positive_pest_solutions, Author at Positive Pest Solutions

How To Keep Ants Away From Your Home

Posted on January 22, 2024January 22, 2024 by positive_pest_solutions

Dealing with ants, which are frequent and unwelcome guests in many households, often feels like a never-ending battle. These tiny invaders appear in droves, seemingly out of nowhere, and can be very difficult to remove once they’ve established a presence.

While getting ant pest control in Melbourne can thoroughly resolve the issue, the key to managing them lies not just in elimination, but in prevention. We’re here to explore a range of practical and effective strategies to prevent ants from making your home theirs.

Seal Entry Points

Ants are tiny and can enter through the smallest cracks and crevices, so you need to eliminate any vulnerabilities. Do a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior, then use caulk to close gaps in window frames, doorways, and foundation walls. Additionally, pay special attention to areas where utility pipes enter the house as these are common entry points for ants.

Maintain Cleanliness

Ants are attracted to food and moisture, making your kitchen an ideal target. To deter them, ensure your kitchen remains clean and free of food debris as much as possible. Wipe down countertops and sweep floors regularly to remove crumbs and spills. Store food in airtight containers and avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink overnight.

Manage Waste Properly

Garbage is just as appealing to ants as fresh food. It’s essential to regularly dispose of trash and ensure garbage bins have tight-fitting lids to prevent ants from getting in. If you’re composting, don’t forget to keep compost well-turned and located a reasonable distance from your home, as poorly managed compost can become a hotspot for ant activity.

Eliminate Standing Water

Water is a vital resource for ants, so cutting off their access to moisture is crucial in deterring them. Check your home for any leaky pipes or dripping faucets, indoors and outdoors, and repair them promptly. Regularly clear out any standing water in your yard, as stagnant water pools are perfect watering holes for ants to quench their thirst.

Use Natural Repellents

Ants dislike several natural substances that can be used as repellents. Some popular options include cinnamon, vinegar, lemon juice, and peppermint oil. You can create a natural ant-repellent spray by mixing water with one of these ingredients and spraying it around potential entry points and problem areas. Not only are these solutions non-toxic, but they also leave your house smelling fresh.

Prioritise Landscaping and Outdoor Maintenance

Sealing your house off is a good start to avoid ants, but don’t neglect your yard or garden. Trim shrubs and trees regularly to ensure they don’t touch or hang over your house, which can provide an easy bridge for ants to get inside. Regularly clear away leaves, twigs, and other debris near your home’s foundation and be careful where you use mulch; these can create ideal conditions for ants to establish their colonies.

Monitor Indoor Plants

indoor plants might become a haven for ants, especially if they’re home to aphids or other small insects that ants feed on. To prevent this, it’s important to check your plants regularly for these pests and address any infestations promptly. Also, be cautious with watering as excess water can attract ants. Aim for a balance to keep your plants healthy without inviting unwanted guests.

Maintain Pet Food and Water Dishes

Ants are often drawn to pet food and water bowls. As such, make sure you give your pets just enough food so that they’re full but don’t leave leftovers, and be sure to clean their feeding area afterwards. If ants continue to be an issue, try placing the pet bowls in a shallow water-filled tray; this creates a simple yet effective barrier that ants can’t easily cross, keeping the food ant-free. However, don’t forget to empty the water out after feeding.

Conduct Regular Home Inspections

Regular inspections of your home are vital for early detection of ant activity. Keep an eye out for ant trails, particularly in areas like the kitchen, where food is stored and prepared. Identifying signs of ants early can make managing and resolving an ant issue much more manageable, preventing the problem from worsening.

Hire Professional Help

If ant control becomes overwhelming, it might be time to call the experts. Ant exterminators are equipped to offer more thorough solutions, particularly for extensive or stubborn infestations. With their specialised knowledge and tools, they can efficiently and effectively address the issue, ensuring your home is ant-free and providing much-needed peace of mind.

Staying One Step Ahead of Ants

While ants may be a common and persistent problem in many households, the battle against these intruders is not impossible. Remember, the key to ant-free success lies in regular maintenance, vigilance, and timely action. With these tips in your arsenal, you can keep your home a no-go zone for ants, ensuring a more comfortable and pest-free living environment.

Should the situation escalate, don’t hesitate to seek professional help for a more comprehensive solution. At Positive Pest Solutions, we understand the nuances of effective ant control. Our expert team is equipped with the knowledge and tools to tackle any ant problem, ensuring a thorough and lasting solution. Get in touch with us today to learn more.

A Comprehensive Guide To Wasp Nest Removal

Posted on January 9, 2024January 9, 2024 by positive_pest_solutions

With vibrant urban landscapes and lush suburban gardens, Melbourne’s stunning environment hosts a variety of insects – including wasps. Wasps do play an important role in the ecosystem by helping with pollination and pest control, but they can become aggressive if they believe they are threatened, which makes them uncomfortable neighbours.

