Monthly Archives: March 2014

The old adage that ‘prevention is easier than cure’ is true in the case of pest control. If you have the chance, there are some simple measures you can take to prevent bugs and rodents getting in to your house and establishing themselves in the first place. Here are some simple ideas for preventing pest infestations:

1. Take out the garbage as often as possible – preferably, at least daily. It doesn’t take long for the smell to attract flies, ants or mice.
2. Clean out the garbage can once you’ve emptied the bin, if there’s slime or residue left. It’s not a pleasant task, but it can mean that bugs aren’t attracted to the area.
3. Keep ripe fruit in the fridge. Fruit flies and ants can smell the ripe sugars, and may be attracted to the fruit bowl. If you leave fruit in there too long and it gets really soft, make sure to clean out the bowl as soon as possible.
4. Wash dishes daily, as soon as possible after meal times. If you can’t possibly get to your dishes, make sure they’re submerged in warm soapy water so pests can’t smell (and be attracted to) the food leftovers.
5. If you have a cat or dog, keep up to date with its flea protection and de-worming schedule. A simple application or tablet could prevent a lot of work in terms of getting fleas out of upholstery and fabric.
6. Use silicone gap filler (available from any good hardware store) to seal up cracks and small gaps around the corners of the room, near windows, outlets, pipes and more. These are common entry points for cockroaches and ants.
7. Make your own DIY fly trap, or multiple traps, and place them a safe distance away from your house to both draw out flies and make sure they don’t get past and into your house. There are plenty of recipes and instructions available online, all using simple things you may already have around the house (or can get at any grocery store). One example is using a soft drink bottle with the top inverted, and a bait chosen depending on the type of fly in question.
8. When designing your garden, think about choosing natural pest repellent plants. Certain herbs have repellent properties and can be planted in pots and kept inside. Try keeping a planter box with fly repellent culinary herbs in your kitchen near the bin.

South America is known for many things. The incredible Iguazu Falls, the amazing Inca Trail, beautiful Brazilian locals, pristine beaches, and fantastic music – just to name a few. Unfortunately, it also has something of a reputation for run-ins with pests. The pest control prowess of many of the local hostels has been the stuff of holiday horror stories for many a backpacker, with tales of bed bugs abounding.

But first, what exactly are these creepy critters? A bed bug is a parasitic insect that feeds on human blood and commonly lives in houses – especially near to or inside of beds. Charming, isn’t it. Their size and the anaesthetic/coagulant they inject into the skin means they will usually go unnoticed when tucking in to their victim. Apart from being kind of gross, they can cause nasty problems such as allergies and rashes on the skin.

After never having encountered bed bugs, I learnt during my recent pilgrimage to Machu Picchu that they were a relatively common occurrence in South America. Many people I met told me that they had suffered terribly from painful bites and rashes after being unwittingly bitten.

So what can you do? Well, it can be difficult to get total peace of mind, especially since the cleanest bed can still be infested with the bugs. Before booking, make sure you do your research and check whether there are any reports of bed bug infestation at the hotel you’re considering.

When you arrive at you room, search the seams of the mattress for signs of the bugs, which may include eggs, small fecal stains, blood, or even the bugs themselves. Other signs include the bugs’ exoskeletons, and a sweet or musty smell in the room. To protect the stuff you’ve brought with you, you can line your bag with bed bug luggage liners or laundry bags.

If you happen to be bitten, remember that scratching will just make the problem worse and make your bites last longer. Wash the bites and apply some anti-itch cream. The bites will appear like a mosquito bite; just a bit red and swollen.

Make sure you alert the hotel so they can bring in the pest controllers. Bed bugs are notorious for surviving in almost any conditions, so it may take a while for them to kill off the infestation. Also ensure to wash all your clothes thoroughly afterwards – you don’t want any eggs surviving!

Unfortunately for people whose houses are infested with ants, roaches or flies, there are a lot of urban myths about household pests, what attracts them, and how to get rid of them. Preventing pest infestations can be simple, but it requires the right background knowledge. You also need to know what food source or condition the pest in question is seeking out, so you can remove what’s attracting them.

