signs:

Droppings

These are usually the first sign of a rodent issue and look like black grains of rice. Mouse droppings are much smaller, ranging from 3–5 mm long, while rat droppings are shiny black and are 12–18 mm in length. If you notice droppings in your home or business in North Adelaide, it’s a clear signal that you may need professional pest control support.

Gnawed food or crumbs
Rats usually leave behind small pieces of food and crumbs, whereas mice tend to nibble and eat the outer part of the food.

Grease marks
Sometimes you may find greasy marks left by rodents’ fur rubbing against walls and skirting boards.

Burrows and tracks
You may also spot burrows, frequently used pathways or tracks through gardens, along fences and concrete slabs, and under buildings. Their tails can often leave swinging marks, which are most visible on dusty surfaces.

Gnaw marks to property
Rodents’ gnawing may cause chewing marks and holes in electrical cables and conduits, walls, timber, ducts and pipes. Damage to electrical cables is particularly dangerous as it may start a fire.

Scratching and running noises
Especially at night you may hear scratching, scampering and even squeaking coming from the walls, ceiling, or under the floor.

Musty odours
Rodents’ urine and droppings will often cause a sour, musty smell.

Seeing the pests themselves
Rats and mice are good at staying hidden, but you may sight them at night, especially running along walls and under furniture.

Excited behaviour from your pets
Your family dog or cat may smell the roednts and claw at particular areas where they are nesting.

Rat nests
Rat and mouse nests are often hidden, but usually look like a pile made from various scraps and materials, such as paper, cardboard, wood, straw or fabric.

How to stop rodents from getting in your house

Are you worried about a rodent infestation in your house? Rats and mice aren’t just unhygienic and unsavoury, but breed extremely quickly in the Adelaide climate. A larger infestation can cause significant damage to your home, and the mess, odour and potential food contamination all greatly compromise your health and comfort

3 ways rats and mice can damage your home:

Roof and wall damage
Rodents can chew through timber frames, pull apart and make nests in the insulation, and create entry points for other pests.

Floor and foundation damage
Rodents burrowing in the soil and within the foundations of the home can undermine structural support and damage underground pipes and cables.

Air ducts
Air ducts provide rats and mice with an efficient pathway to easily move around, which means their odours, debris and germs are circulated around your home, leaving you at risk to health problems.

Managing a rodent outbreak

If you are concerned that your home has a rodent outbreak, here are some tips to keep you safe while you work to control the situation:

Wash your hands thoroughly before eating, drinking or smoking
Wear slippers or shoes around the house
Dispose of all the food and drink which you suspect has been contaminated
Regularly wipe down food preparation areas and always thoroughly wash or clean utensils and appliances before using them
Avoid areas where you suspect rodents are nesting if possible
Place all food in tightly sealed containers
If you are bitten by a rodent, consult your doctor immediately

How to prevent a rat or mouse infestation

The best way to stop a rodent infestation in Adelaide is to proactively block any entry points to your home and maintain good cleanliness and hygiene.

Here are several tips to prevent the chance of these pests invading your home:

Keep your backyard tidy
Remove any backyard clutter, keep food scraps in a sealed compost bin, and trim back excess foliage and vegetation.

Regularly check for entry points, then block or fill them
This can include installing mesh or screens over water tank openings, vents and chimneys; sealing holes, cracks around pipes and access points to kitchen cupboards; and fitting door seals at the bottom of each exterior door. Check out this guide to checking for and sealing up rodent entry points .

Carefully store and dispose of rubbish, waste and compost
Keep your home and yard clear of rubbish, ensure that it is placed in bins with tight fitting lids and dispose of it regularly. Avoid open compost heaps and using animal products in compost.

Keep up with garden and yard maintenance
Removing excess vegetation is important when limiting rodent access your home, especially if it is growing near a building or roof. This includes grass, shrubs, bushes, creepers and trees. Dispose of fallen fruit, pet waste and faeces, and remove piles of organic matter.

Practice good food handling and storage
Always wash or sanitise your hands. Keep food preparation areas and utensils clean and dispose of food scraps promptly. Store food in sealed, air tight containers, and do not leave out pet food.

Tidy up sheds, garages, attics and other storage areas
Rats and mice can easily find nesting or hiding spots in these less frequently used areas, so make sure you regularly clean and remove unwanted items to reduce clutter. Keep piles of materials such as wood or brick stacks at least 30cm above the ground.

Speak to one of our rodent prevention experts today

or

8371 1277

How to stop rats and mice from infesting your business

Rats or mice in your business can be extremely costly. Aside from the physical damage they do to premises and equipment, they can become an unsightly distraction at work, contaminate supplies and stock, cause illness in employees and customers, and ultimately tarnish the reputation of your business.

As they are highly adaptable creatures, rodents can infest and thrive in businesses in a wide range of industries.

Food, hospitality and catering businesses
Rats and mice in food preparation facilities can lead to heavy fines for failing to meet food regulation and safety standards, and are a strong deterrent to customers.

Aged care and hospitals
Rodent infestations are particularly problematic in nursing homes and medical centres, as they can further compromise the fragile health of residents or patients.