Unsurprisingly, wasp nests can pose a significant health hazard to humans – especially for those allergic to stings. In some situations, it may be necessary to remove the wasp nest for safety. However, caution is paramount as wasp nest removal can be a dangerous undertaking.

As such, this guide aims to provide an in-depth look at effective wasp nest removal techniques, including how to identify one, what to watch out for and what to do when disposing of them.

Why Are Wasp Nests Dangerous?

Wasp nests – and therefore wasps – become a more frequent sight in Melbourne when the weather turns warm. When wasps feel threatened, they may get aggressive and sting people. These stings can be painful at best and cause serious allergic reactions at worst.

Getting too close to a wasp or a wasp nest is likely to trigger this behaviour, which is concerning if there are children, pets or allergic individuals around. The bigger the nest, the more wasps there will be, which expands the danger zone.

It’s important to stay vigilant during wasp season as nests can be hidden in unexpected areas. For example, Australian paper wasp nests can be found under roof eaves, on ceilings and under tree branches.

Identifying Signs Of Wasp Nests

Early detection of wasp nests can help expedite their removal before they grow too large and dangerous. Here are several key indicators you can look out for:

Increased Wasp Activity: An unusual surge in the number of wasps flying around a particular area often signals the presence of a nearby nest.
Visible Nest Structures: Wasp nests often resemble honeycombs and can be spotted in sheltered locations such as under roof eaves or garden sheds.
Defensive Behaviour: Wasps behave aggressively when their nest is threatened or approached too closely.
Buzzing Sounds: A noticeable, continuous buzzing noise can indicate a large, active nest.
Repeated Wasp Visits: Regular sightings of wasps in the same area, especially if they seem to disappear into a specific spot, can be a sign of a nest.

You can conduct regular inspections of secluded areas in your homes and gardens, such as behind shutters, under porch decks and in dense foliage. These are all popular wasp nest sites. However, please be sure to exercise extreme caution when doing so.

Tips For Safe Wasp Nest Removal

Safety and planning are paramount when removing wasp nests. Paper wasps, in particular, become especially defensive if their nest is threatened.

If you plan to remove a wasp nest yourself, here are some key steps to ensure your safety and improve your chances of success:

Wear Protective Gear: Equip yourself with thick gloves, protective clothing, and a face shield or mask. This will help protect you from potential stings.
Choose the Right Time: Aim to remove the nest during the night or early morning. Wasps are less active during these times, reducing their likelihood of becoming aggressive.
Use Appropriate Insecticide: Select a long-range insecticide spray designed explicitly for wasps. These sprays allow you to treat the nest from a distance, which is safer.
Maintain a Safe Distance: When applying the insecticide, stay just within range to be effective. Keep as much distance between you and the nest as possible to minimise the risk of being stung.
Have a Clear Escape Route: Ensure you have an unobstructed path to retreat if wasps start to swarm.
Follow Label Instructions: Carefully read and adhere to the instructions on the insecticide label. Proper application is crucial for both effectiveness and safety.

Professional Wasp Nest Removal: When It’s Essential

When nests are too big or located in difficult spaces, it may be wise to call in professionals to handle the wasp nest removal instead of trying DIY methods.

Wasp nests in hard-to-reach or tight spaces can make effective removal difficult and dangerous, especially without the right tools. That risk is doubled if the wasp nest is big because more wasps will be present, which heightens the risk of being stung.

If you or someone near the nest is allergic to wasp stings, professional removal is even more critical. Experts can remove the nest with minimal disturbance, significantly lowering the chance of triggering a wasp attack and causing an allergic reaction.

How To Avoid Future Wasp Nests

Where wasps are concerned, prevention is always better than cure. It is important to keep your outdoor spaces clean and well-maintained; a tidy house and/or garden that is regularly checked and maintained makes it far less inviting for wasps to build nests, as well as enabling you to easily spot and treat any early signs of nest formation.

Certain scents have been found to repel wasps, so you can also try planting strongly scented plants like eucalyptus and lemongrass around your home to deter wasps from building their nests. If planting is not an option, you can use sprays made from essential oils around potential nest sites instead.

These preventive measures can significantly lower the chances of wasps nesting on your property, making for a calmer and wasp-free environment.

Choose Positive Pest Solutions For Your Wasp Removal Needs

Positive Pest Solutions is your go-to expert for safely and effectively managing wasp nests in Melbourne and beyond. With our professional approach to wasp nest removal and prevention, you can trust us to handle your wasp-related concerns with expertise and care.

Choose us for a wasp-free environment and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your property is in good hands. Get in touch with us today!

A Guide to Finding Wasps Nest in Your Property

Posted on December 4, 2023December 4, 2023 by positive_pest_solutions

Wasps, often misunderstood and feared, play a crucial role in our ecosystem. However, their presence close to human habitats requires careful and safe management. This guide aims to help you understand how to identify, locate, and approach an Australian wasp nest, alongside other tips to resolve a wasp infestation on your property.

