Tips To Prevent Pest Damage To Homes In Victoria

Pests in Victoria include the usual suspects – possums, rats, mice, ants and spiders – but because the state is reasonably damp, termites remain the biggest threat. How can you prevent these pests from damaging your home?

First the facts

Nothing works better than a regular pest inspection by a reliable pest inspection service using the latest pest detection equipment. Not only will you be able to identify the presence of pests sooner (before they damage your home), if pests are present your pest inspector should be able to identify the correct treatment.

Treatment is as important as detection

You’d be surprised at how many homes in Victoria we see that have been inadequately treated for termites. An inefficient treatment and prevention method is a waste of time and importantly, your money.

Dampness is the enemy

Termites love moisture. Termite damage is often caused by excessive moisture creeping into buildings and the surrounding property.

How to prevent termites in Victoria

There are a few common-sense things you can do to make your home less attractive to termites and other pests.

Don’t put mulch up against your house or anything that builds an expressway to the timber in your home for pests.
Clear leaves and grass before it piles up.
While it’s a good idea to avoid placing timber close to the ground, with the popularity of decks etc. it can be difficult not to. In this case, a regular pest inspection and treatment by a qualified service is essential.
Are there any building materials under your house? Move them or have them treated.
Keep vegetation and firewood away from the exterior. If left untreated, this makes the perimeter easy to breach.
Check for overflow. Inspect your hot water service or air conditioning compressor regularly to make sure that any overflow is not creating dampness in the surrounding ground.
Do you have adequate drainage around taps and hoses?

What about newly built homes?

We are builders as well as pest inspectors and treatment experts. We see a lot of new homes that have been poorly treated for termites or carried out to the minimum standard. Often any cost savings this creates are not passed on to you, the homeowner.

Get a private inspection

We recommend that owners of newly built homes arrange for a private pest inspection before final payment is made. Details we look for include:

Has the house been treated up to 40cms off the ground?
Has the property been given a full spray under the house and around the perimeter?
How thick was the spray used and what is its expected lifespan?
Has the treatment created a complete barrier?

We use and recommend Termidor

Termidor is a wide application pest treatment that has been shown to be 100% effective against termites for 8 plus years. It is safe and effective and has no detectable odour.

Lastly, check any treatment certificate you have received. It should be guaranteed for a minimum of 7 years.

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