One common misconception is that ants are only attracted to spilled sugar or syrup. The truth is that they are attracted to a wide range of food sources, including protein (such as scraps of meat) and even grease. It is generally important to make sure you clean up any scraps, throw your rubbish out regularly, and do your dishes as soon as possible after meal times – no matter what you’ve eaten. Of course, it’s still important to clean up any sweets spilled on the floor.

Another ‘DIY pest control’ myth floating around the internet is that boiling water kills ants. It may kill the ants that it touches right away, but pouring it into a nest will have little effect on the queen and most of the ants, as the water will cool down and drain away before it gets to them. You’re much better off surrounding nest areas with a poison which will be delivered to the centre of the nest before the carrier ant dies.

For those hoping to catch rats and mice, whether in quick-kill traps or catch and release traps, it’s important to know what kind of food they’re attracted to. A common myth is that they love cheese, but actually, they’re more likely to be attracted to sweet and fatty foods such as seeds, nuts, and dried fruit. A bit of plain peanut butter in the trap is likely to do the trick.

For those who have pets, you may find it interesting to know that fleas can survive a relatively long time without a host. Also, not having a host puts them into overdrive, and they search aggressively for something else to latch on to – which might be your other pets, or even you! Fleas can hide in any warm, sheltered surface including carpets and upholstery, so make sure to thoroughly clean your home as part of any pest control measure including insecticides. Also, don’t take any risks with your dogs and cats – make sure their flea treatment is up to date, especially if they’re social with other animals, as you don’t want to risk them bringing fleas inside the house.

Whether you’re just trying to maintain results after a professional service, or you can’t quite afford to have a pest control company come in and take care of your problem, there are several DIY pest control measures you can take. Depending on the extent of the infestation and the type of pest you’re dealing with, you may be able to create or apply your own repellents, gentle pesticides and mechanical pest barriers.

The best option, of course, is prevention. There are lots of ways you can prevent bugs and vermin from getting into your home; you can create physical barriers at entry points, and make sure there are no gaps for them to crawl through. You can plant repellent herbs and flowers around the border of your house. You can also set up traps around the perimeter to prevent them getting into your home. But one of the most important pest prevention measures you can take is removing the food source that’s attracting them. This means keeping food containers properly sealed, keeping ripe fruit in the fridge, doing your dishes as soon as possible, taking garbage out daily, and other common sense measures.

If you already have pests inside your home, it’s important to take action as soon as possible before the population gets out of control and difficult to manage. First, make sure you have a good idea of what pest/s are in your home, as this will determine what type of formula or method you use; for example, you’d treat crawling insects differently from flying insects. You can choose to try and make your own DIY natural pest killer, or you can visit your local hardware store and get some advice. In recent years, several companies have developed consumer-grade versions of professional pesticides, including miniature spray packs. These sprays are applied around the perimeter of the home, especially doorways, and cannot be crossed by the majority of crawling pests (they also create a strong barrier for flies and other flying pests. Alternatively, you can get what’s known as a ‘bug bomb’ – most major supermarkets stock them – a single use product which diffuses a strong insecticide throughout a room. Just set it in the middle of the space and come back after the recommended time on the packet.

You can also get rid of a large number of pests using traps, from mouse traps to fly paper and more. Just make sure to set a periodic reminder on your phone or in your calendar to check these traps, and dispose of any dead bugs that might be stuck to them.

When you’re going out on a travel trip, whether for business or pleasure, there are plenty of pests and bugs that can be picked up on the way. In fact, many pests rely on people to get them moved around ND make their way around there are and the wider world. Whether this is an apes in the sense of a bug that can take up residence in your home or around the world – or a pest in terms of a travel bug that ends up in our system and is taken around your family – there are plenty of pests that you won’t want to have any dealings with. Get in touch with a travel expert before you go traipsing around the world to get every relevant shot if you’re conference about the internal biological bugs that you might not be prepared for, but if you’re looking for help with physical bugs that may take up residence n your bag, on your person or in your food, then later on.

