5 Main Causes of Termite Infestations in Your Home
Termites are small insects that help with the decomposing process by consuming rotting wood, dead plant material, and animal dung. They have been around for millions of years and play an important role in the ecosystem.
However, termites can cause extensive damage to homes and other structures if left unchecked. It is important to be aware of what attracts them to help prevent infestation. Things that will attract termites to your home include wood, food sources, moisture, and so on.
There are a few things that will attract termites to your home. These include:
1) Mulch
Mulch is a layer of material (usually organic) that is spread over the top of the soil. Its primary purpose is to retain moisture in the soil, but it also provides a number of other benefits. For example, it can help to prevent erosion, keep the soil warm, and provide a habitat for beneficial insects. Wood chips are one type of mulch that is commonly used, but there are others made from things like leaves, straw, and bark.
While mulch can be very beneficial, it’s important to be aware of the potential downside: it can attract termites. If you have wood chips or other organic mulch near your home, make sure to inspect it regularly for signs of termites and keep it at least 15 inches away from the foundation.
2) Firewood
Firewood is a great source of fuel for fires, but it can also be a great source of food for termites. If you have firewood stored on your property, it’s important to keep it at least 20 feet away from your home and at least 5 inches above the ground.
This will help prevent termites from being attracted to your firewood and potentially infesting your home.
3) Bad Drainage
If your gutter is overflowing, there is a good chance that you are attracting termites. These insects are attracted to damp and wet conditions. In fact, termites live in these conditions. When water from clogged gutters or drainage pools is on the ground, it can make the insulation around your home vulnerable to termites.
One way to help keep water from pooling around your foundation is to redirect it away with the use of splash blocks and down-spout extenders. You should also check for leaks in your home. These can create the same conditions that will attract termites. If you have a leak, you should have it fixed as soon as possible.
4) Dead Trees
If you have a tree on your property, you should watch for dead limbs and branches. These can fall on your home and cause damage. If the tree is close to your home, it could actually fall through your roof.
5) Landscaping Timbers
You may not think that landscaping timbers can be dangerous, but they can. Landscaping timbers are made from wood, and if the wood is not treated, it can rot. This can cause the timbers to break, and it can also cause them to fall over.
Termites are attracted to landscaping timbers because they are often lying on the ground, where termites can easily access them. Moisture can also build up on these timbers, making them an even more appealing target for termites.
Conclusion
There are many potential causes of termite infestation in a home. Some of the most common include wood that is in contact with the ground, cracks or holes in the foundation and gutters that are not properly draining.
To help prevent termites from infesting your home, it is important to have a professional like On Time Pest Control inspect your property regularly and repair any damage that is found promptly. We offer pest control in Melton to keep your homes safe. Get in touch with us today!
An Overview of Termite Detection Methods in Melbourne
Termite detection in Melbourne is a vital part of protecting your home from these destructive pests. There are a number of different methods that can be used to detect termites, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Whichever method you choose, it is important to have your property inspected by a professional pest control company to ensure that it is free of termites. If you suspect that you have termites, don’t hesitate to contact a pest control company to have your property inspected.
Why Termite Detection Is Important
No property owner wants to have pests in their home. However, some pests, like termites, are more damaging than others. Termite detection is important for a number of reasons.
1. Prevent Significant Damage
Termites can cause significant damage to homes and other structures. They can also be difficult to control once they establish themselves in an area. Early detection can help prevent extensive damage and control costs.
2. Avoid a Health Hazard
Termites can be a health hazard. Some people are allergic to termite saliva and can have serious reactions if they are bitten or stung. In addition, termites can spread diseases.
3. Prevent Nuisance
Termites are a nuisance. They can be noisy, and their presence can be a sign of other problems, such as moisture issues.
4. Avoid Financial Burden
Termites can be a financial burden. If they are not detected and controlled early, the damage they cause can be expensive to repair. In some cases, insurance may not cover the cost of repairs.
5. Prevent a Fire Hazard
Termites can be a fire hazard. Their nests can block vents and chimneys, and the insects themselves can create a fire hazard by chewing through electrical wires.
Termite detection is therefore important for a number of reasons. Homeowners and businesses should be aware of the signs of termites and should contact a pest control professional if they suspect an infestation.