Tips to protect your business from rodents

Given the threat that rats and mice pose to businesses, it’s essential to take a prevention-first approach by upholding high hygiene and safety standards in the workplace. Some tips include:

Waste and refuse: disposal areas should always be secured, regularly emptied and located as far away from the main building as possible
Staff should be made aware about maintaining cleanliness and reporting sightings of rodents
Stock should be inspected for damage and rotated regularly

At Allstate Pest Control Adelaide, our technicians are happy to assist you with planning and implementing a rodent control strategy for your business – give us a call on 8371 8277, or click the orange chat button to find out more.

How to manage rats and mice

The two primary techniques to prevente rats and mice are chemical control and trapping.

Chemical control
This involves setting baits of anti-coagulant rodenticides to attract and poison rodents. These should be used with caution because of:

Offensive odours: these can be emitted from dead, decaying rodents in hard to reach areas
Pet and child safety: toxic chemical baits and poisoned rodents can both pose a risk
Sensitivities and allergic reactions: nearby chemical baits can potentially trigger sensitivities in people

Trapping
Rodents are lured and captured using multiple, correctly-sized traps. Larger sized traps are usually used for rats and the smaller ones for mice. It is crucial for you to check the traps daily, remove dead rodents, then spray the area with insecticide to remove fleas.

The Allstate rodent control method

The best way to manage rodents is with one of our expert rat and mouse control technicians. They will help you prevente them quickly and safely, and devise and implement a long-term rodent control program as required. We have all the equipment ready to go – you don’t need to source any chemicals or traps yourself.

We will first discuss your concerns, before performing a thorough inspection of your property to determine entry points, runways and nesting sites.

Our Adelaide technician will then station rodent control products in appropriate locations, assist with monitoring and replenishment, and if required remove dead rodents for you. It can take up to 2 weeks to begin seeing results.

Our integrated approach has a strong emphasis of safety – we are careful when applying treatments around your home or business, and book treatment at a time that will cause minimal disruption to your normal routine.

Don’t worry if you have children or pets, as the bait stations are encased in tamper proof, high-grade plastic that can only be accessed with a key.

For one-off treatments, we also aim to get to the root of the problem so that it doesn’t happen again. Our technicians will send you a report with feedback and recommendations on how to maintain a rodent-free home or business, that you can refer back to at anytime.

Why Choose Allstate?

At Allstate Pest Control Adelaide, our licensed, professional technicians understand how overwhelming and urgent a rodent outbreak can be. We also understand the importance of strong protection against rodents through our Routine Maintenance Programs for businesses.

As a family-owned South Australian company, we are available 24/7 to help homes and businesses seeking fast, professional advice and service.

Using industry-leading methods with a strong focus on safety for people, pets and the environment, it’s our mission to provide you with a stress-free, cost-effective way to protect you and your property from pests.

We offer a 100% satisfaction money-back guarantee, and affordable interest-free payment plans.

We are ready to take control of your rodent issues, save you time and energy, and give you peace of mind.

Call Allstate today 8371 1227.

Speak to a rodent expert today

or

8371 1277

Termite Control Adelaide: The Ultimate Guide

by David Fry | Dec 9, 2020 | Blog, Termites

YOUR GUIDE TO TERMITE CONTROL ADELAIDE

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

If you’re a homeowner, you’ve probably thought about pest control. But have you thought about termite control?

For homeowners in Adelaide, termite control might be one of the most important decisions you make about your property.

Termites are a real concern for homeowners in South Australia because our state is home to a particularly sneaky type of termite, the subterranean termite.

These pests (also called “white ants”) create a colony underground, then build tunnels in a 100-metre radius of the colony to find food. Although all termites are almost impossible to spot, you’re unlikely to come across a subterranean termite colony at all.

That’s why it’s a good idea to keep your knowledge on termites, and how your own home may be uniquely affected, up to date. For expert advice, contact us for termite pre-purchase inspections.

Need urgent termite control?

or

8371 1277

What you should know about termite control in Adelaide

Termites are attracted to all homes, no matter what age they are. So, whether your home is old or new, being knowledgeable about termites will help you make the best decisions for the safety of your family, and the future of your home – your largest asset.

Risks and risk factors

Although it’s essential to get a professional termite inspection annually (as recommended by the Australian Standards and CSIRO), it’s also important to keep an eye out for potential risk factors in and around your home.

Some of the risk factors to be aware of are:

Moist or rotting wood
Subterranean termites are attracted to moisture, so you should routinely check your home and garden for any signs, including old fences, stacks of firewood, and leaking taps.
Timber garden mulch
Mulch is a popular product for landscaping, but if timber mulch is kept too close to buildings, termites may start chewing on the timber inside the home as well. To reduce this risk, look at alternative types of mulch or move it a bit further away from your house.
Dense shrubbery
Keeping foliage and shrubs near your home trimmed helps moist areas to dry faster.
Neighbours with risk factors
Even if you maintain your property well, termites might still try to move onto your home if there are neighbouring properties with any of these issues.

Prevention vs Repair

Staying on top of these risk factors is great, but it’s not a replacement for professional prevention strategies. That’s why it’s essential to look into annual termite inspections for your home.

