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Everything you need to know about termite baiting systems

If you suspect that you have termites on your property or in the local area, it’s time to call your local termite inspection experts! We can provide you with termite protection options such as a termite baiting system that intercepts these dangerous pests and/or a chemical treated zone to prevent and protect your property. Some people, however, prefer a chemical treated zone rather than a baiting system. There are pros and cons to both of these measures, but at D-TEC Pest Solutions, we can provide you with the safety of a baiting system and the continuous protection of a chemical treated zone.

That’s because we have found this gives our clients the option to make sure that any termites are intercepted and reduce the risk of further ingress. Let’s take a look at both of these prevention measures so you can understand how these two methods can protect your home.

What is a termite baiting system?

Termite baiting systems are strategically placed stations that are placed in the ground. These stations are filled with non-toxic bait with the aim of simply acting as an alarm system to indicate that termites are in the vicinity (because they eat the bait). Once termites intercept these stations they feed on the bait and take it back to the nest.

The reason that some people prefer these systems to chemical barriers is because they believe that they are more environmentally friendly. However both systems are approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, it’s a moot point.

What is a chemical barrier system?

As mentioned above, a chemical barrier system uses safe chemicals that don’t pollute your ground but are still toxic to termites. These chemicals are put down around the perimeter of the house, preventing termites from gaining entry. It is applied to the soil below the surface of the ground, so you shouldn’t come into contact with these chemicals. If you do, however, they pose no immediate threats to you, your children or pets. That’s because they are based on chemicals that are similar to those used in flea treatments for pets.

What is the Sentricon AlwaysActive system?

The Sentricon AlwaysActive termite baiting system is a termite monitoring and a baiting station. It provides continuous protection from termites around your home and is an environmentally sensitive and effective way to protect your home from termites. Termite traps/stations are placed around your home. Each trap/station contains non toxic bait that is shared amongst the colony and effectively eradicates them.

These baits last up to five years but should be monitored every 3 to 6 months for the presence of termites and to assess if the bait has been consumed.

Discreet termite baiting system

The Sentricon AlwaysActive termite baiting system is very discrete and we don’t need to dig large holes or trenches to install the bait stations. You can monitor these stations yourself or we can come in and check them for you, every 3 to 6 months. This is a proven system that eradicates termites and prevents their ingress onto your property.

For more information on our Sentricon AlwaysActive termite baiting system or for the treatment of termites that have already invaded your home, call us on 1300 725 758 or send us an email enquiry.

What to do if you find Termites in Garden or your Yard

Termites in Garden

A lot of our avid Gardeners ask what do you do if you find Termites in Garden or your yard? Before we advise what else to do, we need to explain why they are there. To effectively control Termites, you need to understand what is attracting them to your property. Below we list why you may have them in your Garden.

why are there termites in my garden

Why are there Termites in garden or yard

It is important to know why there are Termites in garden or on your property. As Termites have a highly organised infrastructure, they work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to search for food and moisture which is why you may find them in your garden. It is important to know what Termite susceptible materials and moisture are around your house and yard. Some of these areas include:

Termites in Trees and Stumps

Unfortunately Termites in trees and stumps are prime sites for subterranean termite nests. You should be aware of in particular any ‘dead’ trees or stumps and remove them as Termites feed on the dead timber. As they are natural forest recyclers, they will use this as a food source or a nest sight.

Finding Termites in Retaining Walls and Fences

Whenever possible, use non-susceptible materials such as formed concrete materials for retaining walls, metal support posts for timber fencing or construct with termite resistant components. Remember, any timber in ground contact is a potential food source and possible nest sites for Termites.

Termites in Gardens

If you want to reduce Termites in the garden, think about the position, make sure it is not abutting the house or covering the weep holes. Consider what its construction is going to be, anything made with timber is a risk where as concrete is a safer option. We recommend using non-conducive products such as pebbles or river rock as they drain well.

Watering Systems and Moisture attract Termites

Moisture is one of the most contributing factors when a house has been attacked by Termites. Rain, watering systems, hosing, air-conditioning and hot water system overflows, faulty plumbing, faulty guttering and pipes are areas that must be monitored or maintained. Make sure you remove any pooling water, fix any leaky watering systems and reduce moisture in your yard.

What to do if you find Termites in your Garden or Yard?

If you find Termites in your Garden or Yard then don’t disturb them. To effectively treat and control them, you need to know what sort of species they are, what damaged they have done, exactly where are they located, what is the best method to treat them. The Technician also needs a certain amount of the colony to be able to treat them effectively, if they are underground there is a method to control them.

Our D-Tec Pest Solution Technician’s are highly trained and licenced to treat and control Termites in your Garden or Yard. We can provide you with the best effective method to help protect your property from Termites in Garden or Yard, call now on 1300725758.

 

 

What is the difference between Ants and Termites

A common question we receive is “what is the difference between Ants and Termites”. There are a few different characteristics to distinguish between these two insects. Many Clients are often confused between them, but there are some physical and behavioural differences.

Difference Between Ant & Termite

Termite vs Ants

To the untrained eye Termites and Ants can look very similar. People see them because they are the same size and look the same in shape that they don’t know the difference. So what is the differences between termite vs ants? Below we list the differences so you can distinguish between the two.

Physical Differences

Starting at the top of the insect, Ants have a elbowed antennae that is segmented and Termites have a straight, beaded antennae. With the abdomen you will find that an Ant has a pinched waste where as, a Termite has a thick waste.

The reproductive of both these insects both have wings, Ants have unequal length wings and Termites have equal length wings.

Termites are usually translucent in colour, they are normally white/cream (hence the nick name white ants) and Ants are darker in colour.

