September 2006 / Vol.3 / Issue 9

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

Contents

1. Pest Talk
2. CSIRO research on termites (Part 2).
3. Customer Question of the Month.
4. Story of the Month.
5. Monthly Special

Pest Talk

News

We have developed a new improved top for the Green Termite Bait System. It is made from long wearing UV-resistant polypropylene with two replaceable clear Ec2c Termite Windows made from very tough polycarbonate.

The Ec2c Termite Windows simply click into the top which is then secured by a single screw. If either the top or the Ec2c Termite Windows needs replacement, it's a simple matter.

Drilling the bait to apply termiticide is no longer necessary for the treatment process. Instead, the top is removed and the termites are treated directly. The Ec2c Termite Windows are then replaced with dark coloured treatment windows until the termiticide completes its job. The old bait is then replaced with a fresh bait. More details can be found here.

We have also developed a new Ec2c Termite Window. It has a dual function. Not only does it snap snugly into our new Green Termite Bait top, but it also works independently as an inspection window into your internal walls and other areas of high risk that may be difficult if not impossible to examine normally.

It has many uses and can also be installed into many outdoor areas. For example, do you need to keep a check on a retaining wall or power pole? How about a tree, a post, a fence or a log? All of these can easily be inspected on the inside of the timber using the Ec2c Termite Windows.

To see just a few examples of their versatility please visit here.

Unlike our previous Ec2c Termite Window, our new model is a plug in window, thus completely eliminating the need for glue. Once installed, they are childproof and their overall finish is extremely neat and tidy.

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CSIRO research on termites (Part 2).

Last month we promised to bring you some more interesting discoveries made by the CSIRO about termites and their behaviour in this month's newsletter, so here we go...

One of the questions that the CSIRO investigated was, "Why is it that some termite colonies of a specific species will form a nest in the heart of a tree in certain areas of Australia but prefer to form a mound nest in other parts of Australia?"

It turns out that although these termites appear to be the same species, Coptotermes frenchi , they may in fact be two different forms of termite. This was confirmed by using a chromatograph / mass spectrometer to identify specific cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC) that are unique to each species. CHC is found in the oily coating (used by the termite to stop it from dehydration) on the outside of the cuticle (or skin).

Similar data suggests that another common species of termite, Coptotermes acinaciformis, may actually be 4 different species and once again the CHC test results predominantly corresponds with their particular nest building style.

Fortunately the majority of termite professionals can identify a termite as either being a threat to your home or not. We may not be able to get down to the detailed nitty gritty but we can tell the risky ones apart from the non-risky ones. Local knowledge also plays a big part in termite identification as different species tend to inhabit specific areas of Australia. You may not know this, but the majority of termite species are of no economic significance when it comes to the millions of dollars worth of damage that is caused to homes each year. Surprisingly only a handful of termite species cause damage to homes.

If termites are found in your yard, always have your local professional come and advise you. Keep in mind that even if it is not a dangerous termite species, that doesn't automatically mean your home is safe. It just means that those particular termites pose no significant risk to your home.

Killing non-threatening termites is pointless. Believe it or not, they are good for your garden, helping to improve the soil by nutrient recycling and aeration. Occasionally termite baits fall victim to these harmless termite species in search of an easy meal. When this happens, it's important that the low risk termites are given their marching orders. Then the bait they attacked needs to be replaced.

Why? It's simply because every bait around your home needs to be readily available to any of the potentially unwelcome termite species that may be scouting nearby, too close for comfort. It's possible that if the bait is full of harmless termites, then the more dangerous termites may leave them to it. We don't want to miss any opportunity to intercept and treat them. This is why regularly checking and maintaining your baits is vital.

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Customer Question of the Month.

Question:

Hi,

We have recently bought a house with a bushy backyard and a multitude of stumps and dead trees which we plan on clearing. We had the house inspected before purchase and found no evidence of termite activity.

We have this weekend found active termites in our backyard while cutting down a dead banksia tree. They extend at least 10 metres up the trunk of the tree. The tree is approx 10-15 metres from the rear of the house. We have also found minimal activity near a large gum tree approx 5 metres from the house. We have not as yet discovered any activity in the house or in the garage underneath the house.

Once we can identify the species, we are wondering if it is best to use the baits or to spray the house as a preventative. I am inclined to the baits, my husband to spray the house.

I have found your web site extremely informative, much more so than any other company. I appreciate the effort you have put into the site to let us homeowners learn as much as possible.

Thanks, Alison.

Answer:

If you have done some shopping around for termite prevention you will be well aware of the huge differences in solutions and prices. It usually boils down to two choices either:

Making sure you are fully protected

Both methods mentioned above will usually suit most homes. However, there are some homes that are much better protected by one method over the other. Then there are some other very high risk homes that may be best protected by utilising both methods, or a combination of both methods.

Can anyone guarantee that your termites will be gone for good? Absolutely not!

Anyone suggesting otherwise is misleading you. Here's why. Termite colony elimination with either an effective termite treatment zone or a termite baiting system is common place. Both methods have been proven to work. Logically, new termites are bound to arrive near your home sooner or later. Sometimes they even reinfest an inactive termite nest that has previously been eliminated. Don't be tricked into believing that total termite elimination means permanent termite protection.

Beware of false claims or deceptive wording.

If you are going to choose a termite bait system to help protect your home from termites, then make sure that it truly is reliable. Most plastic bait systems FAIL before they start, simply because they fill up with unwanted ants that are repellent to termites. Only the Green Termite Bait System is ant-resistant.