There are plenty of bugs with barbed feet and bodies that can stick to you like a burr and make sure you get in trouble. These are then likely to be detected when you’re going through customs. Especially since most of the time you won’t even be aware that these things are on your person, it can be ran real shock. One of the bets piece of advice you can be given is to take extra care when in any kind of arrayal area or near farm animals or animals on any kind when travelling.

IT’s a great idea to take a few days’ time between being in rural areas and near animals when you’re travelling and when you’re leaving, as this time period and gap can make al the difference when it comes to customs and making sure that nay bugs that are attached to your have died or moved on as it were .You’ll love the say at which you move through customs when you’re looking to get out of a country – that’s because you won’t have any worries, especially if you wash all of the clothing you used when you were out in an outdoor area. If you have any boots or similar clothing that could attract mud or dirt, then make sure they’re washed and completely taken care of before you move out.

Finding out you have a termite problem is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. With the amount of damage they can cause and the money it takes to conduct repairs, it’s important to find a fast and effective solution to get rid of them. Professional pest control services are a great option for homeowners, but with the sheer abundance of companies to choose from it can be difficult to find one that can offer the best solution for your needs. If you find yourself trying to choose between pest control providers, the following are some factors you should consider before making a booking.

Just like any other service, you want to make sure the team you hire have the qualifications and experience needed to complete the job to the highest standard. Ask about their qualifications and expertise to see if they measure up. Before making any calls, you may want to do a little research about the company itself to get an idea of their reputation. Looking at their website, searching for reviews (particularly complaints) and looking at forums is a great way to get a picture of the company and whether they are the right fit for you.

It is important, even when you get a recommendation from a family member or friend, to do your research and shop around. While they may have given your relative or mate a good service, that is not a clear indication that they are the best company available. As each termite infestation is different, it is important to find a company that offers a range of solutions that can be tailored to your needs. Shopping around doesn’t mean doing days’ worth of research, simply pick three companies that show potential and go from there.

Once you contact your companies you have chosen, ask them more about their services and exactly what is included. You’ll want to choose a company that can provide a great guarantee on their work as well as follow up inspections to ensure the treatment solutions have worked and you are free from an infestation. It is also important to ask about liability insurance.

One of the main factors that are inevitably going to influence your choice is the cost. While it is going to be tempting to go for the lowest quote, the quality of their services are much more important.

Whether it is spending time outside in the garden or encountering one around the home, spiders are found all over Australia. While most spiders are fairly harmless to us humans, there are a few species that can cause us harm. If you have, or think you have, been bitten by a spider, there are a few steps you can take to minimise symptoms and control the situation.

It’s important to note that a person often gets bitten when they accidentally encounter a spider by brushing up against it or trapping it. By keeping your distance, being aware of what you are doing and wearing thick gloves while gardening, most of the time you will see the spider and prevent a nasty bite. There are many spiders whose fangs are unable to penetrate human skin, while others can cause a bite that cause slight discomfort or pain, when this happens it is important to treat it correctly.

In order to apply the right treatment, it is important to try to identify the spider that has bitten you. Catching the spider is the best way to do this as you can take it with you to the doctors or hospital. Sometimes catching a spider is not possible, if this is the case, try taking a photo of it or simply make note of its features such as size, colour and where it was when you encountered it. By giving your doctor as much information as possible, they can identify the species and administer the right treatment.

There are few Australian spiders that are potentially harmful to humans and these are the funnel-web, the red-back, the mouse spider and the white-tailed spider. First aid will vary when bitten by these spiders. With the funnel-web or mouse spider, firmly bandaging the area and staying still is recommended to slow down the venom in your body. For white-tailed spiders and red backs, clean the area and do not bandage as this can cause more pain.

The important thing to remember in any spider bite case is to remain calm. Usually, a bite will cause a little pain but will not pose a threat to your health. When you are in doubt or have symptoms that progressively get worse, it is important to get medical treatment as soon as possible. Visit your local doctor or hospital or call 000 for assistance.