Types of Termite Detection Methods
There are a few different ways that you can detect termites on your property. Termite detection methods can be divided into two main categories: active and passive. Active termites detection methods involve using some sort of device to actively scan for termites, while passive methods involve simply looking for signs of termites around your property.
Some samples of active termite detection include using the following:
- Termite Radar
One of the most common active termite detection methods is the use of a termite radar. Termite radars work by sending out a pulse of electromagnetic energy into the ground.
When this pulse hits a termite, its reflection is sent back to the radar. The radar can then use this reflection to calculate the position, size, and number of termites present.
- Thermal Camera
Another active termite detection method is the use of a thermal camera. Thermal cameras work by detecting heat signatures. Termites generate a lot of heat as they eat through wood, so a thermal camera can be used to detect their presence.
There are also a few passive termite detection methods that you can use. One of the most common is simply looking for signs of termites around your property.
- Presence of Frass
Termites leave behind small piles of wood dust, called frass, as they eat through wood. If you see piles of frass around your property, it may be an indication that you have termites.
- Presence of Mud Tubes
You can also look for mud tubes. Termites build these tubes out of mud in order to travel from their nests to food sources. Spotting mud tubes on your property is a good indication that you have termites.
- Sound of Termites
Besides looking for physical signs, you can listen for the sound of termites. Termites make a faint, clicking sound as they eat through wood. If you hear this sound, it may be an indication that you have termites.
Conclusion
There are a few different ways that you can detect termites in Melbourne. Some of the most common methods include using termite bait, using a termite detection dog, or using a thermal camera.
If you think that you might have termites in your home, it is important to call a professional to come and take a look. They will be able to properly identify the problem and recommend the best course of action.
If you’re looking for termite control in Sunbury, you’ve come to the right place. On Time Pest Control is a family-owned and run company. We are a well-established pest and building services firm with over fifteen years of expertise. Contact us today for more information!
Get These Benefits When You Call Pest Control for Roaches
Cockroaches will find their way into any home regardless of where you live. This is dangerous for several reasons. They can cause health problems for inhabitants and are difficult to eliminate. If you have cockroaches in your home, getting rid of them as soon as possible is important.
Many people try to kill cockroaches on their own, but this can be dangerous and ineffective. It is better to hire a professional cockroach control service. The solutions you use to kill the cockroaches may not be safe and can also harm you. Taking professional help via pest control will make your home completely cockroach-free and brings you these benefits:
Prevention
These bugs are one of the most typical pests in homes and businesses. They’re especially attracted to food and moisture, which makes kitchens and bathrooms their favourite places to hang out. If you have cockroaches in your home, getting rid of them as soon as possible is important. Not only are they gross to the sight, but they also spread various diseases (more on that later)!
The best way to get rid of cockroaches is to keep your home clean and free of food sources they can infest. Keep food in airtight containers (preferably in the refrigerator) and ensure your counters are crumbs-free. Sweep and mop floors regularly, especially in areas where food is prepared. In addition, seal any cracks or openings that cockroaches could use to enter your home.
Hire a pest control service to spray a repelling solution around your home. Those pesky roaches will think twice before invading your safe space.
Reduction of Health Problems
- Salmonellosis.
- Typhoid Fever.
- Cholera.
- Dysentery.
- Leprosy.
- Plague.
- Campylobacteriosis.
- Listeriosis.
Those are just some of the diseases roaches are carriers of. Getting pest control eliminates these pesky critters and the diseases they carry.
A Cleaner Kitchen
Roaches (and other bugs) are usually found in the kitchen and can contaminate your food. They are attracted to dirty dishes and food items, so if you want to keep your kitchen healthy, you should consider hiring a professional pest control service. The service will use a safe solution to kill the cockroaches and make your kitchen more hygienic.
Efficient Use of Time and Money
You save a lot of time by hiring a professional cockroach control service. Dealing with roaches on your own consumes a lot of time you could spend making meals or cleaning other house areas. So instead of wasting personal time controlling roaches, you can hire pest control. They are experienced in performing this job and finish the treatment within the estimated time.
You will not only save your time, but you will also save a lot of your energy and money. Professional pest control companies are not at all pricey, with an hour costing around $35–$100 for full home coverage!