If you think an expensive chemical treatment zone all around your house is a good option, think again. Most companies will drill hundreds of ugly holes in your concrete so that the chemical can be applied. Not only can these holes potentially devalue your home when you decide to sell it, but most professionals will tell you that it is not the most reliable way to treat the soil under your concrete.

The Australian Standards specifically states that the concrete should be cut and removed so that the soil can be correctly treated. Not only that, but it is usually advisable to replace any unsuitable soil from around the perimeter walls of your home (to the depth of the footings) with a quality soil that can more effectively hold the chemical treatment.

If the concrete is drilled and injected, then nobody really knows whether the chemical is effective or not. Sadly, in many cases it fails and termites get the last laugh. It wasn't the chemical that failed. Rather it was the company that failed to carry out the treatment correctly, or failed to advise you that it is more preferable for your concrete to be cut and removed rather than drilled and injected. And of course if it does fail, you won't find out for some time, and when you do, the company that did the treatment will be long gone or else pointing to clauses in the fine print as to why they are not responsible, when in fact they are!

Now you know the truth.

The choice is yours.

Choosing between a good quality bait system such as the Green Termite Bait System or a quality installed chemical treated zone is difficult. Both work well and some homes will need a combination of both methods. Over a five year period, both methods offer similar protection. Green Termite Baits improve with age. Chemical soil treatments wear off and eventually you need to do it all again from scratch.

Installing a Green Termite Bait System is quick, painless, and unobtrusive. It's value-adding to your home, and reasonably affordable. Installing a chemical soil treatment is pretty messy. Cutting the concrete or drilling holes is no fun; digging up the lawn and garden beds beside your home isn't nice, and the price is usually pretty hard to swallow too.

Don't just take our word for it. Prove it for yourself!

Get Serious - Don't be a victim of termites; and don't be a victim of unscrupulous Termite Management Companies either.

Do your home work and avoid wasting your money and risking your home with inferior products. The termite management industry has its fair share of misinformation, con-artists, rip-off merchants and supposed "professionals" who are not as competent as they would like you to believe.

The Green Termite Bait System was developed by professional pest controllers with many years of experience in the industry. Our product has been tested and proven in over a 1,000 homes across Australia with a success rate of better than 99% at intercepting and destroying termites before they reach your home. Don't pay $2,500 - $5,000 for an inferior termite baiting system just because it looks pretty or sounds good or because your local pestie recommended it. Maybe he is more interested in his profits than in protecting your home.

And don't be fooled by great sounding warranties that simply aren't worth the paper they are written on - don't just believe us - have your solicitor check out the wording on the warranty. Read the fine print, exclusions and conditions - you'll soon see what we are saying.

Now, to be fair we would like to print the sum total of our not so fine, fine print which is clearly printed on the front page of all our full service contracts:

Disclaimer: Green Termite Bait Systems will substantially reduce the risk of termites gaining entry to your property. This is affected by three factors. 1. The number of baits you choose to install. 2. The available areas for correct placement of baits. 3. The frequency of bait inspections. Monthly checks are recommended. Fortnightly if you are north of the Tropic of Capricorn. However, as with all termite risk reduction systems Green Termite BaitsT cannot and should not be relied upon for 100% protection. Regular annual or bi-annual inspections by your respected termite professional are advised as recommended in the Australian Standards. Additional risk reduction measures may be required in certain cases. No warranty or guarantee against termites is offered or inferred by Green Termite Bait Systems or their authorised distributors. Individual Green Termite Baits do come with a 12 month defect warranty and will be replaced FREE of charge if for any reason they crack, split or become unserviceable during the first 12 months. The life expectancy of a Green Termite Bait is 3-5 years depending on the moisture content of the soil. Unlike plastic bodied systems, Green Termite Baits improve with age. This is because termites prefer decaying timber. Copyright of Green Termite Bait Systems 1996-2004. All rights reserved.

If perchance, you do hear any ridicule about the Green Termite Bait System, then tell us (Freecall 1800 056 055) and give us a chance to answer it fully. We've heard some pretty blatant lies and other nonsense spouted from jealous or ignorant competitors who will say anything to make a sale. If you are still undecided about which termite management program is the best for you, we can only admonish you to do a little research before you commit a large sum of money to a system that may turn out to be a waste of money. Put us to the test; we welcome the toughest scrutiny. The more you dig, the more you will understand why the Green Termite Bait System truly is such fantastic value.

It's value because Value = Low price x Effectiveness.

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Story of the Month.

How not to find termites...

Written by Jerry Furnell.

Years ago I visited a house where the termites were discovered by accident... quite literally. It was an old weatherboard house on stumps in Morningside, Brisbane. It was rented by a single gentleman with a serious drinking problem.

One evening he arrived home from the pub so intoxicated that he slipped on the last step of his back porch and crashed through the wall beside the back door and ended up in his bathroom. He passed out in a drunken stupor where he lay on the bathroom floor beside the bathtub.

The next morning he awoke to find himself squinting up at the morning sun as it shone into his bleary eyes through the gaping hole he had left in wall. A hole that looked somewhat like the ones you see in a cartoon where the cartoon character runs through a wall leaving a cut out body shape... you know, head, ears and arms outflung!

He told me that he thought he was still dreaming! Oh yes... the wall was paper thin. Pretty much 50 years worth of paint was all that was holding it together. The termites had been very busy.

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Monthly Special Promotion - For Newsletter Subscribers Only.

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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 2006 Green Termite Bait Systems & Green Pest Control. All rights reserved.

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