Termites will damage 34,000 Australian homes every year with an average repair bill of $10,000
Termites work around the clock, eating timber and they do it silently!
Without knowing the signs of termite damage or having a termite inspection on a regular basis, a termite infestation in your home could be allowed to happen for years before it is discovered. By that time, significant damage has already been done to your home and the worst part is… your home and contents insurance doesn’t cover termite damage.
Termites only require a 1mm gap to access a building and will inhabit it for years when they are left undisturbed. Annual termite inspections from a licensed pest controller can help find termites early on and save you thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Below are some of the signs of termites to look out for.
Signs of termite infestation to look out for
- Mud trails leading up the sides of buildings (pictured)
- Accumulation of dried mud in the joints of door or window architraves
- Blistering on door or window architraves, or on skirting boards
- Damp areas or moisture stains on walls and ceilings
- Faint tapping or chewing noises behind plaster walls
- Power failures and the buildup of earthy materials around power points
- Soft floorboards
- Flying termites (alates) that have emerged from established termite nests during spring and autumn.
What you should not do when you find termites
Finding termites or what you think might be termites in your home or garden can be very distressing and upsetting.
IN THE EVENT OF DISCOVERING TERMITES, DO NOT:
- Touch or remove any live termites
- Touch, disturb or remove timber with visible termite damage
- Touch, disturb or remove mud tubes or any other visible termite workings
- Apply DIY pest control products or homemade concoctions from the internet in an attempt to kill the termites.
- Ignore the termite activity you’ve discovered
If you’ve found termites or signs of them being present in your home, immediately contact your local Termitrust Pest Control team.
What you should do when you find termites
IN THE EVENT OF DISCOVERING TERMITES:
- Stay cool, calm and collected. Once you’ve discovered signs of termites, immediately contact a pest control company to assess the issue
- Check your electrical meter box for a termite (white ant) management notice sticker. It will list the previous termite treatments undertaken and the company that performed them
- If your meter box does not have a termite management notice sticker, contact your local Termitrust service centre and one of our experienced technicians will conduct a full inspection of termite activity on your property
- Be present during your termite inspection, so that our technician can explain the termite inspection process, the extent of termite activity, the termite treatment options available, how the treatment works and how much it will cost you
- Once your termite issue has been treated, make sure to schedule an annual termite inspection at least once per year. If you live above the Tropic of Capricorn, two termite inspections are typically recommended
- Follow the tips below to help limit future termite infestations
What you can do to limit termite infestations
Implementing the tips listed below will help significantly reduce the likelihood of termites entering your home through concealed entry points.
- Remove all wood, tiles, bricks, etc. and debris that are against the outside walls of the building. This will help stop termites from using them to bridge over your termite barrier
- Remove and relocate garden mulch, flower beds and garden beds away from the building perimeter. Soil that is above your installed physical termite barrier will allow termites quick and easy access
- Fix all leaking taps, manage condensate discharge from air conditioners and hot water system overflow discharge, etc. Reducing water sources will help discourage termites
- Review your lawn and garden reticulation setup and modify it to direct water away from the perimeter of your home
- Where possible, remove any potential termite food sources. Monitor scrap timber, compost heaps, etc., for termite activity
- Have in-ground termite monitoring stations professionally installed around your property. They will hopefully catch termites before they reach your home
- Have regular termite inspections undertaken by our accredited termite professionals. After your first inspection, your local team will send you annual reminders
Talk to a Termi expert in your area today
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