When it comes to the home, it is often not just the self-confessed arachnophobics that have a problem with eight legged visitors that invade our space. While most spiders pose no serious danger and can even be beneficial in the home, these scary looking arachnids are enough to get most people running in the other direction. So how should you deal with a spider you find in the home? Read on.

The first thing to do when finding a spider is try to recognise exactly what type of spider it is. This is going to help you determine what you are going to do about it and how careful you need to be. How you deal with a daddy longlegs is going to be much different to how you treat a red back for example.

Once you have identified what it is, or have a fair idea that it does not pose serious danger, it is important to decide on what action you are going to take. While there are some that will take the runaway option or calling someone else to get rid of it (my own personal choice) there are others who prefer to handle it themselves.

With spiders there are three options, you either leave it, kill it or relocate it. If you are comfortable with it, leaving the spider alone is the best option (as long as it is not dangerous). One little spider in the corner of the bathroom probably won’t cause much drama and will most likely stay out of your way.

There are some people who cannot handle a spider in their home, especially in a bedroom. If you prefer to kill it, you have a couple of choices. While most pest control sprays you find in the supermarket claim to kills spiders quickly, this is hardly ever the case. Unless you’re close enough, the spray will just alert the spider, allowing it to run away and hide in nooks and crannies. Giving it a whack with a shoe or rolled up newspaper is probably better.

If you want to get rid of the spider but don’t agree with killing it, a simple relocation effort is simple enough to do. While some are comfortable enough with handling a spider, many don’t want to look at it let alone touch it. To relocate, get a container and cover the spider, slip a piece of paper under it and then walk it outside. Make sure to travel far enough from the house to prevent it from coming straight back in.

While Australians get to enjoy great weather, sunny beaches and the afternoon barbeque, there can be some things that make your skin crawl and your neck hairs stand to attention. Creepy crawlies and pests are quite common for many homeowners, and even those who are lucky enough to not suffer from arachnophobia hate to find an eight legged friend in the room. Here are some of the most common pests you will encounter in Australian homes and tips on when it is important to get professional pest control services.

Spiders
Spiders are one of the most common unwanted guests you will find in your home and these can vary from the small daddy longleg to the giant huntsman. While a couple of spiders here and there are often not a problem, a spider infestation can be quite dangerous. If you have young children at home you will want to get this sorted out as soon as possible to prevent any nasty bites.

While most spiders are harmless, some are venomous and must be dealt with as soon as possible. The red back spider for example is not something you want to share your home with. These are easily recognisable with the prominent red marking on their abdomen.

Ants
Ants are not really a problem when they stay outside but can quickly cause dramas if they venture into the house. It is important to keep your food sealed as they often go venturing for something to eat in the kitchen. Luckily, there are a lot of home remedies to get rid of ants that offer great results. Using things like baby powder, chalk, vinegar and water can help you control the infestation and create a barrier to stop them from coming in from outside.

If these home remedies don’t work, calling a pest control company is your best bet.

Mice
Find mice in your home is not just a pest it is also a health concern as they can spread disease. There are some home remedies you can use to catch or ward off mice such as peanut butter, mint and of course cheese!

Termites
Termites are often the hidden pest you will not even know is there until extensive damage has been done to your home. Whether you see warning signs yourself or just want peace of mind, a professional inspection is always best. If termites are found there are a range of solutions available including dusting, barriers and soil treatment.

Easy ways to pest proof your home

Would you like to make sure your home is free from those unwanted guests also known as pests? While singing ‘shoo fly don’t bother me’ can be catchy, it’s not going to make those flying pest leave your home. When you want to get rid of pests such as flies, mosquitoes, ants and mice, it is important to pest proof your property in order to best prevent an infestation. Here are some tips how:

Stop easy access

The best way to deal with pests is to prevent them from getting into your home in the first place. Checking your home for openings, these can be small cracks or simply your garage door that has been left open, and repairing them can often be enough to prevent a problem. Have kids that keep running in and out of the house? Get them to quickly close the door before they leave. Investing in fly screens for doors and windows are great for those who like a breeze in their home during summer.