Desired Results
If you’re not getting the desired outcome in your efforts to control cockroaches, it may be time to consider hiring pest control. Professional services will have the training and experience necessary to deliver better results than you could likely achieve on your own. In addition, they will use the latest technology and effective solutions to get rid of cockroaches quickly and safely.
Deal with Cockroaches on Time
Address your cockroach concerns now instead of later with On Time Pest Control in Echuca! We provide fast and reliable pest control in Greater Melbourne and Regional Victoria. Book now by visiting our web page or dialling 1800-988-249!
4 Tell-Tale signs That You May Have Termites In Your Home
Termites are one of the most significant threats that homeowners have to deal with. Indeed, termites can wreak havoc if left alone. This is why you’ll want to do everything you can to prevent termite infestations. However, things can still go awry, and termites can still invade your space no matter what you do. This is why you should also be on the lookout for signs of termites so that you can nip the problem in the bud as soon as possible. This is easier said than done as it can be rather tricky to spot termites. To help you out, we thought it would be useful to put together a brief article on this subject. If this is something that you’re interested in learning more about, read on for four tell-tale signs that you may have termites in your home.
Flying Termites or Termite Wings
This is one of the first signs of termite flying insects, as these flying termites are the ones who leave the nest to find a mate and establish a new colony. Flying termites like to fly after rain, but the majority of them fly at night. They find a mate, shed their wings, and create their new colony in a good nesting place. The king and queen of the colony can then take care of the young termites until there are enough workers to take over.
Hollow Wood
Termites usually consume wood from the inside, leaving a thin veneer of timber or just the paint. To test whether there is any damage, you should knock or tap on an area with known termite activity. The sound will be hollow or papery. If the timber is gone, you may see unexplained cracks on the internal walls. Termites can also damage laminate flooring and even baseboards, so look for unusual blisters and bulges on the flooring. Floorboards may also spring unnaturally when you step on them.
Termite Droppings
A key sign of drywood termites is frass, which is wood-coloured dry wood termite droppings that can be confused with sawdust. Frass appears at the entrance to their nest, usually as small black spots or dark powdery substance around the holes that they are using to push their droppings out through.
Mud Tubes
Termites use mud tubes to travel between the soil and the sources of food; they typically build these tubes close to a building, usually near foundations. The tubes are usually made of soil and termite droppings, and they provide moisture for the termites. You can see these tubes quite clearly if you know what you’re looking for.
Conclusion
We hope this article proves to be useful when it comes to helping you spot early signs of termite infestations. If you notice any of the things we’ve listed above, it would be best to deal with the problem immediately to avoid more serious issues down the line. Be sure to keep everything you’ve learned here in mind so that you can best protect your home from termites.
If you need help with termites in Melbourne, then you’ve come to the right place. On Time Pest Control is a family-operated business. We are a company originally set up to service the Bendigo Shepparton, Echuca and Kerang Districts. We are an established company with over fifteen years of experience in Pest and Building services. We are now servicing Melbourne and surrounding areas from our St Kilda office. We have the latest scientific techniques and equipment to ensure compliant and environmentally friendly effective results. For more information, visit our website today!
Everything to Know About a Full Barrier Termite Treatment
The most effective way to protect your home from termites is with a full barrier treatment. The process is easy for anyone with access to your house, but it will take around 8 hours to complete.
If you want to be sure that no more termites will enter your home or damage any of your belongings, this is the best solution!
What is Full Barrier Termite Treatment?
In a nutshell, full barrier termite treatment is an extensive treatment that helps to prevent the spread of termites. The treatment covers every area of your home, including the foundation, attic, walls and exterior.
It is the ultimate solution to eradicate the threat of termites, but it is also the most expensive one.
A full barrier treatment is our most recommended option for keeping your home safe from termites. A full barrier treatment will protect your home from termite damage for the next several years.
How Does a Full Barrier Termite Treatment Work?
A full barrier treatment is designed to protect your home from termites in every area. It will seal off all entry points where termites can enter your home.
The treatment will be performed by your local termite company. The technician will enter the building through the attic and crawl space.
The technician will first examine your home from the outside. He will look for any areas that could allow termites to enter your home. These entry points include cracks in the foundation, gaps around the doors and windows and any other areas where termites could enter.
How to Prepare for This Treatment
To start, you will need to clear away any debris from your yard. You will also need to bring in all outdoor furniture, plants and anything else that could be exposed to the treatment.
