Your Guide to Pest Control Sprays

by SerumTD-019 | Apr 11, 2022 | Pests

YOUR GUIDE TO PEST CONTROL SPRAYS

When pests invade your home or business, it can be tempting to reach for the can of Mortein, but often there’s a larger underlying pest problem.

That’s where a professional pest control treatment and spray can help. At Allstate, we can treat the root cause of your pest outbreak to give you and your family long-lasting protection all year round.

What questions will this article answer?

Benefits of using pest sprays

When applied safely, general pest sprays will improve your day to day living and hygiene.

Types of pest control sprays

Chemical sprays have compounds that are selectively toxic to certain pests. These are fast acting, effective and inexpensive. Biological sprays contain other living organisms such as parasites, pathogens and natural predators and are used to reduce pest outbreaks in your garden. They are generally slower acting and can be less effective.

Sprays for common household pests

We use crawling insect sprays which target cockroaches and spiders, and flying insect sprays which prevente flies.

Which pesticides are used in pest sprays?

Commercially available sprays normally target cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes and ants contain pesticides including fipronil, pyrethrins and pyrethroids, boric acid, carbamates and insect growth regulators.

How is a professional pest control spray different to DIY?

Depending on the nature of your pest outbreak, pest sprays that are applied by a licensed pest control technician are more effective and have less environmental impact than when they are misused by an inexperienced person. We offer long-term protection from pests through our tailored, ongoing pest management and maintenance programs.

Benefits of using pest sprays

As a convenient choice for many people as a spot treatment for pests, you’ll find that most homes and businesses in Adelaide will have a can of pesticide spray sitting in the cupboard.

When applied safely, sprays can help to improve the comfort and hygiene of a building by keeping rogue pests at bay.

However, a DIY approach doesn’t work to prevente an actual pest outbreak. These are common in the warmer months when they are out of hibernation, which is when we recommend a professional assessment by a licensed pest control technician.

For a pest spray that is effective and reliable, speak to a pest removal expert today.

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8371 1277

Types of pest control sprays

There are 2 main types of commercially available pest sprays.

Biological sprays contain other living organisms such as parasites, pathogens and natural predators and are used to reduce pest outbreaks in your garden. They are generally slower acting and can be less effective.

Chemical sprays have compounds that are selectively toxic to certain pests and are used to manage them by either immediate prevention, or forming a protective residue over a surface for a period of time as a longer lasting deterrent. They tend to be fast acting, effective, inexpensive and readily available. This is the preferred choice for Allstate’s pest control treatments.

Sprays for common household pests

Here are our most used sprays for getting rid of common pests lurking around your home. They’ll tend to hibernate in winter and then re-emerge at springtime, so make sure that you book in for a pest spray at least once a year.

Cockroach sprays

If you’re wondering how to manage pesky roaches with an exterminator, we use crawling insect sprays that have specific chemicals, such as boric acid, which are able to penetrate a cockroach’s tough outer casing.

We’ll apply them with an extendable nozzle attachment that helps with treating the hard to reach areas where cockroaches are hiding. Having a 360 degree valve also makes it handy for spraying the aerosol in any direction – even upside down – to catch these pesky critters.

Spider Sprays

For spider pest control Adelaide, we target spider webs and hiding places with crawling insect spray. We advise you wait a day or two before removing the webs to ensure the spider has come into contact with the insecticide. We can prevent spiders from entering your home by spraying aerosol and leaving its residue around access points such as windows, doors and vents.

We practice the safe use of pesticide sprays

At Allstate, we understand that the chemical pesticides used in pest sprays must be treated and used with caution. You can rest assured that your health and safety is always a priority.

Our technicians are highly trained to understand how to apply or properly mix and prepare the chemicals
We adhere to safety precautions to protect you and your family from possible hazards
We advise evacuating vulnerable people including children and pregnant women and pets during our treatments

Need safe pest control? Our expert team is ready to help

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8371 1277

Which pesticides are used in a pest spray?

In Australia, all chemicals used in the manufacture of pest sprays must be approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (AVPMA) , so you can be confident that they are safe.

Here are the most commonly used pesticides used in treatment sprays, and the pests that they target:

Fipronil

A highly transmissible insecticide and termiticide, Fipronil comes in powder, granulated and liquid forms. It is easily passed from insect to insect, where it binds to nerve endings and causes paralysis in pests such as ants, cockroaches, fleas, ticks and termites. When handled with care, it is non-toxic to humans.

Pyrethrins and pyrethroids

Derived from chrysanthemum flowers, pyrethrins are commonly used mild toxicity insecticides are used to target mosquitoes, houseflies, fleas, moths, ants and mosquitoes. Their synthentic form is known as pyrethroids. They are usually mixed with other chemicals to enhance their effect of causing paralysis in insects.

Boric acid

A popular insecticide normally found as sodium borate in powdered form, boric acid is used to prevente spiders, bed bugs, fleas, mice, cockroaches and termites. Being water soluble, it makes a powerful surface spray that disrupts insect metabolism. Remember to take extra care when handling boric acid products as they are highly corrosive.