Is It A Wasp or A Bee?

Telling the difference between a wasp and a bee can be puzzling, but there are key features to look out for.
Bees generally have a more robust and ‘fuzzy’ appearance, aiding in pollen collection. Their colouring often involves more muted tones of yellow and black. In contrast, wasps have slender, smooth bodies with a more defined waist and typically exhibit brighter yellow and black patterns.
Behaviourally, bees are usually less aggressive and sting only when they feel highly threatened, as they lose their stinger and die afterwards. On the other hand, wasps can be more aggressive and can sting multiple times.
Understanding these distinctions is not just a matter of curiosity but can also guide how you manage their presence around your home.

How To Identify Australian Wasp Nest On Your Property

Locating Wasp Nests

Finding a wasp nest on your property requires careful observation and strategic thinking. You can find these nests in various places:

1. Usual Suspects: Check under eaves, within roof spaces, wall cavities, garages, and garden sheds. Paper wasp nests are often found in these areas.
2. Stealthy Hideouts: Inspect under leaves, doorways, or even inside door frames. European wasps tend to be more discreet in their nest locations.
3. Ground-Level Nests: Some species favour ground nests, which can be found in holes or under landscaping features.
Wasps cover up their nests within the roof spaces or wall voids of a building, making it extremely difficult to find them. You can often find wasp nests in roof spaces, bird boxes, wall cavities, under eaves, garages and shades.

Signs to Look For:

1. Follow the Trail:Track the wasps’ flight paths back to their nest. This can be particularly effective in the late afternoon when wasps return to their nests.

2. Visual Inspection: Conduct a thorough visual check of potential nesting sites. Look for the physical nest structures

3. Listen for Activity: In quieter environments, the buzzing sound of an active wasp nest can be a giveaway.

Safety Precautions in Nest Investigation

When investigating for wasp nests, safety should always be your top priority. Wear protective clothing that covers your entire body, including a head net, gloves, and thick clothing. Remember, wasps can be aggressive if they feel threatened, especially when their nest is disturbed.

Besides clothing, timing your investigation can also play a vital role in safety. Wasps are less active during cooler temperatures, such as early morning or late evening. Approaching a nest during these times can reduce the likelihood of provoking an aggressive response.

When to Seek Professional Help

Large nests, or those in hard-to-reach areas, can be challenging and dangerous to remove without proper equipment and expertise. Additionally, if you have allergies to wasp stings, attempting removal poses a significant health risk.

In these scenarios, professional pest control services are invaluable. They possess the necessary expertise, specialized tools, and protective gear to safely and effectively handle paper wasp nest removal, mitigating the risk of stings and ensuring a thorough job.

Preventing Future Nests

Preventing future wasp nests is essential in maintaining a safe and comfortable environment on your property. Here are several effective strategies:

Regular Inspections: Periodically check your property, especially in early spring, for initial signs of wasp nest construction.
Seal Gaps: Close off potential entry points in your home’s exterior by sealing cracks and openings, particularly around windows and roof edges.
Garden Upkeep: Maintain a tidy garden. Trim vegetation and clear garden waste to eliminate potential nesting sites.
Waste Management: Keep garbage bins sealed and dispose of waste regularly to avoid attracting wasps.
Decoy Nests: Install fake wasp nests to deter new colonies; wasps tend to avoid areas they perceive as occupied.
Water Source Control: Remove standing water sources to reduce wasp attraction to your yard.

Post-Removal Check

After removing a wasp nest from your home, it’s essential to remain vigilant. Regularly check your property’s former nest site and other potential nesting areas, as wasps may return to previous locations. Keep up with the preventive measures discussed earlier and stay alert to seasonal changes, such as increased wasp aggression in autumn when food is scarce.

For a more comprehensive approach, consulting with pest control professionals can provide tailored advice for long-term wasp management, ensuring the effectiveness of your prevention strategies.

Choose Positive Pest Solutions For Professional Wasp Nest Removal

Positive Pest Solutions stands ready to assist those seeking expert guidance and professional solutions. With our experienced team and commitment to safe, environmentally responsible practices, we’re here to ensure that your wasp-related concerns are handled efficiently and effectively. Trust Positive Pest Solutions for peace of mind and a wasp-free environment.

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How To Ensure Your Restaurant Stays Rodent-Free

Posted on July 13, 2023July 13, 2023 by positive_pest_solutions

A rodent infestation can be devastating to the operations of any restaurant. Rodents act as vectors of bacteria and diseases as they travel, potentially causing severe illness in staff and customers that come into contact with contaminated ingredients and food.

As such, having rodents active in or around your restaurant can severely harm your restaurant’s reputation and customer safety if adequate pest maintenance is not carried out promptly.

Keeping your restaurant rodent-free is vital for both customer patronage and the health & safety of those working at or visiting your restaurant. In this article, we will look at ways to keep your restaurant rodent-free and how best to resolve a rodent infestation if you have one.

