PEST CONTROL has always been an issue for homeowners, whatever part of the world you live in. The presence of insects in the infrastructure of a house used to mean clearing the premises for a few days, while a tireless fumigation process was carried out in order to get rid of them. However, there is now a new system being introduced into the pest control industry – Electro-Gun, a wood treatment method which will eliminate pests without using a single chemical.
The electronic, hand-held system combines high frequency and high voltage electrical currents to penetrate wood’s natural resistance and flow into tunnels and nests of dry wood insects, killing them by electro-shock. As this efficient treatment contains no chemicals, it does not create any odour or mess, and there is no need to leave your home, worry about your pets, plants, clothing or furniture while the treatment is being carried out. The method can be used on any infected wood, including antique furniture.
Electro-Gun started in the Algarve over a year ago by residents Ken Butt and Sam Sherwood, sole licensed trained technicians for the service in the region. The company is based in Moncarapacho and has undergone rapid expansion (with franchises all over Portugal), establishing itself as one of the industry’s leading companies within Europe.
The Electro-Gun method was initiated in the United States in the 80s. When Ken and Sam heard of the new method, they decided to become certified operators and bring the equipment to Europe. With the success they have achieved, Ken and Sam are now hoping to expand their business throughout Europe and are looking for distributors to take on the specialist franchise opportunity.
Once Electro-Gun has been contacted by a customer, the team will go and treat the affected wood using electricity instead of chemicals, combating any kind of dry wood insect it comes across. Once the treatment is complete, the team returns to monitor the wood to ensure that no pests have survived.
Electro-Gun uses the latest equipment and has recently obtained what it calls an “infestation detector”, which is a detection system that lets you know if something is actually living in the wood in your house. This efficient equipment is invaluable for people looking to buy a property, as Electro-Gun can carry out pinpoint surveys on the furniture, infrastructure and beams, analysing whether or not the wood is infested.
Although the Electro-Gun wood treatment method is operated by electrical currents, there is little chance of any accidents or danger to humans, as all operators have undergone certified training. However, people with pacemakers should not come into close contact with the equipment when it is being used.
You should check your property for insects at least once a year – examine the exterior of the house, along the foundations, windows and door frames with special attention to any extensions to the house or areas where wood touches the ground. If you come across any piles of sawdust (known as fecal pellets), it is likely that ‘something’ has got into the wood and you should get it checked out immediately.
For more information, call Ken or Sam on phone/fax 289 793 644 or 968 484 383.