Behaviour Differences

The biggest behaviour difference is in terms of what they eat. Termites can digest cellulose so they eat wood, unfortunately for Homeowners, this can be a nightmare. Ants on the other hand eat sweet foods, plants, seeds, moss, fungus, other animals and insects.

The way they both search for food they also have different behaviours. Ants are usually above ground, foraging and in search of food, they leave pheromones for others to find a food source and go back to their colony. Most Termite species are subterranean and they eat the wood they travel through, they build galleries and mud tubes to protect themselves.

Termite vs Ants

Are White Ants and Termites the same thing?

The answer is YES, White Ants and Termites are the same thing. White Ants are not Ants, in fact White Ants are more closely related to Cockroaches than Ants. It is believed that Termites evolved from the Cockroach, in particular they are closely related to the Wood Feeding Cockroach.

Controlling Termites and Ants around your property

Knowing the differences and behaviours can help you spot the difference of both species but controlling them is where a Professional can help you. We have fully trained Technician’s that know the biology, ecology and how to control these pests around your home. You can learn more about how to treat for Ants and Termites on our Website or call our Office to protect your home on 1300 725 758.

Common Household Pests in Australia

Some of your most common household pests can spread and carry around disease and illnesses.  They can make you extremely sick and cause such things as asthma, allergies, parasitic worms, viruses, fevers and cause infections.


Household Cockroaches
cockroach treatment

One of the most common sources of indoor allergen that can carry at least 32 species of bacteria and harbour eggs of worms is the Cockroach!

With these insects being scavengers they often dwell in environments like sewers, drains, and feed off decaying matter such as rubbish tips, grease traps etc.  Because of the surfaces that come into contact with they can transmit diseases and can cause the following:

  • Salmonella
  • Asthma
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Allergies including dermatitis and asthma
  • Dysentery
  • Hepatitis
  • Typhoid fever
  • Cholera

To help reduce a cockroach infestation around your home, we recommend:

  • Don’t leave food out on the bench.
  • Clean all kitchen counters & floors clear of any food crumbs.
  • Take the rubbish out
  • Clean any pet bowls
  • Avoid piles of newspapers and laundry.

 

To read more about cockroaches and what you can do around your home click here.



Household Spiders

D-Tec Pest Solutions - Common Household Pests in Australia

A spider bite can be very toxic and can be potentially fatal to young children and the elderly.  Common symptoms from a bite can include:

  • Sweating
  • Muscular weakness
  • Paralysis
  • Stiffness
  • Tremors
  • Loss of coordination
  • Pain
  • Dilated pupils
  • Unconsciousness
  • Itching/redness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

To help reduce spiders around your home, we recommend:

  • Seal any gaps in your home.
  • Fit window screens & replace any with holes.
  • Remove any rubbish in backyard
  • Cut back overgrown trees or bushes.

 

To read more about spiders and what you can do around your home click here.


Household Rodents

rat service


Not only can Rodents cause damage but if they’ve been in your kitchen they can contaminate your food or utensils with their urine/faeces and transmit disease to humans such as:

  • Salmonella food poisoning
  • Mild meningitis
  • Leptospirosis
  • Rat bite fever
  • Infectious jaundice
  • Tapeworm
  • Robovirus
  • Weil’s disease
  • Choriomeningitis

To help reduce rodents around your home, we recommend:

  • Fix any gaps in your home.
  • Replace any damaged window screens.
  • Remove any rubbish around the yard.
  • Store food in air-tight containers
  • Clean up woodpiles, leaf piles, shrubs or debris.

To read more about mice and rats and what you can do around your home click here.



Household Flies

Fly treatment

Flies are not only one of our most common pests but they are also one of the most annoying.  They can spread germs over your food and from this transmit diseases to us such as:

  • Gastroenteritis
  • Dysentery,
  • Typhoid
  • Polio
  • Salmonella
  • Tuberculosis

To help reduce flies around your home, we recommend:

  • Remove indoor or outdoor rubbish.
  • Throw out rotting food.
  • Clean up any rubbish or pet faeces around the yard.
  • Have window & door screens fitted and replace any holes in screens.

 

To read more about Flies and what you can do around your home click here.

 

Household Mosquitoes

Mosquito service

These blood sucking pests are one of the most dangerous creatures on the planet that cause the most harm worldwide to humans, they not only kill more than a million people a year just through transmission of malaria but can make other people sick by causing these symptoms and illnesses:
 

  • Painful swelling/redness
  • Allergic reactions
  • Infections
  • Excessive itching
  • Ross river virus
  • Barmah forest virus
  • Dengue fever
  • Murray Valley encephalitis virus
  • West Nile Virus
  • Encephalitis
  • Malaria
  • Yellow fever
  • Zika virus

To help reduce Mosquitoes around your home, we recommend:

  • Have window & door screens fitted and replace any holes in screens.
  • Remove any pooling water around the home.
  • Regularly change pet drinking bowls and bird baths.
  • Mend leaky taps.
  • Keep lawns and gardens trimmed back.
  • Cover swimming pools.
  • Check water tanks have no leaks.

To read more about Mosquitoes and what you can do around your home click here.


To help protect your family at home from common household pests, keep up to date with your pest control and contact us if you have any concerns.

D-Tec Pest Solutions - **FOOTER TEMPLATE**


BUSINESS LICENCE

ABN: 24 112 454 592
Pest Licence No: 12115
QBCC No: 1071312

SERVICES

CONTACT

D-Tec Pest Solutions
PO Box 3525
Loganholme Q 4128
PH: 1300 725 758
Live Termites: 0433 420 011