Inspect Your Premises

Even if rodents are uncommon in your area, it is advisable to conduct a thorough inspection of your restaurant premises for signs of rodents and other pests every two to three weeks as a precautionary measure.

The main areas to inspect are your storage space, where food and ingredients are stored, as well as nooks and crannies like the area underneath equipment or between shells. The signs of rodents being active in your restaurant include:

Bite or gnaw marks on cables, woodwork, plastic, brick, lead pipes, and torn bags of foodstuff and materials.
Nesting materials, such as paper scraps and other soft materials
Holes, tracks, droppings, and any physical evidence that a rodent has been in the area
Hearing scratching, gnawing, and movement noises made by rodents.
Sighting a live rodent around the premise

If you find potential signs of rodents in your restaurant, it’s best to call your local restaurant pest control specialist to resolve the issue as swiftly as possible.

Block Possible Entrances

If rodents enter your restaurant from outside, take the time to figure out where they are coming from through their tracks.

Rats and mice can often get through tiny holes and cracks in the exterior of your building, so check for and seal any cracks or crevices. Another common entry point for rodents is drainage pipes, which you can solve by installing a metal mesh at the drain exit.

Doors and windows are also common entry points for rodents, so keep them closed when not in use and make any necessary repairs if they’re loose. If you must leave doors and windows open, installing a mesh screen can help keep rodents and other pests out.

Aside from rodents entering your restaurant from the outside, food deliveries may also bring rodents with them. Use a reputable supplier and inspect the shipment for signs of rodents before signing off on it.

Reduce Access To Water & Food Sources

Restaurants often fall prey to rodent infestations due to the amount of food and leftovers produced daily. One of the best ways to keep rodents out of your restaurant is to remove any potential food and water sources that they may have in or around your restaurant.

To prevent rodents from being attracted to your restaurant, you should throw food scraps and leftovers away as soon as possible to avoid attracting rodents. Garbage should be removed from the building several times daily, and garbage cans and dumpsters should be appropriately secured and sanitised regularly.

Hygiene and cleanliness are also essential, as a clean dining and kitchen area prevents rodents and other pests from entering the restaurant. Regarding storage, keep your food and ingredients safe in food-grade containers, and keep food away from areas where rodents can easily access it.

You may also attract rodents to your restaurant if you leave easy access to water. Moisture and spills should also be dealt with immediately; ensure the kitchen counter and floors are dry and repair any leaky taps or faucets you may have before leaving your restaurant.

Hire Restaurant Pest Control

The easiest and fastest way to deal with a potential rodent infestation in your restaurant is by contacting your local restaurant pest control specialist. Pest control specialists have the knowledge and experience of handling rodent infestation and can thoroughly remove any traces of rodents from your premises.

If you’re looking for commercial pest control in Melbourne, Positive Pest Solutions can help. We approach rat and mouse control in Melbourne from the top down, providing guaranteed solutions and as many visits as you need to ensure your problem is resolved. Get in touch with us today for more information about our services.

Why You Need A Pro Rat Exterminator For A Rodent-Free Winter

Posted on July 4, 2023 by positive_pest_solutions

Chilling winds bring about scampering paws – and by paws, we mean rats. Rodent infestation is a common problem in Australia during winter as rats become desperate to find warm and cosy places to nest. Unfortunately, our homes often become their top choice.

Rodent infestations can bring property damage, serious health risks, and stress to households. While there are various effective DIY methods to prevent rodents from gaining access to your home, it may take time for you to successfully eradicate the pesky rats in your house, by which another batch of litter could be born – rodents are prolific breeders.

Hence, the expertise and resources of a professional rat exterminator in Melbourne play a vital role in swiftly managing winter rat infestations. If you’re still unsure about hiring professionals, we have compiled a list of reasons that illustrates the importance of hiring experts when it comes to rodent control in Melbourne during the winter months.

Comprehensive inspection and assessment

Professional rodent control is trained to conduct comprehensive inspections of your property to identify signs of rat activity and determine the extent of the infestation. Unlike DIY methods that may only address surface-level issues, experienced rat exterminators have the knowledge, experience, and tools to recognise the rodents’ hidden entry points, winter nesting areas, and potential food and water sources.

Rodent control experts usually begin their comprehensive inspection with a systematic assessment of your entire property, including interior and exterior areas. They will carefully examine common entry points and signs of rat activity and identify potential attractants and vulnerabilities contributing to rat infestation during the colder months.

By pinpointing these underlying factors, professionals can develop an effective winter rat control plan tailored to your specific situation that eliminates the current infestation and prevents future occurrences.

Develop and execute targeted treatment plans

Based on their findings, rodent control technicians are trained to develop and execute targeted treatment plans designed to address the unique challenges of winter rat infestations.

Expert rat exterminators have extensive knowledge of rat behaviour, biology, and habits. They understand that different rat species may require different treatment approaches. With their expertise, exterminators can accurately identify the species infesting your property and tailor the treatment plan accordingly.