Keep it clean

Often, homeowners will experience problems because the pest has been able to locate a food source. Once they find what they are after, they are not going to want to leave. Not only it is important to seal food properly but it is also important to clean up spills (including those tiny crumbs that fall on the floor) as soon as they happen.

To prevent tiny food scraps being left behind, make a habit of always eating at a table and getting your pets to eat in a designated area. Place food in hard containers that are easily sealed and don’t leave food lying around on benches. Vacuum and sweep on a regular basis to pick up anything you might have missed. Rinse containers before placing them in the bin or recycle.

Get organised

Organising your outdoor areas can also prevent pests from venturing into your home. Keep bins far away from your house and keep them securely covered. You should also clean up grass clippings, leaves and pet droppings regularly. Trimming the branches and plants that touch your home is also a recommended as pest can use these as pathways.

Use homemade remedies

There are many natural ingredients you can use in your home that will ward off pests. Ingredients such as citrus oil, lavender and peppermint can offer great results and leave your home smelling fresh as well.

After vigorous searching to find the right home for you, the last you want is to let it get damaged by pests. Termites are a timber pest that can cause significant structural damage to your home and early detection and action is essential. So what should you be on the lookout for when comes to a white ant infestation? Here are some tell-tale signs you may have a termite problem in your home.

While there are plenty of signs that termites may be present, most homeowners can only rely on their eyes and touch in order to check the property themselves. Some easy things to look out for will be excavated wood, tree nests (these can be in the centre or the root of the tree) and bulging or blistered paint around windows, doors and skirting boards. You should also be checking fences and timber structures outside for termite damage.

There are some other signs that may be more difficult to identify and these can be subterranean tunnels, odour and termite noises. Other major factors to consider is whether your neighbours have experienced termite problems or if your own property has had a problem in the past.

Professional inspections

Whether you have found signs you may have a problem or not, getting your home checked by a professional pest inspector is always a good idea. It is recommended that every home be inspected yearly, although this number would increase if you have had termite problems in the past. A professional termite inspection uses experienced professionals and specialised equipment to conduct a thorough check of the property. As they know exactly what to look for, this is a better option than only relying on self-assessment.

If an infestation is found

No homeowner wants to hear that they have an infestation in their home. If you are vigilant and have your home inspected regularly however, you can often avoid significant damage these white ants can create. Being proactive at the first signs of trouble can ensure minimal damage and cost and, with the right treatment, you can eradicate the colony in a short time period.

Once an infestation is found it is important to talk with your pest controller about solutions. Choose a company that provides more than one termite solution as every infestation is different and what might work for one home may not be the best option for another.

After months of searching you have finally found it – your dream home. Everything looks perfect, you love the backyard and the kitchen is to die for. While most buyers are eager to kick start the buying process as soon as possible, without the proper checks you could be buying your own property disaster. After getting your tick of approval, it is important to get your prospective new home checked by the experts to see if it is in great condition. That is how a pre-purchase building and pest inspection can help.

While a property can have everything you look for in terms of design, layout and space, this won’t mean much if the property is hiding a range of nasty surprises. Imagine buying the ideal property only to realise there are leaking pipes, significant structural damage or pests that were literally eating your home. These are just some of the things a pre-purchase inspection will look for when they visit the property.

House inspections check all of the essentials you need to be aware of before making that final decision on whether to buy. Things like plumbing, wiring, guttering ceiling and floors are all thoroughly inspected to ensure they are up to standard and are not going to cost you thousands of dollars in repairs in the near future.

Checking the home for timber pests such as termites and borers is important as often you yourself won’t be able to determine if they are there. Often, homeowners don’t even realise they have a pest problem until extensive damage has been done. With a professional inspector, you get the peace of mind that the property is safe or a warning this may not be the home for you.

