PROTECTION ADVICE |
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Ask questions about termites and the different treatment options the company employs, the chemicals used, their toxicity and safety aspects. Compare notes on the methods of each company. Which company seems the more professional? Make sure the company carries professional indemnity and public liability insurance for their termite control services and inspection reports. Be present during the termite inspection. Study the general presentation of the inspector, such as, was the inspector in company uniform, with proper identification? Did he/she arrive in a tidy motor vehicle and use quality equipment, including a moisture meter? Was a thorough inspection carried out? Were you presented with informative documentation regarding the inspection findings and treatment proposals? Did he/she adequately explain the alternatives so you are confident he/she knew his/her subject matter? Were there any other aspects that may indicate professionalism or otherwise? Make notes and comparisons. Enquire as to the experience of the termite inspector. Does he/she have a current pest controller license (and not just a trainee permit). You should cite his/her NSW Govt issued pest controller license, noting name, number and expiry date. Enquire as to whether the company uses employees or sub-contractors. Be wary of companies with sub-contractors as problems often occur in the market place where sub-contractors are obliged to pay for the supply of chemical and other costs but do not assume responsibility if the service proves to be inadequate at a later date. Ask about any applicable back-up service period. For example, a company may provide you with a twelve month "FREE service period" for a chemical soil barrier treatment where the termite controller is confident a complete barrier is in place around the entire foot-print of the building. This annual service period may be extended annually thereafter (at the customers option) provided necessary regular inspections and other essential control measures are carried out as recommended. Be wary of companies that offer a 10 or 20 year warranty as this commits you for that period, so you have to obtain (pay for) regular inspections and other work whether or not you want it. Such a long term warranty offer is usually unrealistic and a sign of short-term intentions. |
Australian
Standard 3660 has a legal status in that the Australian
Govt Pesticide legislation requires the chemicals used for soil barriers
against termites shall be used in accordance with the pesticide label, the
wording of which is approved by the Federal Govt National Registration Authority
on chemicals. The pesticide label in turn requires the chemical be applied
in accordance with Australian Standard 3660. A.S.3660.2 - 2000, Termite Management - In and around Existing Buildings and Structures provides guidelines on procedures for the detection, treatment and minimisation of termite activity in and around existing buildings and structures, including (1) chemical soil barrier treatments (2) termite nest location techniques (3) non-chemical recommendations, and (4) the inspection procedures, written reporting requirements and recommended frequency of follow-up inspections. A.S. 3660.1 - 2000, Termite Management - New Building Work, sets performance requirements regarding physical and chemical termite barriers that can be installed in and around a building, during construction of new buildings and ground level extensions and renovations. This standard is referenced in the Building Code of Australia to make it's requirements mandatory. Copies of the Australian Standard 3660 are available from Standards Australia - telephone 1300 654 646 or order on the web at www.standards.com.au. |
Australian Standard 3660 Protection of Buildings from Subterranean Termites - Prevention, Detection and Treatment of Infestation. Available direct from Standards Australia - telephone 1 300 654 646.
Handbook on Pest Control by Arnold Mallis. The leading industry text book in the United States of America since 1945. The most detailed textbook in the world on urban pest control. Current edition exceeds 1,400 pages.
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