Carbamates

Made from carbamic acid with a low toxicity towards people and pets, carbamate pesticides are widely used to remove spiders, ants, cockroaches and fleas. They act by inhibiting the respiratory system.

Insect growth regulators

With the benefit of acting through a highly specific mechanism of action, insect growth regulators inhibit insect growth and egg laying capacity. This selective toxicity makes them safe for humans and pets. Some examples of commonly used insect growth regulators include triflumuron and juvenoids.

How is a professional pest control spray different to DIY?

With an abundance of commercially available pest sprays, DIY pest control has never been easier. However, just because they are more accessible, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are effective or healthy.

Problems arising from misusing pest sprays

When pest sprays are applied by a licensed pest control technician, the benefits you experience will outweigh the risks of misuse by an inexperienced person. These risks include:

Causing illness to people, wildlife and harming plants
Eliminating the symptom, but not the problem of a pest outbreak
Environmental pollution can damage the ecosystem and reduce biodiversity

Is pest control safe for humans?

At Allstate, we are members of AEPMA, ensuring highest level standard of service. We are also food standard HACCP compliant and adhere to the ISO 9001 quality standard.

We are regularly updating our knowledge of Australian standards and regulations such as the EPA and various EPPs.

Our pest control technicians are all highly trained in modern techniques and technology to practice safe use and handling of chemicals. We take care to use products that are APVMA approved and non-toxic to people, pets and the environment.

Stay pest-free with an ongoing pest management program

Professional sprays can keep you pest-free for months, but if you don’t practice preventative measures, you may be at risk of another outbreak, especially when warmer weather arrives and pests come out of hibernation.

Be sure to conduct regular inspections around your property, seal off potential entry points and remove all sources of pest attractants.

For a pest outbreak risk assessment and inspection, Allstate has you covered. As part of a tailored pest management program, we offer a convenient pest inspection and maintenance service to businesses all over Adelaide.

Preparing for a pest control spray treatment

To ensure you get the best results:

Store away items that you don’t want exposed to chemicals, such as clothing and toys
Secure your pets well away from the treatment area
Move furniture to the centre of the room so pest technician has better access to the walls
Once treatment is finished, there could be a certain period of time needed to vent the building before you re-enter, so your technician will let you know.
Do not mop the floors or wipe surfaces as this can remove the treatment residue

How much does professional bug spray cost?

Pest sprays are used as part of a pest treatment and removal or maintenance program. Our programs start at <number?> though this figure varies depending on factors such as the size and the accessibility of the affected area.

Our expert team are ready to help you now

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8371 1277

Choose Allstate for professional pest removal services

At Allstate, we understand how convenient it is to manage unwanted pests lurking around your home by simply purchasing a pesticide spray from your local hardware store.

Unfortunately it only fixes the symptom, not the underlying problem. That’s where we can help.

Our licensed and fully equipped pest control technicians are able to perform a professional inspection of your property and then come up with a management plan to permanently resolve the problem.

We’re highly trained and experienced in handling pesticides and chemicals, and take every precaution to keep you, your family, pets and property as safe as possible during the treatment process. We choose to use only products which are non-toxic towards pets, people and the environment.

All of our treatments come with a 100% satisfaction money-back guarantee to ensure that our service has met your expectations. We offer interest free payment plans so you can get back to being pest-free as soon as possible.

Need pest control? Our expert team are ready to help you now.

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8371 1277

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

by SerumTD-019 | Feb 21, 2022 | Pests

What questions will this article answer?

Get to know pantry moths

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

Why should I worry about Indian meal moths?

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

Signs you’ve got a pantry moth outbreak

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

Pantry moths in commercial facilities

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

Preventing a pantry moth problem

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

Ways to control a pantry moth outbreak

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

Professional pantry moth management

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

Allstate’s pantry moth prevention service

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get to know pantry moths

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

Indian meal moths vary in appearance

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

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

They are clever at sneaking into food items

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

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

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Why should I worry about Indian meal moths?

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

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

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

Signs you’ve got a pantry moth outbreak

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

Webbing

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

Feeding tracks

Larvae leave trails as they burrow through your food.

You notice pantry moths flying around

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

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

Speak to a pest control expert today

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8371 1277

Pantry moths in commercial facilities

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

Cafes, restaurants and hospitality venues

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

Food handling and distribution facilities

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

Preventing a pantry moth problem

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

Keep your pantry and kitchen clean

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

Inspect stored food regularly

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

Dispose of any affected food immediately

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

Inspect food before purchase

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

Store food in airtight containers

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

Homemade repellents

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

Flying termite swarms and discarded wings

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

Short-circuiting power

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

How to remove a pantry moth outbreak

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

Exposure to heat

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

Insecticide aerosol

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

Setting up traps

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

Professional pantry moth managion

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

Inspection

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

Clearing away eggs and larvae

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

Treatment

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

Follow up

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

Reporting back to you

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get help from our expert team

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Your guide to Pest Proof Parties in Adelaide

by SerumTD-019 | Dec 22, 2021 | Pests

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

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

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

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

Common pests found in Adelaide homes

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

Ways to keep pests away from your home

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

Property maintenance services

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

Don’t let uninvited pests spoil your next party

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

Need urgent pest control?