They will utilise a range of effective and safe methods, such as baiting, trapping, and eco-friendly repellents, to control and eliminate rat populations. These treatment plans take into account the severity of the infestation, the layout of your property, and any specific concerns you may have, ensuring that the chosen methods are appropriate and effective for the winter season.

Safe application of control measures

As mentioned above, professional rodent control services will employ safe treatment methods as they always prioritise the safety of your family and pets while effectively managing winter rat infestations.

They have knowledge of approved rodenticides, baits, traps, and eco-friendly repellents specifically designed to target rats while minimising the risk to non-target organisms, such as your pets. As experts, these rat exterminators know how to safely handle and apply control measures, reducing the potential for accidental exposure or contamination.

Expert prevention and exclusion techniques

In addition to addressing existing rat infestations, rat control technicians often focus on prevention and exclusion techniques to minimise the risk of future infestations.

They identify and seal entry points, reinforce structural weaknesses, and provide recommendations on proper waste management and sanitation practices during winter. By implementing these preventive measures, expert rodent control providers create an inhospitable environment for pesky rodents, reducing the likelihood of recurrent infestations in future.

Thorough knowledge of local regulations

Professional rat exterminator services have an extensive understanding of local regulations and guidelines regarding rodent control. They stay updated on specific legal requirements, restrictions, and guidelines regarding rodent management in your area to ensure compliance and environmentally responsible practices.

Local regulations regarding rodent control can vary significantly from one region to another. These regulations may dictate the types of control methods that can be used, the handling and disposal of rodenticides or traps, and the protocols for dealing with rodent-infested properties. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal repercussions and may pose risks to the environment, non-target organisms, and public health.

By working with these experts, you can be confident that the methods used to manage winter rat infestations align with industry standards and adhere to local regulations.

Ongoing monitoring and support

Experienced rodent control companies always provide ongoing monitoring and support to ensure the long-term success of winter rat exterminating efforts. They will conduct follow-up visits to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and make necessary adjustments.

Additionally, they offer advice on proactive measures to prevent future rat infestations and provide guidance on maintaining a rodent-free environment. Their expertise and support will be invaluable in helping you maintain a rodent-free home during the winter and beyond.

Peace of mind and time-saving option

Engaging professional rat control services will give you peace of mind, knowing that experts are handling winter rat infestation effectively and efficiently.

Trying to tackle a winter rat problem on your own can be time-consuming and may not yield satisfactory results. By entrusting the task to professionals, you save time and effort, allowing you to focus on other household priorities while ensuring the safety and comfort of your home.

Get In Touch With Positive Pest Solutions

Knowing the behaviour of the creature you are trying to eradicate is key to a successful outcome; hence, it’s best to leave winter rodent infestation management to experienced rat exterminators. Their comprehensive inspections, targeted treatment plans, and knowledge of local regulations ensure the safe and efficient elimination of pesky rats from your home. By implementing prevention techniques and providing ongoing support, they help you maintain a rat-free environment in the long term.

If you’re looking for a professional rat exterminator in Melbourne, look no further – Positive Pest Solutions has years of expertise and knowledge in services such as rat control and rat removal in Melbourne. From an obligation-free assessment to guaranteed aftercare solutions, we provide a comprehensive approach to rodent control. Get in touch with our friendly team today to discover how we can help you maintain a rodent-free home throughout the winter season.

The Importance of Protecting Your House Against Pests

Posted on October 27, 2022October 27, 2022 by positive_pest_solutions

Your home is your safe space, a shelter from the perils of the outer world. But what about the pests that lurk around your house and can potentially infest your property? Australia is widely known for housing some of the deadliest pests in the world, yet many still hesitate to invest in pest control services for their homes.

If left uncontrolled, these pests not only cause serious health hazards but also irreparable damage to your property in the long run. So if you’ve noticed any creepy crawlies around lately, it might be time to call in an environmentally friendly pest control technician before too much damage is caused. Here are more reasons why you should not put off protecting your house against pests.

1. Prevent infrastructural damage

Termites are undoubtedly the silent killers of properties. They can cause serious structural damage resulting in inhabitability issues in the long run, leaving you with large financial expenses. Studies have shown that termite infestation is a huge problem for Australians, causing more than $1.5 billion in damage to homes every year. So, if you do come across termite problems, it’s best to reach out to technicians who specialise in termite pest control in Melbourne as soon as possible to avoid the infestation from getting out of hand.

2. Curb the spread of diseases

Mosquitoes, cockroaches, spiders, and rodents are notoriously known to carry a multitude of germs and diseases. These pests are also the ones that people usually “learn to live with”. However, these pests can seriously affect the health of you and your loved ones in the long run through bites, contact with their droppings, or even with their presence. By hiring a good pest control service technician, you and your family can remain free of diseases such as dengue, malaria, asthma, diarrhoea, and many more.