By getting a termite control expert to assess your home and help you implement preventions, you can save a lot of money. In 2012, a study by the AEPMA estimated that the cost of treatment and repairs from termite damage was $10,000 per house, and it’s not covered by insurance! With a timely termite inspection service, you keep your family safe from damaging pests.

Frequency of termite inspection

Although the Australian Standards and CSIRO recommend an annual termite inspection, every home is different, so some may need to be checked more frequently. For example, houses in areas surrounded by trees, particularly Eucalypts, may be at more risk and need more frequent inspections.

However, an annual inspection doesn’t just check for the presence of termites!

By having an annual inspection of your family home, your professional termite controller can also assess your property for potential risk factors and make sure that your prevention methods are still working as intended.

Allstate are highly experienced in termite inspections and will make sure that your property and garden are inspected from top to bottom. Use our instant chat to book a termite inspection now.

What if termites are found?

If your termite controller suggests a termite treatment, there are a range of options available for this pesky pest problem.

Termite treatment doesn’t have to be scary. At Allstate, we know that every situation is different. That’s why we’re committed to finding the best solution for you, and you can be sure that you’re getting the best result for you and your family home.

Allstate’s friendly pest controllers always use termite treatments with your safety in mind. Our Premise and Sentricon systems are the safest and most effective termite treatments around. And if you choose Allstate for your termite treatment, whether you’re looking for local pest control in Walkerville or anywhere across Adelaide, you will also receive our industry-leading pest free guarantee.

Sentricon uses no in-ground chemicals and is environmentally sensitive. Premise termite control has a minimal environmental impact and is safe for humans, pets, and wildlife. So with either of these options, you can be assured that your home’s safety won’t put others at risk. This is pest management at it’s best.

Termites in new homes in Adelaide

When buying or living in an older home, you may have thought about termites. But did you know that new homes are also susceptible to termite infestations?

Once termites start feeding inside newly constructed homes, they can cause serious damage within just three months. That’s why it’s important to keep your home protected with up-to-date technology like Kordon, a barrier installed around the house during construction.

For all your termite control needs in Adelaide, call Allstate now – 8371 1277.

Termite Inspections

You know you need an inspection to keep your home safe, but what can you expect from a termite inspection?

When hiring a professional termite control company like Allstate to inspect your Adelaide home, a highly-trained, knowledgeable expert will use a range of up-to-date tools and techniques to detect termites and their damage.

Some of the tools and techniques that Allstate inspectors use are:

Sounding tools to test wood integrity
Moisture reading tools to find any areas particularly attractive to termites
Movement detectors to locate termites moving behind walls and other areas
Borescopes to take photos of termites hiding in timber
Visual inspections for signs of ingress points and mud tubes

Termite Pest Control Adelaide

The Allstate team follows a detailed checklist for a thorough inspection, so you can be confident that any sign of termites will be uncovered.

During an inspection, we check:

Interiors – each room is checked from floor to ceiling including doorframes, skirting boards, and cupboards
Roof void – if the roof void can be accessed, they will check all timber with a sounding tool
Subfloor – in homes with a subfloor, this is where termites will usually begin their attack
Exterior – the full perimeter of the house
Outbuildings – interior and exterior of every outbuilding on your property
Grounds – entire grounds, particularly landscaping timbers, garden beds, trees, stumps, and fence line

Once your termite inspection is completed, we provide you with a detailed report of any findings.

The report includes:

Details of what was inspected
Notes of any areas that could not be inspected and why
Photos and explanations of findings
List of findings that increase risk (e.g. leaking taps)
Recommendations for a further invasive inspection or treatment if required
Recommendations for frequency of inspections

Termite Treatment

It can be tempting to DIY your termite control. But the risks of taking termite control into your own hands are huge. You might think your treatment is working, only to find out months later that they’ve still created a considerable amount of damage, like this Gold Coast homeowner who ended up with $25,000 in repairs.

To avoid this happening, you should contact a local, professional termite controller, like Adelaide’s Allstate Pest Control. They can then help you find the best termite treatment and prevention options for you after your termite inspection.

Because every situation is different, a personalised approach to termite protection and treatment is essential.

Allstate offers a range of termite prevention and treatment measures. The two main options are Sentricon AlwaysActive and Premise. But no matter which option you choose, Allstate termite control is always backed by a comprehensive re-treatment and/or timber replacement warranty.

We also believe that termite control should be accessible to all. That’s why Allstate provides interest-free payment plans to give everybody the opportunity for professional termite protection and treatment.

Sentricon Always Active

Sentricon AlwaysActive is an excellent option for termite control in Adelaide homes that is environmentally sensitive and secure from pets and children.

Sentricon AlwaysActive is highly effective and a long-term solution for termite control. This system preventes termites without using in-ground chemicals. It offers continuous protection by tapping into the natural behaviour and biology of termites to prevente termites before they’re discovered.

Your termite controller will place Sentricon stations strategically around your home. Termites feed on the Sentricon In-Ground Termiticide Roots, which contains a growth regulator that interrupts the termite moulting process. When the termites tunnel back to their colony, the worker termites will die. Eventually, the entire colony will be prevented, and any new termites will be prevented.

