If you are worried about termites, that’s normal. Especially if you live in an area where infestations are common. For this reason, you’ll want to have an inspection done.

How often should you have a termite inspection done? We’ll answer that question briefly. Termites are small, but can do a tremendous amount of damage.

That’s what happens when they operate in large numbers as a colony. You want to get rid of them as fast as you can to ensure that your home is protected from the inside and out. The sooner you prevent any kind of termite infestation, the better.

Is it worth it to get an inspection done in a high termite pressure environment. Yes. It’s something that can be done annually. Let’s continue talking about termites and why an annual inspection is worth it.

The answer is every 12 months (with these conditions)

As mentioned, you want a termite inspection done every 12 months. However, it should be done under the following conditions:

• If you live in an older home

Older homes will be built from wood. This can be a primary target for termites. So it would be smart for you to get an annual termite inspection to ensure none of them have done damage to your home.

• The climate is right

Termites live in warm, humid areas of Australia. That’s where they are most active. If you live in Queensland, you’re in a place where termites will likely be present. Even in the summertime, termites will be very active.

• You got the cash

Termite inspections will be something that will cost you somewhere between $50 to $250. That will depend on various factors. Setting aside an amount of money every year will ensure that you are prepared for the annual inspection. It might help to set aside a little bit of extra cash in case you need professional services.

Be aware of your neighbour’s termite situation

Termites have the ability to travel 50 to 80 meters away from their nest. If your neighbours are dealing with termites, it might be a matter of time until your home becomes a target. Termites can move fast and do damage fast.

This is your chance to take the necessary precautions to ensure the termites affecting your neighbours don’t attack you next. An inspection will be the perfect course of action to take to ensure that it’s not too late.

The sooner you get your home inspected, the quicker you will be able to get answers regarding whether your home is safe or not. If you are dealing with a problem, that’s when a pest control professional will be able to give you the next set of options on what needs to be done.

Termite activity: When are they most active?

One of the best times of the year for termites to be active is during the summer months. As the temperatures and humidity levels increase, so do the presence of various pests including termites. With that in mind, you’ll want to do the following precautions:

• Check for water leaks and seal them

One of the best points of entry for termites are water pipes. All they need to do is find a place where a leak is coming from and they’re in. Check under your kitchen and bathroom sinks for any leaks and seal them as soon as possible.

• Increase the ventilation throughout your house

A well-ventilated home is something termites don’t like. But don’t overdo it to a point where it gives termites an entry point. Basements with windows will benefit greatly since they provide you with excellent subfloor ventilation.

• Removing and replacing attractive materials

Any wooden materials learning up against your home or near it should be relocated to a different location. Find designated storage areas in your home where you can be able to relocate these items so they are less likely to get damaged by termites

These are precautions that you should take aside from scheduling an inspection for termites. It’s no secret that termites will find an opportunity to get inside your home and destroy it. If you notice any door frames or floors bowing or blistering, it may already be too late.

Conclusion

If you are concerned about termites, there’s a good chance you live in a high pressure region. For this reason, getting an annual termite inspection will be necessary. No time is better than now to schedule one.

The sooner you get started, the more likely your home will be protected. Acting when it’s too little, too late can be costly. A professional inspector will find many signs of termite infestation.

Plus, they’ll give you a battle plan on what you’ll want to do to prevent an infestation in the future. When you work with a termite inspector, you’ll have options depending on your situation like an infestation or no termites present.

Tips On Choosing A Reliable Pest Control Company

Unfortunately, dealing with pests is an unavoidable part of owning a home. Luckily, there are many ways to control various pest infestations. In many cases, homeowners can take proactive measures to prevent pest infestations. If an infestation is getting out of hand, however, you likely need to resort to professional pest control. 

When it comes to finding the best pest controller for your home, many people aren’t sure where to start. Here are the top tips for choosing the best pest controller for your specific situation. 

Do your research

Homeowners should conduct a thorough research when looking for a reliable pest controller. Pest control is one of the issues that must be handled correctly the first time. If it is not done right, the infestation will persist. You will need to hire another company to resolve the issue. Needless to say, this can be both frustrating and costly. Thus, you should only hire a pest control company if you are confident in their competence and trustworthiness. If you live in Australia, visit https://aepma.com.au/pages/ManagerSearch.aspx your nearest AEPMA member.

When researching a pest control company, here are some things to pay attention to. 

Are they affiliated with a professional pest control association?

These associations exist at the national, state, and local levels, and they help regulate pest control methods. They also require members to adhere to a code of ethics. It can give homeowners some peace of mind that their service will be professional and honorable. 

Does the company offer a guarantee for their work?

Companies that provide special services (like pest control) should always offer a guarantee for their work. Do your research to learn about whether the companies you’re considering offer guarantees. If so, what you need to do to ensure the guarantee stays valid. 

Does the company have liability insurance? 

With pest control a lot can go wrong, either due to accident or negligence. It’s crucial that the company you choose for pest control have liability insurance so that you and your home will be protected from damages. 

To learn if the company has appropriate insurance, you can ask a salesperson or point of contact. This is a perfectly fair question to ask as a potential customer. You should ask to see proof on paper that the company actually has the insurance they say they do. 

Are they licensed?

Many states offer pest control licenses, and you should only consider hiring a company with a valid pest control license. You can find out if the company’s license is current by contacting the pesticide regulatory agency for your state. 

Ask questions

Once you’ve found a few pest control companies that you think might be good options for your pest problem, the next thing to do is ask them plenty of informative questions. Here are some questions you should ask:

Can you provide a list of references? 

Pest control is a big operation, and you need to be sure that the company you choose is reliable. Contacting previous customers (with their consent) is a great way to find out what you can expect or if you should go in a different direction. 

How many years has your company been in business at the present address?

This may seem like a very specific question, but it’s an important one to ask. You can use this information to contact official offices like the State Department of Agriculture, the Better Business Bureau, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the State Attorney General’s Office to ask if the company has received any complaints about misusing pesticides or its employees. 

Is the person conducting the pest control application licensed?

The law states that each pest control company needs to have a minimum of one licensed commercial pesticide applicator in each service category. All other applicators need to either be certified themselves or under the direct supervision of someone who is. Asking this question lets the company know that you’re aware of this rule, and that you expect compliance with the treatment of your property. Just be sure to follow up when the application day arrives.

Can I see copies of all the pesticide labels and the rates at which you will apply them?

Given that many pesticides are toxic, you need to know what, where, and how much is being sprayed in and around your home. 

Final Thoughts

When choosing a pest control company for your home, it’s very important that you do thorough research and ask a lot of questions. Pesticides can be dangerous. Hence, it needs to be applied with precision and professionalism. You can do your part in guaranteeing safe pesticide application at your home by reading up on potential companies and asking a lot of questions before application.