When looking for an inspection company, it is important to ask as many questions as you need to ensure you are getting a service you can trust. What kind of things will they look for? Are they qualified? Do they provide a written report and/or photo evidence of findings? These are just some of the things you need to consider before making a booking with a business.

While having a building and pest inspection is going to cost money, the peace of mind it offers is well worth it. A couple of hundred dollars now can save you thousands in the future and can ensure the property you buy is the best one for you.

Have you ever heard the pitter-patter of possum feet on your roof at night? If you haven’t, the idea might sound charming, after all possums are cute, furry little critters, aren’t they? This is not entirely true. Those who have heard them on their roof at night will already be screaming “possums don’t pitter-patter!” And that they don’t.

Possums in the roof sound more like a herd of elephants. They are extremely loud and have the ability to keep you awake until all hours of the morning. If you have ever been woken up by possums, you are sure to agree. Generally, possums that decide to enter human dwellings are mostly brush-rail possums. In comparison to the ring-tail possum, they are much larger (think a small cat, without the stealth ability) and hence why they make so much noise.

So, if you have a ‘herd’ of possums in the roof, how do you (humanely) go about asking these pests to leave? The first step is to find out where they are getting into the roof. Possums are tree dwellers, and therefore the best thing to do is look for trees, bushes and shrubs that reach the roof and act as a potential bridge for them ‘pests’ to cross. You then need to assess the roofline for holes or gaps where a sneaky possum might try to enter.

Once these potential entry points are located, you need to determine whether or not possums are definitely using them. At night, camp out (not literally) nearby and watch. Have any possums crossed the bridge and entered the hole? If you see some, it is then a matter of waiting until they have left, before patching up the hole. Do not patch up the hole with the possums inside. Not only is it cruel to leave it there to starve to death, but the possum is sure to make plenty of noise trying to get out over the following nights – and then stink the house out when it finally carks it.

So, with the possum(s) safely evacuated, patch up the hole. The best materials to do this with are timber or a solid types of sheeting. Do not be tempted to use chicken wire, as possum are determined creatures and are more than capable of pulling the wire off if they so desire.

Another good way to deter possum from taking up residence in your roof is to climb up and put a light in there for a few days and nights. Possums much prefer to sleep in the dark, so the light will cause them to seek other places to sleep – outside of your roof space.

If there is a possum in the roof and it won’t come out, you may need to trap it in order to remove it. Possum traps can often be hired via your local council. In Australia, possums are protected – so keep in mind that you are trapping them to release them outside of your roof, rather than to kill them. It is actually illegal to release a brush tail possum more than 50m from where you catch it, so when you remove the ‘pest’, you need to patch up the point of entry and then let them go at the base of a tree nearby. The release should preferably be carried out at night.

Follow these tips, and you should be able to maintain a good relationship with your furry neighbours – they are very cute animals, so long as they are not in your roof at night!

If you are concerned about termites, there are things that you can do to prevent them from invading your home – there is no need to wait until the critters are in there having a party. If you live in a termite prone area, prevention definitely is the better option, as once termites enter a premises, the damage starts almost immediately.

So just how do you prevent termites from entering your home in the first place? If you are building a new home, a physical barrier can be installed beneath the concrete slab, during the construction phase – and these barriers are very effective. These types of physical barriers can also be installed if you are carrying out any extensions or extra rooms. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to install physical barriers for a home that is already built. This can be a problem if you have just found out that termites have moved into your area, or if you have bought a new home – only to find out the area is prone to the pests. Fortunately, there are options available to protect already-built homes of all shapes, sizes and ages.

So just how do you protect your existing family home? For homes that are already build, chemical barriers can work well to keep the destructive critters at bay. Chemical barriers need to be installed by a professional pest expert – don’t try and do it yourself! Essentially, chemical termite barriers involve applying a liquid deterrent to the soil. This can be applied either beneath a concrete slab, or around the outside of your home. It is relatively easy and quick to do, meaning you can enjoy termite protection quite promptly.