Premise

Premise is a non-repellent termiticide well-suited to construction methods and particular environmental conditions in South Australia.

When Premise is used for termite control, termites will pass through the Premise treated zone. They then stop feeding, become disorientated, cease grooming, and begin to neglect their environment. Once this happens, natural occurring fungi and microorganisms in the soil start to affect the termites, causing them fatal diseases and the colony’s eventual destruction.

Although Premise is lethal to termites, it’s safe to humans, pets, and other wildlife, making it an excellent environmentally-conscious option for termite control.

New home termite protection

At Allstate, we know that getting ahead of a termite problem by protecting your new home is a very smart idea. That’s why we have a dedicated pre-construction division.

As a South Australian business that’s been protecting homes since 1986, we have decades of experience in termite behaviour and control specific to Adelaide homes. Our pre-construction team, headed by Aaron Thompson (a licensed builder and professional pest controller), is always at the fore-front of termite control in construction.

When using Allstate for your new home protection, you can be protected with a range of premium products and application methods that are designed for the South Australian environment.

There are various ways our pre-construction team helps builders and homeowners protect new buildings, including Kordon Termite Barriers and other building services.

Kordon Termite Barrier

Kordon Termite Barrier is a repellent termite barrier made in Adelaide, making it the perfect solution for Adelaide construction methods and climate. This protection is backed by Bayer, one of the world’s largest environmental science companies, and is extensively tested by the CSIRO.

Kordon is a polyester webbing containing deltamethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, which is laminated between two UV stable low-density polyethylene plastic sheets. This is then installed around the building in areas where termites are likely to find access.

The deltamethrin in Kordon is highly repellent to termites, it is perfect for residential, as well as commercial projects. White ants will avoid close contact with it and try and find food elsewhere. If the termites try to go around the Kordon, they will build mud tubes. These tubes are detectable by trained inspectors and can be quickly prevented following your annual inspection.

Building services

Alongside Kordon, Allstate recommends several building services to help ensure that your new home is safe from termites. These include:

Side slab moisture protection to prevent moisture build-up in side slabs and deter termite activity
Moisture barriers to prevent termites from becoming attracted to the property
Concrete curing to prevent cracks from forming and allowing termites to enter
Concrete repairs to remove any termite entry-points already there

Why Choose Allstate?

With so many options, termite protection and termite control can quickly become overwhelming.

If you aren’t sure where to start, contact an Adelaide termite control company to discuss the best options for you, and set up an inspection for your home. If you think you might have termites, contact us using our website for 24/7 fast response and professional advice.

As a South Australian family-owned and operated business, Allstate care about the safety of people, homes and businesses across greater Adelaide. Our main aim is to protect homes and families through up-to-date pest control options, including termite control that’s safe for people, pets, and wildlife.

We know how important keeping a termite-free home is, so we are proud to offer 24/7 fast and friendly response via our website, a 100% satisfaction money-back guarantee, and affordable interest-free payment plans.

By using Allstate for your termite control needs, you can ensure you and your family will be able to enjoy your home for years to come.

Call Allstate today 8371 1227.

Our expert team is ready to help you now

8371 1277

The Ultimate Guide to Pest Control in Adelaide

by David Fry | Dec 1, 2020 | Blog, Pests

YOUR GUIDE TO PEST CONTROL IN ADELAIDE

Welcome to the ultimate pest control guide from Allstate Pest Control, Adelaide’s leading family-owned pest control company.

Why is pest control in Adelaide so important? Between chilly winters, rainy springs and scorching summers, there is a different element for every Adelaide season, and unfortunately each one brings with it a different set of pests.

While they might be unpleasant to look at, pests can also spread disease, cause illness, damage homes and buildings, and sometimes even cause businesses to shut up shop. That’s why keeping them under control is essential for the health and safety of you and your loved ones, or the longevity of your business. For tailored pest control solutions in the eastern suburbs, learn more about our Allstate Pest Control Glynde team.

Need urgent pest control?

or

8371 1277

The hidden risks of ignoring pest control in Adelaide

We’ve all dealt with the odd ant trail, stray roach or maybe even rats in the roof. But when it comes to pests and controlling them, there is often more than meets the eye. If you’re in Payneham or nearby suburbs, our team provides trusted local pest control services tailored to your area.

Pest-related health issues

As Adelaide pest controllers we see ourselves as guardians of your health. Common household pests like fleas, cockroaches, and mosquitoes can spread malaria, plague, and dengue. The common household cockroach can lead to breathing difficulties like asthma. For people with allergies, these small bugs can even prove deadly. We also provide tailored pest control services in local suburbs such as West Croydon

Building damage

Termites or white ants are wood eating insects that silently feed inside the walls of your home, and can cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage before they are discovered. Rats, mice and possums also gnaw on walls, furniture and even through wiring – risking beginning an electrical fire.

Hidden infestations

Most home or business owners have spotted one or two pests before and probably thought nothing of it. But seeing just a couple of these creatures can mean that there are a lot more hiding away in the cracks and crevices of your building.