3. Keep your pets safe

Humans are not the only ones affected by pests! Your furry friends are also open to health hazards from these creepy crawlies, and what’s worse is your pets can’t voice their troubles or pain out loud – they may even not be able to protect themselves. Fleas are the most commonly known pests to threaten pets but there are also spiders, snakes, and even rodents that can either poison or transmit deadly diseases to your beloved animal companions. Reach out to environmentally friendly pest control technicians who will remove pests with targeted methods that don’t harm your pets in the process.

4. Reduce the risk of fire

Not only do these pests cause infrastructural damage and health hazards, but they also can cause property fires. In 2018, investigations found that a termite-infested power pole was the cause of the catastrophic St. Patrick’s Day fire in southwest Victoria. Similarly, a rodent infestation can also burn your house down as they tend to chew on wires. Many people also accidentally cause a fire on their property when they attempt to remove a wasp or bee infestation on their own. To avoid an unfortunate incident from happening, hire a pest control technician or bee exterminator in Melbourne who is trained to handle situations like these.

5. Live happy, healthy, and worry-free

For most people, their home is their biggest investment, and maintaining it comes with many responsibilities, including pest control. Investing in a professional and experienced pest control service will not only preserve the outside of your home, but also keep your family — including your furry friends — healthy and protected. If addressed promptly and regularly, you would not have to live uncomfortably and stress about the infestation and its damage to your property and family. Remember, prevention is better than cure!

No matter the type of pest residing in your home, you should not put off reaching out to a professional pest control technician to nip the problem in the bud and keep your house, family, and pets healthy and happy. Pest control is not a one-time fix; it is a necessary recurring process that saves you money in the long run.

Get in touch with us at Positive Pest Solutions where our trained technicians use Australian-standard regulated pest control products to eliminate targeted pests while ensuring these products are administered via environmentally-friendly pest control procedures.

Questions You Should Be Asking Your Pest Control Specialist

Posted on October 6, 2022October 6, 2022 by positive_pest_solutions

A vast majority of homeowners at some point hire a pest control specialist. Whether you’re looking to tackle an existing infestation or wishing to hire a specialist to take preventative pest maintenance measures, it’s vital that you get the right person in for the job.

When looking for the right pest control company, there are a few important questions that you should ask before determining the right company to resolve your pest-related woes.

“Are You Insured and Licensed?”

This is perhaps the biggest mistake that most people make when hiring pest control. A professional working in the field of pest control will need a license to legally operate.

Keep this in mind when deciding which pest control company to go with. There may be several that come at a cheap price, but are not properly qualified, licensed or insured. Insurance is particularly important because, should anything go wrong, you want to ensure that both you and the company are adequately covered.

“What Is Your Experience?”

Upon confirming that they are licensed and insured, finding the right pest control company entails finding one with suitable experience. There are several reasons why experience matters.

For starters, a pest control service that has the proper experience likely has the skills and knowledge to tackle even the most difficult of pest situations. Getting rid of those pests is more difficult than may first appear. Technicians need to not only know about each pest but precisely what to do about them in a variety of situations. This practical knowledge comes from experience.

Finding a company or specialist that has been around for a while with a positive reputation is always a good bet. This way, you can have the peace of mind of knowing that the job is likely to get done the right way, from the first step to the completion of the process.

“Do You Have Any Reviews or Testimonials?”

Whether it is an end of lease pest control, regular check-up or an infestation situation you have encountered, there is no better way to find out about a company than through the opinions of those who have used their service before. But there is a difference between searching out reviews and merely looking at reviews on a company website.

Third-party reviews on platforms away from a company’s website are the truest and best way to find out about the performance and credibility of a company. There is usually no incentive for reviewers to sugarcoat their review, overall giving you the most reliable experience of what working with that company may be like.

It should go without saying that the better the third-party reviews, the more reputable and trustworthy the company likely is.

“Can You Find the Source?”

When an exterminator comes to your home, you should ask where the source of the infestation is coming from. This will demonstrate the capability of the pest inspector to identify the source of the problem, and also prevent the problem from reoccurring.

There is a chance that an exterminator can’t identify where the pests are coming from. This can be normal if the property is large and there are few indicators. At other times, it may be a sign of inexperience or inability. Getting your pest inspector to articulate their logic and reasoning can help to determine why they are unable to locate the source of the problem. At times, a second opinion may also be helpful or necessary.

Tackle Your Pest Problem The Right Way

There are several helpful questions that you should ask each pest removal professional before hiring them, not just how much they cost.

When it comes to pests in your home, always ensure that the problem is dealt with as soon as possible. By hiring the right qualified professional removal service early on, you can have peace of mind in knowing that the issue was addressed before getting worse – and that it won’t come back.

For comprehensive and qualified pest control in Glen Waverly, look no further than Positive Pest Solutions. Give us a call to discuss your pest problem today and we will be happy to answer all your questions and provide a working solution!