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8371 1277

Common pests found in Adelaide homes

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

Flies

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

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

Here’s some ways to keep them at bay:

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

Mosquitoes

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

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

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

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

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

Bees and Wasps

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

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

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

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

Pest control for the home

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

Termites

Ants

Cockroaches

Spiders

Birds

Bed Bugs

Bees & Wasps

Rats & Mice

Possums

Biting Insects

Disinfection Services

Birds

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

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

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

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

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

Cockroaches

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

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

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

Spiders

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

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

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

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

Ants

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

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

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

Rodents

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

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

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

Concerned about a pest outbreak? Speak to an expert today

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8371 1277

Ways to keep pests away from your party

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

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

Regularly clean your home

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

Grow plants which deter insects

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

Keep your yard and garden tidy

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

Proper food storage and handling

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

Regularly check for entry points and seal them off

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

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

Practice proper waste disposal and storage

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

Remove or cover sources of standing water

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

Use diatomaceous earth, chalk and powdery substances

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

Property maintenance services

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

Gutter cleaning and gutter guard installation

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

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

Roof void cleaning

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

Pressure washing

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

Solar panel cleaning and proofing

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

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

8371 1277

Don’t let uninvited pests spoil your next party

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

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

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

The Ultimate Guide to Pest Control in Adelaide

by SerumTD-019 | 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.

Whether it’s summer ants and flies or rodents seeking warmth in the winter, unwanted guests are a fact of life in South Australia – but fortunately there are people like us to evict them from your home or business, and prevent them from coming back.

Need urgent pest control?

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Pest control for the home

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.

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.

Our expert team is ready to help you now

or

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

5 easy ways to stop bugs from spoiling your spring

by SerumTD-019 | Sep 28, 2020 | Blog, Pests

In Adelaide, we spend the second half of winter hanging out for those sunny 25-degree days just around the corner. But when they finally come, they tend to bring with them an onslaught of spiders, termites and other spring pests that we don’t usually welcome so warmly.

Fortunately with a bit of preparation and some help from the experts, you can enjoy all the best parts and none of the pest parts of SA’s favourite season.

1. Start your outdoor spring clean

If you wanted a reason not to delay your backyard clean up any longer, this is it! Get onto this now, and you’ll be able to enjoy a tidy yard and reduce the chance of pest infestations over the next few months.

Here’s what to focus on to help keep the spring pests out:

Clean your gutters. Leaves and gutter debris are a great food and water source for a lot of pests, so removing these will make it harder for them to thrive.
Weeding and mowing. Long grass provides the perfect hiding place for many pests.
Trim shrubs, bushes and branches that overhang your roof. These provide easy access for ants and possums, so it’s best to keep them distanced from your home’s exterior.

If you need some help with your spring clean, the Allstate team has you covered with our new Property Maintenance Service. Just click the orange chat button to book.

2. Make time for a kitchen cleanout

The kitchen is a favourite haunt for spring pests – especially ants and cockroaches. Keep up with the obvious like regularly emptying bins and wiping down bench-tops; but there are also a few other things you can do:

Go through your pantry and cupboards and discard any stale or dated cooking items, then make sure everything is in sealed containers.
Wipe down the inside of the pantry, cupboards and draws.
Pull appliances away from the wall to thoroughly clean behind them.
Scrub the kitchen counter and floor with dish detergent mixed in warm water.

3. Bust bugs with a professional pest spray

One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep bugs away all spring is with a pest inspection and spray. We’ll come and inspect all areas of your house, outdoor area and additional buildings, then apply treatment that kills and deters pests, but is safe for you and your family.

Click the orange chat button or call 8371 1277 to book.

4. Inspect cracks, doors and drains

It’s worth doing an inspection on any points where pests might gain access or be attracted by moisture in your home. Check for:

Leaking taps.
Torn or badly fitting flyscreens in doors and windows
Any cracks or gaps in the interior of your home.

5. Hunt down termites with an Allstate termite inspection

Spring is also primary activity season for our least favourite pest – the dreaded termite. These wood-eating insects will live off the timber inside your walls and cause hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of damage without you even knowing they are there.

A far cheaper and easier alternative to repairing that mess is to get a regular Allstate termite inspection, and the start of spring is the best season to do it.

Click the orange chat button or call 8371 1277 to book.

Here to help with your spring bug blitz

Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or property or facility manager, spring shouldn’t have you tearing your hair out over avoidable problems with pests. We provide integrated pest management plans tailored for homes, businesses and commercial facilities, as well as a dedicated service for property managers.

Get the support you need this spring by clicking the orange chat button or calling 8371 1277.

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