Be sure to close all windows, blinds and shades.
You may also need to arrange for a temporary place to stay. If you’re going to be away from your home for more than 8 hours, we recommend staying in a hotel or with a friend.
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
It will take around 8 hours for your technician to complete the treatment. Your technician will need to come through the crawl space and attic, so it can take some time. You will be asked to remain away from the house during this time.
The technician will first use a pneumatic tool to inject into the base of your foundation. This will result in a few holes in your foundation. These holes will remain for the duration of the treatment and can’t be sealed up.
Getting Frequent Home Inspections
You can protect your home from termites with regular home inspections. If regular treatment is not enough, you should call for a full barrier treatment as soon as possible.
Even if you live in an area that has had no termite problem in the past, you should still get a regular inspection. If you do see signs of termites, it’s better to treat them before they can do any real damage.
Conclusion
Termites are a serious problem, whether you live in an area where they’re common or not. They only need to enter your home through one small crack in the foundation to cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. And to keep these pesky pests away from your property, a full barrier termite treatment is an excellent solution.
Make sure your home is termite-free with On Time Pest Control. We offer pest control in Melton to keep your homes completely safe. Contact us today to get started.
4 Common Termite Control Mistakes You Need to Avoid
Termites can quickly destroy the wood in your home, causing tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage. If you have noticed termite damage in your home, you’re not alone: more than 130,000 Australian homes are significantly damaged by termite infestations yearly. These tiny pests build colonies that cause extensive damage to your home’s wood, which can happen extremely quickly. Getting on top of a termite infestation as quickly as possible is important.
Here are four common termite control mistakes you need to avoid:
- Trying to Resolve the Problem on Your Own
One of the most serious mistakes you can make is attempting to resolve the situation yourself. While termites are rarely seen and can be challenging to detect, the signs of infestation are clear: lots of mud tunnels, damaged wood, and termite droppings. You may think you can save money and handle the situation yourself, but this will only cause harm to your home.
Only a professional termite treatment service can provide you with a solution that won’t damage your home. Termites are difficult to reach and often live in hard-to-get-to places, like the walls of your home, which is why it’s best to leave the situation up to a professional.
- Waiting Before Seeking Professional Termite Control
Another common mistake is waiting too long to hire a professional termite treatment service. Termites can eat through your home’s structure and walls in as little as 24 hours, so you need to act quickly.
You should start by inspecting the exterior of your home. This is usually the first place termites will get into, though it can also be done through small gaps in timbers. Termites will create mud tubes that rise from the ground and can lead inside the house. Inspecting your foundation, timbers, and the foundation of sheds and outbuildings is essential if you’re looking for any sign of infestation.
- Skimping on Treatment
In addition to not resolving the issue quickly, you may be skimping on the treatment. Many people try to save money by treating the damaged areas, but this will only cause more significant damage in the future.
Termites are drawn to areas of damaged wood and will likely attack the area where they can gain access. If you only treat the damaged areas, they’ll find another way into the building. To make sure you’re getting the best treatment possible, make sure you’re avoiding cheap, DIY treatments and are employing the services of a professional service provider.
- Not Checking in on Your Termite Problem Regularly
You may also think that once you’ve had your home treated for termites, you won’t need to worry about it again. Termites can be destructive and hard to detect, so you must make sure you’re checking in on the situation from time to time.
It’s best to arrange regular inspections to ensure that the termite treatment works and that any new damage is discovered before it becomes a severe problem. It can also be useful to check for termite droppings, as this is another common sign of infestation.
Conclusion
Termites can cause extensive damage in a short amount of time, and they’re not easy to detect. To protect your home, you must be aware of the signs of infestation and take action as soon as possible. Avoid these common termite control mistakes to safeguard your home from a potentially expensive and destructive infestation.
On Time Pest Control is your fast and reliable pest control service in Greater Melbourne and Regional Victoria. With over 15 years’ experience, we will bring industry-proven knowledge and procedures to any property. All of our chemicals and equipment and pet and child friendly, and once we have finished the removal of pests and secured your home, we will answer any questions you may have on how to keep it that way. If you need termite control in Sunbury, we’ve got you covered! Call us at 1800 988 249 to book a service!
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