Five Home Remedies to Ant-Proof Your House

Posted on December 23, 2021December 23, 2021 by positive_pest_solutions

No one wants critters in their home, no matter what shape or size they come in. Though, they may seem quite harmless, having an ant problem in your home is not ideal. While there are a lot of options for ant control in Melbourne, there are a few simple methods of prevention that can be utilised to ward off ants from one’s home. Here are five remedies that you can do at home to help keep your home free and clear of ants.

1. Chalk

Believe it or not, chalk is a great way of keeping ants at bay. That is because chalk has calcium carbonate in it, which is a natural way of keeping ants away. Start by either drawing or spraying powdered chalk in areas that are entry points for ants. What’s crazy is that the ants will stop at the line. It isn’t a great barrier for much else, but with a little chalk, ants will adhere to the lines you draw.

2. Peppermint

Unbeknownst to most, peppermint is a great insect repellent. In fact, they keep a lot more than ants from invading your home. Peppermint is quite strong and ants simply cannot tolerate the smell. You can mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil into a cup of water and then sprinkle or spray it in the areas where you know ants are likely to enter.

3. Limit Access to Food

There is a good general rule that when you leave sources of food – food scraps, open garbage containers, crumbs – you are inviting any number of creatures to that food source. Ants are no different. They are attracted to most foods, and in particular sweeter and more starchy items such as honey and sugar, so keeping anything containing those items sealed tightly is always a good idea. Finally, make sure that you are vacuuming or sweeping up crumbs as food debris left on a floor can easily attract unwanted ants into your home.

4. Citrus Fruits

Any citrus fruit that has natural acidic properties will also work in keeping ants away. If you either squeeze a lemon where you know ants are entering, this will act as a natural repellent for them. Adding a little lemon juice to your water when you wash floors will also help to keep ants away.

5. White Vinegar

There may be no more versatile household ingredient than white vinegar. It is a key part of just about any homemade cleaning solution under the sun. But because it is also quite pungent, ants usually can’t tolerate it. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and simply sprinkle it at points where ants are entering or known to enter.

Say Goodbye to Your Ant Problem

These simple tips using common household items will go a long way to ant-proofing your home. If your ant problem persists though, seek the advice or help of a pest control maintenance professional who can further guide you or take measures to extinguish ants and keep your home protected.

If you are looking for trusted and reliable ant pest control in Melbourne, then Positive Pest Solutions is your answer. A licensed and fully insured pest control company, our team of professionals believe in delivering nothing short of stellar services to our customers and clients. With up-to-date knowledge in the industry, you can rely on us to partner with you in creating pest-free homes and businesses – so get in touch with us for a free quote now.

The Importance of Pest Control for Your Business

Posted on December 23, 2021December 23, 2021 by positive_pest_solutions

As a business owner, there are a million things that you have to worry about. The very last thing that you want to have to contend with is some type of pest problem, which is why commercial pest control in Melbourne can be so beneficial to your business.

Whether it be restaurant pest control, cockroach control, ant control in Melbourne – or even termite inspection in Melbourne – the right service can have an exponentially positive impact on your business.

While it might seem like some peripheral need or service, don’t overlook the importance of having a quality pest control solution at your side. Here are a few important reasons why having adequate pest control can be absolutely vital for your business.

Yes, Commercial Businesses Need Pest Control

The absolute nightmare scenario is showing up to your business one day only to find that you have a pest infestation. If you are in the food service industry in particular, it can be an especially awful situation to be in.

Finding these critters is just part of the problem. For starters, you never know just how deeply they have infested the building. There are also the potential health risks of having certain types of pests living in the building as they can carry the risk of serious diseases and infections.

The less cleanly the business, the greater the risks of pests appearing. Part of why businesses pay commercial cleaning services to come in regularly is not only due to appearance but to limit the potential risk of bugs and other unwanted visitors from showing up.

Understanding The Financials Involved

The biggest reason to have pest control in your corner is when you think about the financial repercussions of a pest infestation. Generally speaking, when there is an infestation, some sort of disruption to business may follow.

The worse the infestation, the worse it is for the business. There are some businesses that have had disruptions to their daily business for up to two weeks after the initial infestation. The costs can really start to add up in a number of ways.

First and foremost is lost income. If the business has to be closed down due to extensive treatment, that just means revenue is missing from the company. For small businesses in particular, missing a few days of revenue can be catastrophic.

There is also the potential for damaged inventory. Most critters aren’t there to simply hang out. They destroy food and other materials with regularity. In the case of termites, they can even do structural damage to the building – which means a major financial impact to the business in question. To sum up, the cost of pest control is nothing compared to the possible costs of infestation.

Consider Your Reputation

There is nothing that can damage a business’ reputation as quickly as news of an infestation. Especially for restaurants and other food service businesses, the very last thing customers want to hear is that there was an infestation.

