Why Termite Control Is Important

Learn About Termites in Queensland

Eliminating termites is much like other pests, to solve the problem you need to find the source. An experienced exterminator will perform a thorough termite inspection of your property to locate the origin of the infestation. By locating the source of the attack the technician (exterminator) will be able to the determine which methods of termite control will have the highest chance of success.

Termites are very useful in our ecosystem. However, when these little creatures invade and attack our homes, they can cause great damage and even create an uncomfortable environment. Like any other pests, they need to be contained, and the best way to do it is by the help of termite control experts.

To ensure that the task is done perfectly, several practices that are adopted when inspections and treatment is done.In Australia, one home out of three is likely to be invaded by termites. In fact, the termite problem is more prone than problems such as storm, fire or even floods.

This article will help you to understand ways to prevent attacks, the potential risk to health and property, why termite removal is important, methods of inspection and removal, protection, how termites are treated. Read On!

What are Termites?

First, Termites are not ants. They are soft-bodied insects commonly known as “white ants”. Termites form a colony of highly organized societies of several hundred thousand to one million or more individual termites within a loose collection of underground tunnels and chambers.

Termites build, protect and maintain a nest. They take good care of immature ones and forage for food to eat and also store. Termites eat wood and other cellulose products like cardboard and paper.

Common Termites in Queensland

There are 258 species of termites in Australia. However, some of the major timber-damaging species that you should know include the following:

• Termitidae (5 pests species an example is Nasutitermes walkeri)

• Mastotermitidae (1 pest species-Mastotermes darwinensis, Giant Termite)

• Rhinotermitidae (7 pest species, example- Coptotermes acinaciformes)

• Kalotermitidae (various species of dry-wood termites, e.g.,- Cryptotermes brevis)

• Termopsidae (1 pest species- for example- the Dampwood termite and Porotermes adamsoni)

• Giant Termites

The Mastotermes darwinensis commonly known as the Giant Termite is destructive. This destructive species is however limited to tropical regions of Queensland Northern Australia. This termite attacks wood as well as leather, paper and clothing. This large-bodied species doesn’t have a big colony it likes to form small colonies.

• West Indian- Drywood Termite (Cryptotermes brevis)

West Indian Dry wood termite is the most destructive and aggressive termite in the world. It feeds on timber and furniture without showing any signs that damage is in progress. This species is also easily transported and can survive harsh conditions for a long period. If type of termite is found in your property, you should report to the Queensland government authority. These species is common in Sydney, Brisbane and other areas around Australia on several occasions.

• Coptotermes acinaciformes

These are dangerous destructive types of termites around Australia. They are all over Queensland and love to nest in tree stumps, spaces under buildings, living trees and walls as nesting places. They tend to attack any wood within a radius of approximately 50 meters from their nests. They can also be found in high buildings and ferries.

What is Termite Control?

Termite control is the process of identifying the termite species, locating nests and selecting the best removal methods. A combination of regular and advance inspections techniques in termite infested areas is important.

To prevent infestation, termite exterminators recommend Australian homes with treated or resistant timber, to install both chemical and physical barriers to help eliminate future problems.

If you find live termites or damaged timbers do not disturb the affected area. It is also not advisable to use sprays or insecticides to eradicate the termites. Termites tend to relocate if sufficiently disturbed and may not be rediscovered until further obvious damage has been done.

With various techniques such as dust or exterra termite bait, exterminators can use live termites to find their nests and eradicate the colony.

The only correct identification of destructive termite species, inspection and signs of their existence requires expert’s skill and judgment. Their judgement is considered correct based upon professional training and extensive fieldwork in termite control in various circumstances.

However, homeowners should also be vigilant and know that the conditions of their house is in their hands. Though termites may not be eradicated, proper maintenance and regular professional termite treatments will suppress the problem completely.

Potential Risks to Health and Property

• Damage to furniture, carpets and cloths

Termites can destroy furniture, clothing and carpets. This can create unnecessary expenses that are mostly associated with repair and replacements.

• Can cause allergy

Termites can cause allergies to people. They can carry certain allergens that can cause problems to people with respiratory problems.

• Damage to property and structures

In Australia, people spend thousands of dollars to repair termite damage. Termites tend to consume wood and its products such as paper. After successfully burrowing woods, they can bring a house down or even destroy structures if not managed correctly.

The Australian Institute of Architects did a research and reported that 130,000 Australian homes were attacked in 2006. During this year, the average termite cost for a professional exterminator was about $2500, and the average cost of repairs was $4500.

When combined and multiplied by 130,000 homes, it gave an average of $1 billion a year. After then, the cost of professional pest exterminators has been on the rise and building materials are becoming more expensive.This has pushed the figure to approximately $2 billion a year.

• Loss of resale value

Most people do not know that termites can cause their homes to sell poorly. If termites or the damaged the have caused is discovered during building and pest inspection buyers will either walk away or offer thousands less.

Why Termite Control is Important?

Termites do not understand seasons. They will continue to attack as long as the conditions are favourable. If not mitigated, these tiny creatures can destroy property or dwelling every year. This is why treating termites is important all year round. Stopping them from destroying property is the best way to protect yourself and your property.

