July 2004 / Vol.1 / Issue 2

Hello and Welcome to the July Greenpest News. Each month we aim to provide you with some useful information, keeping it short, sweet and pertinent.

Contents

1. Pest Talk
2. Customer Question of the Month.
3. Don't let the Bed Bugs bite - Part 2.
5. Monthly Special

Pest Talk

There are some three hundred separate termite species in Australia but only a handful are a threat to homes.

This handful account for millions of dollars worth of damage and repairs and no doubt contribute to the stress levels of many concerned home owners.

We've always said that you shouldn't worry too much if you simply follow a few rules.

• Termites are attracted by water (as well as timber) so keeping the perimeter of your home free of damp spots will help to reduce the risk. This can be done with good drainage; ensuring taps don't drip and drips from hot water systems and air conditioners go to a drain or to a bucket.
• Garden beds shouldn't be against the wall of your home , but let's face it... we all like to have them there, so if that is the case, try to plant native bushes that require minimum water. If you must use a sprinkler system only use it sparingly. Turning on a sprinkler system is like ringing the dinner bell for termites! If you really want to do this, make sure you have some Green Termite Baits T in the garden beds as a precaution.
• Every one likes mulch... so do termites. It retains moisture and is a food source too. Ouch! If you have lots of mulch against the walls of your house, then it is breaching any sub-soil treated zones... a big no-no; so once again we hope you have some termite baits in place.
• Piles of timber should be stored off the ground. If your house is raised, never store timber, boxes, magazines, wooden furniture etc on the ground under your house.
• Dead trees and tree stumps should be removed or inspected for termites regularly and treated if need be. Same goes for retaining walls, even walls constructed from treated timbers, simply because not all treated timbers are termite proof and in reality a timber retaining wall is just another big pile of timber inviting termites to nest and expand near your home.
• Sheds shouldn't be attached to the walls of your home , especially if they have a back wall to the shed that conceals the wall of the house. Termites can take advantage of the protection the wall provides them and they can build entry leads up to the hidden weep holes in your wall or direct into your house if it is a timber wall.
• Left over bricks and roof tiles shouldn't be stacked against the walls of your house either. Even though the termites plainly can't eat the brick they can use it to gain entry to hidden areas behind the wall. It only takes a small hole in the mortar for the termites to enter your home.
• Ensure that you have some effective termite risk reduction in place. New homes under 1 year old are usually pretty safe. Older homes either need to have an effective perimeter treated zone in place or an effective termite bait system in place. Termite treated zones done more than 3 years ago are probably ineffective today for 90% of homes. Termite treated zones where the concrete was drilled and injected are very often faulty. Reason: There is no way to know exactly what is under the concrete. There may be a tree root, broken tiles, bricks or other builders litter, or simply clay soil that won't hold termiticide correctly. For best results termiticide needs to be applied to clean rich organic soil.
• Don't simply assume because you can't see any termites that your home is free of termites. Have a professional check your home at least once a year. See our newsletter contents guide to find out ways to pick a good termite inspection company.
• Do you have an early warning system in your home for burglars? What about termites? You should be considering a set of Ec2c Termite Windows to help monitor for termite activity between professional inspections.
• If you find termites, DON'T DISTURB THEM. Professionals need live and active termites to work with. Whatever you do, please don't spray them with insecticide or anything else for that matter. Call a professional and follow their advice. There is NO RUSH. So DON'T PANIC. If you run with the first quote you get from the first available pestie you are likely to be taken advantage of. The best professionals in the industry are often busy and can't get to you straight away. Cowboys are all too willing to arrive on your doorstep in minutes and take advantage of your fear. Enough said!
• For more tips in detail, consider purchasing a copy of our manual "Termite Inspection for Home Owners."

If you are ever in doubt about any part of your home, gardens or landscaping then 'just ask us' because we are here to help.

Freecall 1800 6 12345.

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Customer Question of the Month.

To Bait or Not to Bait - Part 1.

After my annual inspection, termites were found in my yard but my house was given the all clear.  The inspection report said I must have a perimeter treatment carried out if I am to prevent the termites getting into the home.  It is very expensive and I wonder if termite baits from your company will do instead?
Daniel V. - Maroochydore.

Answer.

Even with a full perimeter treatment there is still some risk that termites can find their way into your home.  But the risk is low.  Under ideal conditions a correctly applied termiticide such as Termidor or Premise or Biflex should keep termites out better than 98% of the time.  These products will last to varying degrees for up to ten years before they need to be redone.

They are all biodegradable and start breaking down from day one.  They are affected by soil type (clay, sand, loam), by soil acidity, by sub-surface water movement, by animal activity and plant activity just to mention the most common factors.

A tree or a shrub can send a root through a perfectly good treated zone that might penetrate areas under the slab.  It doesn't happen often, but it does happen.

It's not a perfect system but it's a good one, especially if termites have already been discovered in the house.

The drawbacks are the very high price of the treatment, not to mention the disruption to paths, pavers, tiles, gardens.  It's often unsightly and very often leads to a devaluation of the home when it comes time to sell.  Why?  It seems that most home buyers are reluctant to buy a home that has obviously had a termite treatment for fear of undisclosed termite damage and or repairs.

It's a paradox that a home with a recent perimeter treatment should be worth less than the same home without one.  Which would you prefer to buy?

Prevention IS better than cure.  Using a perimeter treatment to reduce the risk of termites getting into your home is excellent, especially if you plan to benefit from it by staying in your home for the next 10 years or so.  BUT if you plan to sell your home in the next few years it could end up costing you more than the equivalent payoff in risk reduction... and that is where Green Termite Bait Systems T will win hands down.

A well installed and maintained termite bait system with good record keeping will add value to your home while still helping to reduce the risk of termites getting into the home.  Our statistics over 7 years show this to be better than 95%.  Almost as effective as a well installed perimeter treatment and much better than a poorly installed perimeter treatment.

Unlike other termite bait systems there is little that can go wrong with a Green Termite Bait System.  It's very simplicity is why it is so effective.

Next month we will explore the times when it isn't a good idea to use a termite bait system.

Don't let the Bed Bugs bite - Part 2.

Last months article on bed bugs certainly generated a lot of interest including the following question.

Thank you for a very informative newsletter. I will certainly not unsubscribe. Do you think putting luggage out in the sun for a few days after travelling by itself is sufficient for bed bugs?
Julie D. - Sorrento.

Answer:

I'd suggest you spray some surface spray into a large black plastic garbage bag, then put the luggage in the garbage bag, seal it up and then leave it in the sun for one day.
Just putting the bags in the sun alone will not bother them at all. They like the warmth and can remain dormant for many days.

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The Greenpest News is Published by J & A Furnell Nominees P/L; Shop 23a Franklin Square, 60 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. The opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of Jerry Furnell. The reader is encouraged to seek further information from appropriate government and statutory departments before taking any action based on this material alone.

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See you again next month.

Always... At your service,

Jerry Furnell
Green Pest Control & Green Termite Bait Systems.
Phone 1800 6 12345.

Copyright 2004 Green Termite Bait Systems & Green Pest Control. All rights reserved.

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