Rats and Mice in 46% of Homes

A survey of 500 homes in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, covering a range of pests including borers, termites, rats, mice, cockroaches, ants, spiders and silverfish and wood rot has revealed many people are living with health hazards.

David Hallett

David Hallett, General Manager of Archicentre said, the survey carried out during Archicentre pre-purchase pest inspection reports has revealed that many home owners have failed to grasp the importance of ensuring regular maintenance and just plain cleanliness of the home to combat pests.

Evidence of past and present activity by rats and mice was found in 46% of all homes, spiders in 58%, cockroaches in 15%, possums 13% and silverfish in 5% of homes inspected.

"Termites, the most destructive pests which can cause severe damage to the home and cost thousands of dollars to repair, were found in 12% of the 500 homes inspected. Borers were found in 52% of homes, and 69% of the homes inspected had wood rot which results from poor ventilation and damp."

Mr Hallett said each one of these pests can trigger a range of other issues which when combined lead to an unhealthy environment, costly repair bills and a devaluation of the property.

"High temperatures and the continuing drought is increasing the intensity of termite attacks on Australian homes which is estimated to cost Australian home owners $910 million annually.

"Termites are foraging in greater concentrations in sub-floors and eating flooring, and skirting boards more aggressively because the extreme heat build-up in roof voids and wall cavities in hot weather is driving them to relatively cooler parts of the house in larger numbers.

"Unfortunately many home owners invite termites into their homes by covering the edge of their slabs with garden beds or paving and stacking firewood against the wall or under homes leading to costly damage."

Cost of Termite Damage in Australia
Archicentre's research indicates that the average cost of pest treatment in 2009 is approximately $2,500 and the average cost of repairs of damage is approximately $4,500. However damage repair figures in particular can vary markedly with some cases costing over $100,000 to rectify.

Archicentre is conducting FREE SEMINARS for home owners:-

6.30pm - 8.30pm Wednesday 25th March 2009
Pests - Ten Things You Should Know About Pests in the Home.
The seminar will cover a variety of household pests and tell you what to look for, what to do if you find them and what will happen if you don't!

Bookings are essential call Archicentre on 1300 13 45 13. Venue for the Seminar is Hawthorn Reception, 555 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn.

www.archicentre.com.au

Media Enquiries:
David Hallett General Manager Archicentre (03) 9819 4577 Mobile: 0439 439 115
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications Archicentre (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201

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