Did you know that there are about 2200 species of termite worldwide, and 180 species in Australia?

Termites are often referred to as 'white ants'. However, apart from their social habit of living in colonies, they have few characteristics in common with true ants. In fact, many species of ants are enemies of termites.

Where do Termites come from?

Termites are not concerned about which suburb they live in, they are just as happy to enter your home or property and dine on its timber frame from their colony in surrounding bush land as they are to enter the suburban home from a tree or stump in your backyard or your neighbour's backyard.

How long does it take for Termites to damage my home?

Termites hollow out the inner structure of timber, leaving a thin, outer shell. By keeping the outer shell intact they protect themselves from predators and from being dried out by exposure to the atmosphere. This behaviour also allows their activity to go unnoticed. The collapse of your flooring may be the first indication of termite damage, especially if covered by carpet or linoleum.

Depending on factors such as the size and location of the colony, the time of year and the type of timber being attacked, termite damage may be substantial within approximately 6 months of their entering a building. For this reason, we highly recommend that your property be inspected for termites at least once a year. The Australian Standard AS 3660.1 recommends termite inspections be performed at least annually or more often with high-risk sites. Termites do not sleep; therefore they are excavating your home 24 hrs a day. You can insure your house against fire, theft, and storms, but not against termites.

What should I do if I think I've found Termites?

Locating termite nests can be very difficult. If the nest is not found the only way the nest can be attempted to be eradicated is by a pest control technician treating those termites searching for food in areas away from the colony. If you disturb the termites they can disappear and begin their attack from elsewhere and the pest control technician will have no way of getting at the colony. So please do not disturb them in any way. The best thing to do is to contact us. We can come to your property, at no cost, and verify whether they are termites or not. If they are termites we can provide you with a quotation for treatment.

Is there a way to prevent Termites from entering my home?

There is no way of completely preventing termite entry into a building. There are some barriers that will go a long way to protecting your home but they must be maintained and inspected to ensure that they have not been disturbed in any way.

Physical Barriers

There are 2 main types of physical barriers being used in Australia, which are intended to impede and discourage termite entry to the building when applied correctly according to the Australian standard 3660 - 1993 and left undisturbed. These barriers are suited to the construction of new buildings or where additions are made to existing buildings.

i. Granite Barriers comprise small particles of graded granite, which prevent termite travel. It may be applied under concrete slabs and around electrical cables, metal and plastic service pipes, and externally around walls. It is very important to understand that this type of barrier can be disturbed and, therefore, allow termite entry into a building. Disturbances can result from landscaping, gardening, tree roots, electrical or plumbing work. It is crucial that this barrier be complemented by a termite inspection at least once a year.

ii. Stainless Steel Mesh Serves a similar function to granite barriers but involves the use of mesh. The hole size of the mesh is too small to permit access by the main termite pest species. As with the granite barriers, it is crucial that a termite inspection is conducted at least once a year to ensure that no disruption of the barrier has occurred.

Chemical Barriers