Even remedying the problem is not necessarily enough. When the news of an infestation happens, it can spread like wildfire. With social media platforms, review sites, and word of mouth all making communication faster and easier, it can be only a matter of hours before everyone within the area knows what happened.

When a reputation is tarnished, particularly in the food service industry, it can be extremely difficult to come back from. Having regular pest control management can protect your business from the potential reputation damage of an infestation.

Protecting The Business

No matter what the industry, it is important to safeguard against infestation to protect not only your bottom line, but your image as well. Taking preventative measures can be a great way to ensure that you do not fall victim to the damages of infestation like so many others before you.

With the right pest control management services, that means being one step ahead. You won’t be caught off guard by unwanted pests in your place of business. Measures can be taken to keep roaches, termites, ants, rodents, and other unwanted visitors from making their presence known in your business.

To start protecting your business against pests today, get in touch with us at Positive Pest Solutions. We are a licensed and fully insured pest control company with up-to-date knowledge in the industry combined with a competitive price tag.

Pest Prevention Tips for 6 Key Areas of Your Home for Spring and Summer

Posted on October 26, 2021October 26, 2021 by positive_pest_solutions

Ever wondered why the warmer climates are often accompanied by a higher incidence of pest insects and bugs? This is because insects are poikilothermic, or “cold-blooded”, which means that their body temperature is dependent on the external environment. Mild temperatures and increased humidity in spring and summer correlates with greater insect activity, providing the ideal reproduction conditions for them to multiply. Pests are more than just a nuisance, they can also cause irreparable damage to your belongings and host a number of dangerous viral diseases. Ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes in particular, are responsible for Dengue fever, Typhus, Zika virus, Lyme disease, Malaria, and severe allergic reactions that can pose serious health threats to you and your family. But how can you effectively deter and prevent the invasion of these persistent bugs?

In this article, we provide some tips to keep the following parts of your home pest-free during spring and summer.

1. The Garage

Garages left open are a common point of entry for insects. Once these pests make their way into your garage, they can destroy your belongings and damage the structural integrity of the space. From there, they can quickly make their way into the rest of your home. Most bugs are drawn to your garage due to its moist, dark, and warm environment that often simulate their natural habitat. Materials and debris in this area also provides them ample spaces to build a home to nest in. Begin by identifying and repairing the source of all damp and wet areas in your garage. Be sure to dry any standing water and ventilate your garage to not only promote proper airflow but also eliminate moisture-causing humidity. Keeping your garage clean and free of clutter and mess will also limit possible nesting opportunities for insects.

2. Air vents

Insects tend to crawl in through open ducts and air vents. You can easily solve this problem by installing an insect screen on your indoor and outdoor vents. Loose seals and cracks also offer the perfect opportunity for insects to enter and infest your HVAC system. If your air vents are compromised, you can use foil tape to seal small cracks and sealant for larger holes.

3. The Kitchen

The kitchen happens to be one of the more favourable nesting spots for pests, especially flies and ants due to the large amount of food and water available. Critters in the kitchen can chew through boxes and even cabinets to contaminate food. This can pose health hazards to you, your loved ones, and your pets. For this reason, it is important to adopt the habit of immediately cleaning your kitchen after preparing meals. Your daily cleaning of the kitchen should include sweeping and mopping the kitchen floors as well as the dining area. Make sure to wipe down your stove, oven, fryers, and dishwasher filters and seal all leftover, dried, and processed foods in airtight containers before properly storing them.

4. The Roof

Termites and ants are common insects that can be found in your roof. Since most home roofs are made out of wood, these insects can cause significant structural damages and even leaks. This is why it is vital to seal all holes and cracks in your roof, as well as any drainpipes. It is also a good idea to inspect the overhang for nests every few months. A small number of ants and termites can quickly develop into a colony, so contact specialists at the first sign of an invasion.

5. Window and doors

Windows are one of the easiest ways for pests to infiltrate your home. Other than ensuring they stay shut, you can install a fly screen or netting on your windows to prevent insects from gaining access.

6. The Garden

Your garden can quickly become a hotspot for pests if proper precautions are not taken. This involves removing all possible hiding and breeding sites such as standing water, tree branches, stumps as well as stacks of wood.

While mulching is a very effective method of controlling weeds, it can also attract bugs and provide pest hiding and nesting hotspots. To minimise insects getting into your home, avoid mulch in close proximity to your house. Using inorganic mulch, which includes natural materials such as gravel, pebbles, stone, or crushed rock, as well as man-made materials such as solid sheets of fabric or plastic or other non-plant material, can provide a fitting alternative to organic mulch without attracting swarms of unwanted insects.

Taking the appropriate measures during spring and summer is important to reduce insect infestation. For a professional termite control, ant exterminator, bee control, bed bug treatment, and wasp control in Melbourne, get in touch with our friendly team on Positive Pest Solutions! Our friendly team is more than happy to discuss with you the full range of services we offer before arranging for a free quote. Our general pest treatment starts only from $89.