This post is about our Coronavirus and Pest Control Update for our customers.
The Coronavirus – Covid-19 is obviously the biggest situation in the world and across Australia right now. The impact has been enormous while our Government and healthcare services are battling to win and stop the virus affecting people.
Unlike humans, the virus is not affecting pests and they are active as usual across Brisbane and the Nation in homes and businesses. The virus is also not spread by vector pests – ants, fleas etc.
The biggest issue now that we are seeing is that many people have turned to hoarding food and personal goods and storing these in their homes – (not recommended per the Prime Minister’s announcement – 18 March). This is creating a ‘gold mine’ for pests eager to feed and damage these types of goods, thus costing the homeowner hundreds of dollars in lost products and putting greater pressure on retailers.
Interestingly, we recently performed a pest control service at a home in West End in Brisbane where the customer was faced with an increase in ants and cockroaches in the home. We quickly discovered stored food goods on mass including pasta, grain products (flour, biscuits) and cereals that pests had eaten through the packaging. Our customer was shocked as we explained why this was happening and that termites could also become an issue with toilet paper goods.
Typically, this is something that we take care of in commercial food storage facilities. Seeing it in a Brisbane home took us by surprise to say the least.
On this basis, we feel that it’s critically important to let our customers and potential customers know about this to help reduce waste and further concern.
What types of pests are active now in Brisbane?
This time of year in Queensland, there are a number of pests highly active, seeking food, water and shelter in our homes and businesses. Once inside, they can quickly infest a property in high numbers, eating foods and damaging property.
Pest such as ants and cockroaches will attempt to access and eat foods like cereals, flour, pasta and products with sugar. Cockroaches are active at night and can easily gain access to food while everyone is sleeping. These pests can establish themselves in kitchens, bathrooms, toilets, garages and roof voids.
Cockroaches are also unhygienic and can cause health issues to those who suffer from asthma. Health and wellness are critical in building our immune system at this time.
Termites are well known for being destructive and eating wood structures in houses. They will also eat paper goods like toilet paper.
If you have large quantities stored in your home, termites can and will target this product and easily consume it at a rapid rate. They can climb to reach it if it’s stored on a shelf. This will be costly and time consuming to replace as we are seeing at present.
How we’re handling the Covid-19 Situation
Our number one concern is the health and safety of our team and our customers.
Our pest controllers are regularly monitoring their health and being tested for the Covid-19 virus, if they show flu-like symptoms. At present, none of our technicians are infected or ill and are continuing to work and protect our customers homes from pests.
Technicians are washing their hands prior to entry to your home and have protective equipment including gloves and masks when servicing your home or business. They are following social distancing guidelines with our customers as well.
If you are ill or infected with the virus, please contact us to reschedule your pest control service. If you have any concerns with our Technicians being in your home, simply let them know before they enter the house.
How we are helping our customers
If we are unable to deliver pest control services to your home or business due to infection or illness, we are providing helpful tips on things you can do to reduce pests at this time. These alternate methods of pest control are highly effective and any one can do them.
Hygiene is a major factor in regards to pests. In addition to food sources, pests thrive in an unclean environment. If you follow the tips below, you can greatly reduce pest numbers and even stop the spread of the pests in and around your home.
Top tips from the Australian Department of Health below:
- Clean up after meals. Put food scraps in the bin, and wash and dry plates, cups, glasses, cutlery and cooking pots after use.
- Put all rubbish into the bin outside sealed in bags.
- Wrap all food scraps tightly in paper before putting them in the bin.
- Keep all the benches, cupboards and floors clean and free of food scraps.
- Regularly clean behind stoves, refrigerators and other household appliances.
- Keep food in containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Use the toilet properly. Make sure that the toilet is flushed/cleaned after use. Toilet paper is the only kind of paper that should be flushed down the toilet. Not paper towels or wipes, they will clog the toilet.
- Make sure the toilet is clean and the cistern works correctly.
- Make sure that all septic tanks and leach drains are well sealed.
- Make sure that the community rubbish tip is operated correctly with the rubbish being buried regularly.
- Use flyscreens to stop pests entering the house and seal holes around pipes.
We are not judging anyone’s decisions but, in addition to good hygiene, stop hoarding. This is unnecessary as manufacturers, retailers and the Government have confirmed that there is no shortage of toilet paper or food goods in Australia.
We can not deliver effective pest control if this is the case.
Not having these products stored in mass in your home will stop pests targeting your home and these goods, saving you money and anguish with lost goods and health issues.
Arrange A Pest Control Service
For your peace of mind, we hope our Coronavirus and Pest Control Update helps. You can arrange a pest control service and protect your home and business today. You can book online or call us on 3206 6721.