Reputation damage

While pests endanger the safety of you and your family in the home, they are even more of a problem in the workplace. Pests don’t only risk staff and customer health – you are also likely to damage your reputation if a customer encounters any creepy crawlies that shouldn’t be there.

While pests can cause a lot more trouble than you would think, we’re not just here to bring you doom and gloom. Fortunately the right professional pest control will not only remove existing infestations, but can prevent many pests from cropping up in the first place.

The Allstate team are pest control gurus with a targeted approach that hits pests where they live and breed to ensure the treatment works. Combined with fast-acting treatments and a money-back guarantee, we’re proudly Adelaide’s leading independent pest control company.

Call Allstate for family and pet safe pest control today.

For more information on identifying pests and how to prevent them, keep reading. Allstate Pest Control also services suburbs across Adelaide, including Richmond

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

Pest control for business

Whether you’re running a small business or managing a large facility, businesses can be hugely impacted by the presence of pests. While food-based businesses are at higher risk, any business from office spaces to medical centres needs to carefully manage their pest control. Our local pest experts in Glenunga provide tailored solutions to keep your workplace safe and compliant.

If a pest problem is ignored, it can quickly get out of hand, leading to illness among staff and customers, damage to property, damage to business reputation, and in some cases total business closure. Once pest infestation takes hold, it’s difficult and costly to rectify, which is why routine pest control programs are essential to mitigating your risk.

At Allstate we service our commercial clients with a Routine Pest Management Program, which focuses on prevention instead of reactive service. This not only reduces the headache of an infestation, but uses far less pesticides than if we had to manage pests already there.

We also offer the Allstate Online portal, to give businesses a 24-hour, multi-site overview of their pest service. This also provides you with direct communication to your pest technician, who can work around your business’s opening hours to ensure your business keeps running smoothly.

Pest control technician inspecting bar equipment with flashlight.

Our expert team is ready to help you now

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8371 1277

Types of pests

Termites

Did you know that Adelaide has some of the most destructive termites in the world? These aren’t a pest that you can ignore. With one in five homes being attacked by termites, it’s essential you get an annual termite inspection to find any signs of an infestation before they do too much damage.

These pests are attracted by moisture, so make sure you regularly check your home for any water damage and fix leaking taps, showerheads, and air conditioners as soon as the leaks occur.

Unfortunately, termites can be almost impossible to notice until the damage is done. That’s why you should always get your home or business inspected professionally in order to protect your property.

Ants

Common ants may not seem worrying, but a colony of them can cause you some trouble. Ants are particularly fond of the Adelaide climate and will make nests in garden beds, lawns, under pavers, and even in cavity walls or roof spaces.

Once they find a way in, ants tend to contaminate food. A bad infestation can even damage electrical wiring and pose health risks, which is why it’s vital to prevent ants from entering your home.

Ants are attracted by food, so you can prevent them by cleaning up any spilt food or drinks immediately, rinsing out bottles and cans before recycling, and not leaving pet food out. If you notice ant trails in your home, follow the trail to find their entry point and seal it. If the problem persists, consider professional pest control.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of the most prolific household pests. In Adelaide, they are active year-round but are particularly bad in the colder season as they are attracted to the warmth and food found in buildings. Once inside your property, cockroaches multiply rapidly, and it’s very easy for a small cockroach problem to get out of hand quickly.

Like ants, these pests are attracted by food, so the best way to prevent cockroaches is to keep your home clean, store food in airtight containers, and empty garbage bins regularly. Another way to prevent them is a with a 6-monthly pest spray, which will kill and deter them.

A cockroach infestation can lead to serious health implications. These pests can spread diseases like salmonella, dysentery, typhoid, hepatitis, and tuberculosis, which is why if you think you have a cockroach problem you should get professional pest control treatment.

Spiders

While most spiders don’t pose a threat, where there are small children and pets around, the more venemous species can be deadly. Spiders can also be a nuisance around the home and garden with their messy, sticky webs, and the dead insects they leave behind.

The best way to prevent spiders is by dusting and vacuuming regularly, removing visible cobwebs or egg sacs, and keeping your backyard tidy. For professional prevention, there are treatments that are safe for people and pets.

Our expert team is ready to help you now

8371 1277

Birds

Although it is nice to see birds drinking and feeding in your garden, they aren’t an animal you want nesting in your home. Even in cases where birds don’t make it beneath your roof, they can still cause problems; as more Adelaide homeowners install solar panels, there have been increased reports of damage from pigeons nesting beneath them.

These feathered creatures don’t usually come to your home alone. Like many other pests, they carry disease-causing bacteria that can lead to salmonella, ornithosis (which causes flu-like to pneumonia-type symptoms), bird fanciers’ lung (an allergic condition), cryptococcus (which leads to meningitis) and e-coli.

For pest birds, there are several removal, prevention, and cleaning options, for any situation.

Bed Bugs

With the possible exception of termites, bed bugs can be one of the scariest pests to infest a property. They are a nuisance in the home and can be a massive problem in hotels, motels, and other accommodation, causing a substantial financial impact.