There are a few different types of chemical barriers. Some actually kill termites that come into contact with it, while others simply deter the pests from crossing the line and entering your home. Depending on which product you choose to use, a chemical barrier can last for anywhere between five and ten years. After this time, the chemicals will need to be topped up. Deciding on the right type of chemical for your personal circumstances can be difficult – which is why it is so important to call in a professional pest expert who had plenty of experience handling termites.

Chemical termite barriers are a great way to protect homes – and the best thing about them is the fact that you can install them at anytime, anywhere. There is no need to have the work done when you build – chemical barriers work in all types of home, no matter how old they are. So, why not give yourself peace of mind and take care of your investment. Termite damage is not only costly, it can be completely and utterly devastating, especially if the damage is very extensive. When you take the potential costs into account, it becomes apparent that termite prevention is well worth the money – and really, it isn’t that expensive.

Invest in a chemical termite barrier today and protect your investment. For more information, contact a professional pest control company – they should be able to answer any questions you might have.

If you are building a brand new home, it is a good idea to find out whether or not you are building in a termite prone area. If you are, then it is important to make sure you take precautions in order to ensure your home is protected from these destructive pests right from the beginning. Termites have the ability to cause thousands of dollars damage in the blink of an eye – and you may not even see any of the damage until it is simply too late. Once damage is visible, your home may even be beyond repair – which is a devastating outcome for anyone.

The construction phase is the best time to install anti-termite barriers – as it ensures your home is protected from the get-go, and it is also the cheapest time to get it done. There are two types of termite barriers you can choose from – chemical barriers and physical barriers. If you are building a new home and looking to install something in the construction phase, a physical barrier is the way to go.

So what is a physical termite protection barrier, and how does it work? In short, a physical barrier is a layer beneath the slab of your home (hence why it needs to be done during the building phase). They are essentially wide sheets that are laid in much the same way as moisture barriers – and they need to be laid down before the slab itself is actually poured. Good quality sheets should be overlapped, sealed and also taped down with quality cloth tape in order to ensure they are completely secure – termites are tiny after all!

Physical barriers are very long lasting, and should stay in place with ease. The main benefit of these types of barriers is the fact that once they are installed, there is no need to maintain them. There are no chemicals that need to be topped up, and there isn’t really anything that should need repairing or replacing.

So, if you are building a new home, there are a few things you need to find out and consider. If you are building in a known termite-prone area, it really is essential to install some sort of protection. In the case of termites, prevention is far better than the cure – because in some cases the cure might not be financially viable. If you decide to protect your home, a physical barrier is the best option if you are building, as it is easy to install and should practically last the life of your home. Talk to an expert today, and see how you can beat the termites.

Termites are the homeowner’s worst enemy. Even if you can’t see them, they could be causing thousands of dollars damage to your home.

So just how do you handle termites? If you suspect that your home, or the home you are looking to buy, is riddled with the pests, then you need to make sure you call professional termite inspectors. They can read the signs, and check the property our thoroughly in order to determine whether termites are present. In most cases, a good termite inspector will provide you with a written report, detailing whether or not the pests are present, the extent of the colony or if there are multiple colonies, and also how much damage they have caused. The report will help you determine what needs to be done to eradicate the pests – or in the case of buying a home, whether or not the property is easily salvageable. You may also be able to use a termite report to negotiate the price of a home, as the presence of termites certainly detracts from the value.

Once the presence of termites has been confirmed, you need to set about deciding how to get rid of them. In most cases, it is essential to seek the help of professional pest removal services. Chances are, the pest inspectors who wrote your report are probably equipped to carry out this sort of work as well. A professional will be able to assess the problem and make sure the most effective eradication method is used.

There are various different methods available, including dusts and foams that work to kill off the pests quite quickly. Once they are eradicated, it is important to make sure you have regular checks in order to ensure they don’t re-populate. If you have termites once, you could be in a termite-prone area where the chance of reinfestation is relatively high.

It is possible to install preventative barriers to stop termites coming back – and these days, these are often installed during the construction phase of new homes being built in termite prone areas. There are both chemical and physical barriers available, so it is best to talk to a professional in order to see which one is best suited to your needs.