With termite control, homeowners will live comfortably, and also property will be protected. On the other hand, a regularly inspected home will sell high during leasing or selling a home compared to the one that has not been inspected for years. Termite inspections should also be done to keep properties safe from destruction.

What Methods are Used to Treat Termites

Before understanding the various methods used in Australia to treat termites, you should know what brings them to your home. Some of the things that make them feel at home include the following:

• Termites are always attracted to wood– Untreated wood such as stacks, old stumps, sleepers and logs should be removed.

• Termites are attracted to water spots– Close all water areas and fix any possible sinks, showers, pipes and even drains.

• Termites love humid conditions– Improve your home air by ventilating rooms.

• Have regular inspections– This should be done at least once a year.

Termite bait is normally used to detect and treat termite infestation. This is a rule that complies with environmental regulatory standards of Australia to easily target the termite problem specifically. Termite services first protect an infested house to prevent termites from gaining access.

They achieve this by placing physical or chemical a barriers under or around the house to deter termites.

Physical Barriers

These are barriers installed during new construction or retrofitted to existing houses. Physical barriers can be placed under concrete slabs, foundations and even the wall cavity. These barriers are made of metal or rocks that termites cannot penetrate through.

Chemical Barriers

This is the use of chemicals to resist termite attack. The chemicals used are insecticides and are placed by licenced professionals under concrete slabs, around the house and foundations. The Australian Standard AS 3660.1 approves all the methods of preventative management and regulates the insecticides to be used in Australia. For more information visit this website from timber.net.au.

Remedial treatment

Remedial treatment is done when all infestation in an area had been identified. In most cases, when professionals find a nest, they use remedial treatment method to eradicate the nest completely. With the remedial method, chemicals can be applied as barrier treatments, baits and dust.

Barrier treatments

This method uses a chemical to protect or create a barrier around a house similar to chemical soil barrier. On the other hand, chemicals in the form of dust or formulations can be applied to the infested areas inside the house.

Baits Method

Baiting method concentrates termites into a bait station before feeding the termites a bait (normally a palatable food with an active ingredient). When the termite takes the bait and returns to the colony, it spreads the ingredient to its colony, and the whole colony suffers and dies.

Unlike chemical methods, baits systems can be applied personally or as part of a combined approach. This system can also act as a continuous monitoring system around the house to clear any remaining termite.

How to Choose a Termite Service

Australian Law recommends that you hire a pest company that is licensed and has appropriate insurance covers. For instance, it is important for treatment and inspection services to have a license to use various pesticides. It is also prudent to inquire what kind of chemicals the company will use. Are the pesticides toxic? If so, what harm can they cause? The best advice is to use non-toxic pesticides.

Get a licenced and a qualified exterminator. You should always deal with a termite exterminator that is fully licensed and qualified to handle your termite problem.

When termites are being treated, ensure that the inspection and other treatment procedures comply with the Australian Standard Act 3660. This law states that inspection must be carried out before any treatment begins.

Get a written quote to know the costs before any work is done. Quotes are normally given for free, and they have no obligations either. Additionally, ask if there is a warranty and how much it can cover to be on the safe side. For new home buyers, get a pest inspection done before relocating.

Some people will recommend to hire an exterminator who is a member of Australian pest management association. This shows their commitment to in the pest industry. They are also considered to stay appraised of the latest trends in the field of pest prevention and management.

Tips on Keeping Your Home Termite Free

Home improvements for the overall quality of your house is not exclusive for the interior and exterior structures. Ensure that all the fundamental components are well taken care of to the minutest details. To make a dream home and a dwelling place, ensure that nothing is annoying and destructive.

The best way is to maintain cleanness and ensure your home is free of clutter. Avoid leftovers, clean and empty bins regularly, don’t leave food in the open, remove unnecessary wood, stumps and keep the garden well attended.

Price List

The average cost of termite inspection for most homes is around $250 to $350 depending on the location, ease of inspection and style of construction. Professionals inspect areas such as accessible timbers, roofs, exterior, interior, garden landscaping areas and fences within 50 meters from the building.

Some of the special equipment is that professionals use include: Moisture metre, thermal imaging cameras, microwave, termatrac termite detector, torch, ladders, timber scrubber and an extendable dogger.

• Termite quoting onsite – Free

• Annual termite maintenance – $220

• Termite inspection -$200

• Termite control – $250

Termite treatment cost- $2000 to $5000 for average size homes depending on the location, type of house, insurance cover, chemical used and warranties applied.

Final Verdict

Overall, it can be said that using different methods and techniques to prevent termites can help minimise or eradicate the danger that they pose. Whether it is the use of chemical products or physical methods, we should strive to minimize and eradicate the problem at the early stages.

For new homes, they should maintain and ensure that no termite has room to destroy property. This exercise can only be successful if we understand the devastating effects that these small creatures bring. They are constantly looking for new food supplies, and if they can cross a barrier to get inside, they will shred your house down.

To protect your property from a termite infestation we advise to have an annual inspection.

This article was published by Nick Favreau from Pro Pest Control Brisbane – To learn more visit www.propestcontrolbrisbane.com.au