When Termites Attack

With a taste for timber, termites will make a meal of any property. They nest underground and if left unchecked, can hollow out timber frames, floorboards and even frames supporting the house.

The first step is to identify the problem and locate conclusive signs of termite occupation.

A pest and building consultant carries out a visual inspection when clients are purchasing a house and uses a moisture metre on the wall to detect any moisture.

This can signify the presence of termites but is not always conclusive. In a sydney home, two termite nests have been identified under the floor using this method.

Once activity is determined, the next step is to identify termite mud tubes, thin trails that climb walls or house stumps. These mud tubes will be evident when the floor and wall are pulled back to expose the damage.

The mud tubes can also be apparent in ceiling cavities.

Damp areas are hot spots for termites as they thrive on moisture.

Case Study :

In the corner of the entry hall, a pot plant was placed. The plant was regularly watered and excess water leaked through the carpet and timber floors to underneath the house. The constant stream of water provided the termites with ideal conditions for a nest.

If you discover that you have termites it's important not to disturb them. They may move to another site and will make more difficult for the pest controller to remove.

 

Why do you need a termite inspection ?

  Termite inspections are a vital part of all termite management programs.

Inspections are an ongoing requirement, with the Australian Standard AS3660 recommending that a termite inspection is done at least every 12 months. 

In most cases - things do change around your property form year to year and often time you may be unaware that something around the property that you have done might encourage termite attack.

Where do they look ?

The inspection covers not only the readily accessible internal and external areas of your property structure(s), but also an assessment of the external areas extending up to 50 metres or the boundary line of your property.

 
What equipment is used?

 Inspections are performed using equipment that includes sounding equipment, moisture meters, listening devices, Termatrac (a movement detection device based on microwave technology) and bore scopes (tools that allow you to gain visual access inside walls and other enclosed voids.  Access to additional advanced technology like thermal imaging cameras is also available.
   

How long does it take? 

The inspection process typically takes 1-2 hours depending on the size and nature of your property.

Termite protection measures do NOT guarantee "no termites", they simply reduce the risk.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ws4YFzlAvrc


The following housekeeping and gardening tips are designed to help reduce the risk of damage:

Plumbing leaks, drainage problems and roof leaks should all be dealt with promptly, as damp conditions attract termites.

Garden beds and plants should not contact outside walls. Substitute with hard paving.

Do not allow soil from garden beds to block drainage or ventilation openings in walls.

Nothing should be stored against outside walls.

This practice may allow termites to gain easy access to the wall cavity without early detection.

Proposed extensions or alterations to the building must not result in the removal of existing termite barriers or access for inspections.

Spaces under the floor must be kept well ventilated. Make certain that the air flow through vents is not obstructed.

Watch for termite infestation in piles of fire wood or stacks of stored timber.

These must be kept well away from the house, raised above the ground and covered to keep dry.

Consider using termite resistant timber for work on your home.

Remove dead trees and stumps as soon as possible.

Metal stirrups should be used for setting pergola, gate and verandah posts in the ground.

Where possible, the use of untreated timber sleepers for retaining walls and garden beds should be avoided.

Timber decking around verandahs and swimming pools should be cleaned and inspected regularl

For More Information Call 1300 837 647