These bugs are tough to see, and you won’t know that they’ve taken up residence in your bedroom until you wake with itchy, red bites that may turn into larger itchy welts. Once you know they’re there, they can also be challenging to remove, as female bed bugs will lay up to 3500 eggs in their lifetime.

Bed bugs can be transported into your home in second-hand furniture, including bed bases, mattresses, couches, dressers, wardrobes, and even picture frames. They will then be attracted to the nooks and crannies in mattresses, box springs, and curtains. To prevent a bed bug problem overtaking your home, you should inspect mattress seams and bedding, and vacuum your carpets frequently.

Without professional treatment you may believe that you have managed the bugs, but their tiny eggs can lay dormant for long periods, only to hatch when the weather warmsup and creates a new infestation. These resurgences of bed bugs are why it is essential to rid your home of bed bugs correctly.

Bees & Wasps

Bees are essential to our environment, but there are times when both bees and wasps can pose a danger. While they are generally peaceful, they will sting when they feel threatened. The sting of a bee or wasp can range from benign but painful to a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Bees and wasps don’t just create homes in the garden. Some of these pests even build their hives and nests inside wall cavities! These can house hundreds of insects that, if threatened, may swarm and sting all at once.

Even for those without an allergy, being stung by a swarm is dangerous. If someone (particularly a child) has not been stung before, an allergy may not be known and could result in devastating consequences.

Although some beehives and wasp nests may seem easy to remove, attempting to remove one is very dangerous. We encourage anyone with a wasp or bee problem to contact a licensed pest control service.

Rats & Mice

Rats and mice are one of the most despised pests in Adelaide homes and businesses. These rodents cause a lot of problems, from health issues to structural damage, and even fires.

There is a misconception that a rodent problem means your home is dirty. Often, rats and mice enter homes due to environmental conditions outside of your control, like nearby dense foliage, fruit trees, or neighbouring properties housing chickens.

Once rats and mice have made your house their home, they breed very quickly, and what seemed like a small rodent problem can turn into a major infestation. They are highly destructive pests and will gnaw on walls, furniture, insulation, leave droppings, and destroy electrical cabling.

Like most pests, prevention is better than extermination. Rats and mice enter homes through small holes in the perimeter of buildings, so make sure you seal up any holes inside and outside your property to prevent their entry. Rodents are also attracted by food and water, so don’t leave any pet food outside.If you do have a rodent problem, there are effective removal methods available.

Possums

Possums are becoming more common in the suburbs as urban development depletes their natural environment. They enter rooves through gaps in roofing and tiles, often after stormy weather dislodges them. The best way to prevent them is to make sure any access points are closed up.

It’s hard to mistake a possum in your roof. Unlike smaller rodents who scratch and scurry in ceilings and wall cavities, possums make loud thumping noises, usually during the night. So if you’re not getting a good night’s sleep, a possum may be to blame.

These pests are incredibly territorial and can become aggressive when defending themselves or being removed. There are also strict laws regarding the removal of possums, so it is essential to hire a trained and licensed service to remove them for you.

Biting Insects

Sometimes you might know you have a pest because of mysterious, itchy bug bites on your skin. There is a broad range of these biting insects entering Adelaide homes, and along with being irritating they can spread diseases and risk your health.

Fleas are one of the easiest pests to identify, particularly if you have pets in your home. Fleas often come into your home on the coat of your dog or cat, then may begin to bite you too. They can be identified by their bites: small, dark spots surrounded by red, which are usually on your feet and lower legs.

Bed bugs are another pest that you may not see but can infest your home. The tell-tale sign of a bed bug is their bite, which is small, flat, or raised, red, and positioned in a straight line. These bites usually appear in the morning, and often around your neck and arms.

Bird lice and mites are another not-so-tiny problem pest caused by birds nesting in your roof. Once the nesting birds leave and the lice or mites have no food source, they will search for a new host, and it might be you. Bird mite bites are often mistaken for the bites of other insects, or even scabies, as they look like small reddish spots that become itchy and swell.

When the cause of a pest bite is unknown, the best course of action is to speak to a pest control professional, who can conduct an inspection of your property and uncover and treat the cause.

Can someone prevent all these pests?

Although many common pests in Adelaide can be prevented, many of the methods are time-consuming, and it’s easy to miss small cracks, gaps, and other problems in your property. If you’re ever in doubt and want to make sure you are protected, get an Adelaide pest control company to inspect your property and help you with the right prevention and treatment.

As a South Australian family-owned and operated business, we care about more than exterminating pests. Our main aim is to protect homes and businesses across greater Adelaide, ensuring that your property, family, or customers and staff are safe.

That’s why Allstate stays up to date on new pest control technology, ensuring that we use the most effective, fast-acting, and non-toxic treatments for every job.

We understand that not every person can afford the more extensive pest control treatments, so we offer affordable interest-free payments. We are also so sure that you will be satisfied with our service that we offer a money-back guarantee.

Our technicians are fully insured and highly experienced in controlling all pests in all types of home and commercial settings. With 24/7 emergency service, you can be assured that Allstate will be ready to help you when you need it.

Call Allstate today on 8371 1227.