Remember, when it comes to termites, it is best to act fast. Professional help is the best course of action – you don’t want to mess with these critters, they have the ability to do some real damage that could cost you a fortune!

Here are the little nasties who are most likely to be your unwelcome visitors.

Ants – Wherever there’s food, there’s ants. They can enter through the smallest cracks, and will usually bring all their friends and family with them to conquer your house! They are able to nest anywhere around your house, whether it’s in your walls, or under the floor. They are also surprisingly tough to get rid of. Types include army ants, winged ants, sugar ants, and black ants.

Bed Bugs – These little guys love settling right where you don’t want any bugs to be: in your bed! Flat, 4-5mm and reddish in colour (usually because they have fed on your blood), they are certainly not the best bedtime companion. They can also take even the pest professionals a few tries to get rid of.

Cockroaches – Unfortunately, your house is the perfect breeding place to these creepy crawlies, as it provides a lot places to nest, food and water sources, as well as continual warmth. These can often require professional help to get rid of.

Rodents – Rats and mice tend to creep people out more than any other household pest. They’ll come in for the warmth, stay for the free meals, and will contaminate your food in the process. They may also be harbouring serious diseases, meaning it’s important to get rid of these furry friends as soon as possible – especially as they are famous for being rapid breeders.

Termites – Aaah termites. So small, yet so destructive. The problem with termites is that by the time your detect their presence in your home, it is probably too late to prevent the serious damage they can do to your property. Keep an eye out for cracking or bubbling around paint, a hollow sound when you tap wooden walls or beams, mud tubes on the outside walls of your house, and the wings shed by swarmers.

Flies – Is there anything more annoying than a common household fly buzzing around your head? Yes, there is: chasing them around with a can of fly spray, only to have them continually avoid the jet of poison you spray at them. Apart from being annoying, they are also potentially dangerous. There are over one hundred disease-causing pathogens linked with the house fly, including hepatitis and typhoid fever, and they are able to spread disease rapidly.

No matter what pest you’re facing, it’s important to call a professional to ensure they are fully eradicated.

Do you work hard on your little garden and want to see the fruits of your hard work blossom? The only thing that can stand in your way are nasty little pests eating away at your plants. Whether you have a little vegetable patch in your backyard or grow plants in pots on your verandah, pests are everywhere. If you are sick of rabbits, possums and insects eating away at your plants there is measures you can take to keep them at bay.

The good news is that there are many insecticides available that can rid your little garden of these unwanted animals, but the bad news is not all of those are free of harmful chemicals. Especially if you grow plants that carry fruit like tomatoes, zucchini, eggplants or herbs you use in cooking, insecticides that are full of chemicals are less than ideal to use. If you want to avoid the harmful side effects those chemicals can have, make your own insect and pest repellent, it’s simple and doesn’t harm you, your plants or the environment.

All you need is a spray bottle, some hot peppers and water. The hot peppers contain something called capsaicin, we all know it as the compound that makes the chilli spicy. Being ‘hot’ is the defence mechanism peppers use to keep animals from eating them, and you can use the same method in your garden. Most mammals and insects are very sensitive to the hotness of peppers, which is why it works wonders as a deterrent in your garden.

So here’s what you need to do: Pour 950 ml of water in a pot and add half a cup of hot dried peppers to it. You can get the peppers at most groceries, especially in Asian stores. Bring them to a boil, but just barely, do not allow them to boil completely, and turn off the heat. Strain the out the peppers and pour the remaining solution into your spray bottle – and that’s it! Your natural, homemade insecticide is finished. You can also add a few drops of liquid dish soap to your solution to make sure it sticks to your plants. Make sure you label the bottle, so no one has any nasty surprises.

Now all you need to do is spray it on your plants, be careful not to get the spray in your eyes as it burns us humans too. It is also recommended to wear gloves, so you don’t get it on your hands and then rub it into your eyes. Spray your plants every week and say goodbye to nasty pests forever.