Glenelg, up close
Homes with a long history
The 1983 Glenelg Heritage Survey says that by 1855 the town had large villas and numerous cottages, many of brick and stone, others of clay and straw, and a few of wood. An older home has often been repaired and extended along the way, so ask an inspector about what's behind the later work.
The Pat is stormwater infrastructure
The Patawalonga Lake is a 1.6 km artificial lake running along the coast, and it carries urban stormwater to the gulf through the Barcoo Outlet. We've found no source saying it breeds mosquitoes, so don't blame it before checking what's holding water in your own yard.
A low, warming coast
The City of Holdfast Bay has 8.6 km of low lying coast, and its public health plan says warmer temperatures attract disease carrying mosquitoes.
What the council commits to
That same plan commits Holdfast Bay to advice and education on mosquitoes, wasps, bees and rats. We couldn't confirm who handles a nest on private land, so ask the council before you book anyone.
Not everything in the dunes is a pest
Green Adelaide says the coastal dunes in Holdfast Bay give birds, insects and reptiles somewhere to live, so what moves near the sand is often just wildlife.
Termite inspection or termite treatment?
Start with the inspection. Treatment only makes sense once someone has found active termites, worked out how they're getting in and put that in writing.
Brick or stone walls don't rule termites out, because floors, roof framing and door frames are still timber. Adelaide Hills Council says the signs include mud tubes, hollow sounding timber, cracked paint and floor or ceiling damage. If you see any, leave them undisturbed, since CSIRO says several control options rely on finding termites still working.
What to ask before termite treatment
- What did you find, where, and is it active now?
- Which product would you use, and what's its full name?
- How will you deal with timber you can't see in an older or extended home?
- Do you need access to the roof space or under the floor?
- Can you put the expected results and any warranty terms in writing?
- What follow up inspections do you recommend?
Rats near the bay
Oily marks along a run, teeth marks on food and noise in the ceiling are the signs to look for. The City of Adelaide suggests storing timber at least 30 cm off the ground, cleaning up fallen fruit and keeping food in closed containers, all of which suit a small seaside yard. In a unit block, tell the strata manager early, because a rat doesn't stop at your boundary.
Where we'd begin in Glenelg
If your home is older or extended and hasn't been inspected in a while, we'd start with a termite inspection. Then check your own yard for still water before you blame the lake. Anything else you've spotted, tell us and we'll pass it on.
Want someone to look at it?
Tell us what you've seen and your postcode, and a local pest business that handles exactly that calls you to talk it through.