Our expert team is ready to help you now

8371 1277

What Do Termites Eat? Can Termites Eat Hardwood?

by | Nov 3, 2020 | Blog, Termites

What do termites eat? Well, it’s a lot more than just wood. That’s the scary bit. At Allstate Pest Control, we’ve been into pest control in South Australia since 1986, and we’ve seen enough about these destructive insects.

We’ve seen homes around Adelaide where skirting boards crumble like Weetbix. Fences eaten from the inside out. Even cardboard boxes in storage that look like lace. Termites are silent eaters, and once a termite colony is active, they’ll chew through anything with cellulose.

And here’s the thing: most termite infestations go unnoticed until there’s already significant structural damage.

Whether it’s subterranean termites building mud tubes from your garden bed or drywood termites burrowing into your window frames, their feeding habits don’t stop. That’s why we recommend annual termite inspections for most homes in Adelaide. It’s the most practical way to detect termite activity early and avoid massive repair bills.

Let’s break down exactly what termites eat, what they don’t and all the myths you probably may have heard of.

8 Facts and Myths About Adelaide’s Most Destructive Insect

1. Can termites eat hardwood?

Yes. People in Adelaide often think hardwood is safe from termites, but the opposite is true. The majority of termites actually prefer hardwood over softwood, even though it takes them a little longer to eat and process.

2. Do termites live out in the open?

No. Subterranean termites (the termite common in Adelaide) travel through tunnels known as mud tubes which they make out of their own excrement and saliva. Termites need a high level of humidity to survive which is why they don’t venture out into the open.

3. Do termites eat 24 hours a day?

Yes. The majority of a termite colony consists of workers who work day and night eating wood to provide food for the colony.

4. If your house has been treated for termites, will you ever need another inspection?

Yes. Termites can and will return to the area, so it’s important you keep up with annual inspections to stop them at the very earliest sign.

5. Do DIY termite treatments work?

No. DIY treatments are highly inadvisable for a couple of reasons. First, DIY treatment chemicals are nowhere near as strong as they need to be. Second, even with the right chemicals, only a professional with the right experience is equipped to appropriately target infested areas without putting you and your family at risk.

6. Are termites easy to spot?

No. Once you have a heavy infestation, you may notice hollow-sounding walls on small piles of insect wings. Still, it’s almost impossible to know there’s a young colony in your house without a professional inspection.

7. Do black ants eat termites?

Yes. Black ants can attack and eat termites if given the opportunity, however this is rare: termites are rarely hanging around above ground with black ants, instead sticking to their mud tubes and the insides of your walls.

8. Do steel-framed houses stop termites?

No. Fortunately termites can’t eat steel. So, steel-framed houses certainly aren’t as susceptible to attack. However termites can still feed on any other timber parts of the house such as window frames, floor boards, fixed timber furnishings and timber fences and pergolas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do termites eat wood so much?

Termites eat wood because it’s rich in cellulose, their primary food source. Inside their gut, specific microbes help break it down for energy. Worker termites do most of the feeding and share nutrients with the rest of the termite colony. It’s why timber homes are such a feast for these destructive pests.

Do termites eat pine or only hardwood?

Yes, termites eat pine. While some hardwoods like jarrah are more termite-resistant, softwoods like pine are an easy target. Subterranean termites, especially those found in pine, love moisture-rich landscaping timbers and wall frames. Once damp, it becomes an ideal buffet.

What do most termites eat in Australia?

In Australia, termites mainly feed on dead or decaying timber, untreated wood, paper, cardboard, and even some fabrics. Subterranean termites are the most common species here and are known for attacking house frames, fence posts, and even bookshelves. If it’s cellulose-based, they’ll feed on it.

What do termites hate the most?

Termites hate dry environments, direct sunlight, and certain strong smells like vinegar, orange oil, and neem. They thrive in dark, damp spaces where mud tubes can stay moist. Regular ventilation, clearing garden beds near walls, and fixing leaks quickly can discourage termite survival.

What kills termites the fastest?

For fast results, chemical treatments like termiticides applied by licensed termite control technicians are most effective. These solutions create a treated zone around the property or directly target the termite nest. For serious infestations, baiting systems also work by attracting termite workers who unknowingly share the poison with the rest of the colony.

So, how is your termite knowledge?

Are you a budding termite inspector, much less informed than you would like, or somewhere between the two? Let us know how many of these you already knew and if there were any that surprised you.

If your new-found knowledge has got you anxious to get your house inspected, our friendly team can get you booked in as soon as it suits you. Click the orange chat button or call 8371 1277.

Bird proofing your solar panels – is it really necessary?

by | Oct 26, 2020 | Bird Control, Blog

Your solar panels were working out great, but then the birds moved in. Your roof quickly became inundated with pigeons and your solar panels were covered in feathers and bird droppings. You may have heard about bird proofing your solar panels, but wondered if you actually need to do it, or you could just wait for the birds to move on?

The answer is yes – you do need to install proofing on your solar panels in order to protect them from pest birds. While you could use other methods of bird control, as soon as you remove pigeons from under your solar panels it’s likely a new flock of birds will come and replace them.

Why bird proof your solar panels in Adelaide?

