Think Orange is termite-free? Don’t bet your house on it!
Craig’s new business for growing problem
Our homes are our castles, how would you feel if yours was riddled with termites?
Land clearing, species adaptability, climate change… the old truth that Orange is too cold for termites no longer applies, Craig Kramer believes.
His new business, Orange Termite Control, offers 25 years expertise in removing this most silent and insidious of household pests.
Craig and his son Billy are launching their new business out or their long-term venture — Eagle Eye Termite And Pest Control — due to the increasing prevalence of “white ants” in wooden-built and timber-framed structures in the district.
“Termites have definitely become more prevalent over recent years in 0range, because Mother Nature is very adaptable,” Craig said.
“In simple terms, the termites seem to be evolving to our climate as more houses are built in the district,” he explained.
“And along with the evolution of the termites, we also need to adapt.”
He believes that timber shortages created by the continuing urban sprawl in Orange surrounds has also offered more opportunities for Coptotermes acinaciformis (the subterranean termite) to make their presence felt in the Colour City.
“There’s so much major building going-on in the district with new areas being opened-up for housing development all the time,” Craig said.
“As well as providing access for termites, we’re also knocking down so many trees for new developments, the termites are losing their natural habitat.
“They are instead finding houses with timber frames in their old range; we’re removing their food source and homes have become their new source,” he added.
Craig also believes that Orange district simply doesn’t appear to “enjoy” the same bitter cold winters that it did in the past.
“If you talk to the older residents, they’ll tell you that it simply isn’t as cold here for as long as it was in the past, maybe a touch of global warming has made our weather a lot milder” he said.
Craig has been in the pest control business since 1998, starting-up Eagle Eye Termite and
Pest Control in 2014. His son Billy joined-up after he left school in 2016 and is fully-licenced with termite qualifications.
“We use a variety of ways to eliminate termites including chemical, in-ground monitors, internal baiting and — in new homes and extensions — a plastic, chemically-impregnated matting to deter termites,” Craig explained.
“Each house is different but, whatever the challenge, we can eradicate your termites.”
Based in Cumnock, the father-and-son team cover Orange, Molong, and right around the Central West with their service covering all household pests.
“This includes, obviously, your general pests — spiders, cockroaches, ants, fleas, and we are doing a fair bit of wasp work,” he said of the introduced European wasp that has become so prevalent locally.
“I’ve found our method is fairly successful — I’m not saying other people are doing it wrong — but I normally say to our customers after treatment that, if you are still seeing wasps in two to three days, ring me, and nobody has ever rung back.
“But termites are now our bread-and-butter. I’ve done a lot of termite work, we are seeing.
them quite a bit.
“A lot of people think it is too cold here for termites, but I can tell you, termites are in Orange.”
Billy and I went to a job the other day, and Billy almost went through the ceiling. But we’ve been pretty successful treating them and never really had a problem,” he said.
Unfortunately, he believes that termite control is a growth industry in the region.
“We’re looking at launching in mid-June with our new website and contact details. This side of the business will be totally-focussed on the growing termite problem,” Craig explained. Impact Digital Group is building the website and supplying branded clothing.
In the meantime, contact Craig on 0447 002 193.