Unfortunately solar panels are a 5-star nesting spot for pigeons and other Adelaide pest birds, thanks to fact they are provide shelter and a hiding place while being up high away from most predators.

Even if you can put up with the mess they create, it’s unwise to let them continue living and breeding on your roof because a) the damage they cause to your solar panels and b) the significant health risk. If pigeons roost on your solar panels for too long, these are just some of the problems you’re likely to face:

Your panels stop working effectively: pest birds damage the wiring on your solar panels and interrupt the flow from the panels to the board.
Your solar panels sustain expensive, long-term damage: bird droppings are corrosive and if allowed to build up on your panels can permanently damage them.
Your roof gets stained: by nesting under your panels, birds leave far more droppings on your roof than they otherwise would, which can stain and damage it.
You are exposed to bird lice and dangerous pathogens: birds carry lice and infectious pathogens including Salmonella and E. Coli, which can cause serious problems for humans. When birds nest on your roof, bird lice find additional hosts by entering the roof cavity and feeding on the humans inside. Infectious diseases are spread through feathers and droppings, which quickly turn to a dust-like substance and spread to the inhabitants below.
You attract other pests: birds’ droppings and nests attract other unhygienic pests like rats, mice and cockroaches.

Getting solar proofing installed

Now you know that birds under your solar panels are more than a noisy, messy nuisance, you’ll understand why it’s best to keep them out for good.

By bird proofing your solar panels, you will reliably stop them from nesting underneath, but the task should be carried out by an Adelaide pest control professional to make sure you don’t get any future problems.

Here’s what you can expect when our team pigeon proof your solar panels:

We willl inspect the roof and roof cavity to find all birds dwelling in your home, then manage them through one of a number of bird control methods.
We remove all faeces, feathers and nesting material, then thoroughly clean the solar panels and surrounding areas.
We fit a hardwearing, UV coated mesh to the outsides of your solar panels. The mesh can be removed and reinstalled for any future solar panel maintenance, and doesn’t interfere with your solar panels’ function or affect their warranty.
1. In addition to our Money Back Guarantee, we offer a 1 year warranty: if birds manage to get under your solar panels within this period we will come and fix the problem free of charge.

What if I don’t yet have solar panels?

If you’re based in Adelaide and about to invest in solar panels, you can save yourself the hassle of any bird problems and get solar panel proofing as soon as your solar panels are installed. Call us for a free quote and to book.

Your chance to remove pest pigeons for good

If you’re sick of birds hanging in and around your solar panels (or dreading the prospect of it happening), solar panel proofing is the most effective way to keep them out permanently. Allstate Adelaide’s bird control team are experienced, highly trained, and always look after our customers.

Learn more about solar panel proofing and get a quote today– click the orange chat button or speak to our friendly team on 8371 1277.

Your guide to Managing Termite Risk

by | Sep 30, 2020 | Blog, Termites

Here’s a fact you might not know: over the last 20 years, termites have caused more damage to Australian homes than fires, floods and storms combined. No wonder termite damage is excluded from most home insurance policies! For expert bird lice control, click here.

These highly destructive pests infest Adelaide homes in large colonies to feed on timber frames, walls, under floorboards, and any other wood fittings within your house. With colony sizes ranging from 100,000 to 2 million termites, by the time you notice any signs of damage it is usually far too late.

In fact, a colony of 2 million termites is capable of entirely destroying a house within 2 years.

Fortunately, it’s not all bad news: there are some steps you can take to drastically reduce the risk of an infestation and safeguard your current or future home with termite protection

Termite prevention when building a home

If you’re about to build a home, your termite risk management starts now. It’s important to use termite-proof materials like concrete slabs and steel frames, and we highly recommend installing a barrier such as the Kordon Termite Barrier, which will repel termites from your home.

At Allstate Adelaide we also provide moisture protection and concrete curing to further mitigate the risk of termites in the construction phase.

Speak with your builder about Allstate’s preconstruction division or contact us directly using the orange chat button.

Check for termites when buying a home

Purchasing a property is one of life’s biggest investments, which is why should you always make sure you’re investing wisely by getting a building inspection. However it’s important to know that this inspection doesn’t cover termites.

That’s why it’s essential to also get a separate pre-purchase timber pest inspection from a qualified termite professional.

Precautions when living in your existing home

Whether or not you took the right precautions when buying or building your home, there are several important steps you should take to reduce the risk of a termite infestation at any stage:

Repair any leaks immediately – moisture-compromised wood is a haven for termites
Make sure you have sufficient drainage and grading to keep the soil surrounding your home dry
Keep all plants, bushes and trees trimmed away from the house
Don’t stack firewood against your house
Book a termite inspection from a qualified pest control professional at least once every 12 months

Prevention is a whole lot easier than cure

For homebuyers and owners, it really pays to invest in managing termite risk now, so that you can be confident you’ve protected yourself for the future.

Our termite control team at Allstate are some of the most experienced in Adelaide, and our dedicated pre-construction division helps builders keep homes protected from the beginning. Learn more about our termite services here.

Sort out your termite risk management today – click the orange chat button or speak to our friendly team on 8371 1277.

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