Termites

What are termites?

Often mistakenly called "white ants," subterranean termites are actually quite different from their ant counterparts. While they play a vital role in breaking down decaying wood in nature, they become a major threat when they invade our homes. These tiny insects can cause extensive and costly damage if left unchecked.

Understanding the Termite Colony

Termites are social creatures with a distinct caste system:

Reproductives: These winged termites swarm during warmer months to establish new colonies. The queen, responsible for laying thousands of eggs daily, is the heart of the colony.
Workers: Blind and wingless, the workers are the real culprits behind the damage. They tirelessly forage for food (cellulose materials like wood), build tunnels, and maintain the nest.
Soldiers: Equipped with powerful jaws, soldiers defend the colony from predators.

How Termites Invade Your Home

Subterranean termites build intricate tunnel systems to reach food sources and protect themselves from the elements. They can travel significant distances, often originating from a nest located far from your house. These determined pests can gain entry through:

Under the floor: Accessing vulnerable areas beneath your home.
Wall cavities: Traveling upwards unseen within your walls.
Plumbing penetrations: Exploiting gaps around pipes.
Construction joints: Finding weaknesses in concrete foundations.

The Importance of Early Detection

Because termites work silently and often out of sight, early detection is crucial. Regular professional inspections are essential to identify signs of termite activity and prevent costly damage to your home.

Suspect Termites? Act Fast to Save Your Home!

Termites are a homeowner's worst nightmare. They can secretly devour the wood in your home, leaving it vulnerable and potentially causing thousands of dollars in damage. Don't wait for a horror story to unfold in your own home!

Even if you haven't spotted any signs, it's crucial to be proactive. Termites can be sneaky, hiding within walls and floors until it's too late

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What to do if you find termites or termite damage:

Don't panic! Early detection is key to minimizing damage.
Call in the experts. Certified termite inspectors have the knowledge and tools to assess the situation accurately. They will:

Identify the extent of the infestation.
Determine the termite species. This helps tailor the treatment plan.
Locate entry points. Understanding how termites are getting in is crucial for effective control.
Develop a customised treatment and prevention plan.

Schedule a professional termite inspection today. This small investment can save you a fortune in the long run.

Remember: Protecting your home from termites is an ongoing process. Regular inspections and a proper maintenance plan are essential for long-term peace of mind.

Protecting Your Home

Getting rid of existing termites is a great first step, but it's not enough. New termite colonies can move in and cause trouble. Here's how to keep your home safe:

Active Termite Monitors: These clever monitors are placed around your home where termites like to travel. They contain a special bait that termites prefer to wood. This bait disrupts the termites' ability to shed their skin, eventually killing the entire colony. It's safe for your family and the environment.

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Termite Barriers: These barriers create a protective shield around your home, stopping termites from getting inside. They can be chemical or physical and should be installed by professionals.

Easy Ways to Reduce the Risk of Termites

You can help protect your home by:

Removing Temptations: Get rid of any wood, firewood, or debris near your home's foundation.
Ventilating: Make sure the area under your home has good airflow to keep the soil dry. Termites love damp places!

Regular Inspections: Get your home professionally checked for termites at least once a year.

Your Questions Answered

Termites - FAQ's

How can I tell if I have termites?

Look for signs like mud trails, hollow-sounding wood, sudden swarms of winged insects (alates), or damaged timber. However, a professional inspection is the most reliable way to detect termites.

What's the difference between termites and ants?

Termites have straight antennae, a broad waist, and all four wings are the same size. Ants have elbowed antennae, a pinched waist, and two sets of wings of different sizes.

Can I inspect for termites myself?

While you can look for visible signs, professional inspectors have specialised tools and training to detect hidden termite activity. It's best to leave inspections to the experts.

How much damage can termites do?

Termites can cause extensive structural damage to homes, as they feed on wood and other cellulose materials. They can weaken foundations, floors, walls, and roofs.

How can I prevent termites?

Reduce moisture around your home, eliminate wood-to-ground contact, maintain proper drainage, and schedule regular termite inspections.

How do you get rid of termites?

Pest companies use various methods, including chemical treatments, bait systems, and physical barriers. The best approach depends on the severity of the infestation and the type of termite.

How often should I have my home treated for termites?

Annual termite inspections are recommended, even if you haven't had a previous infestation. This helps catch any new activity early on.

Are termites covered by home insurance?

Typically, no. Home insurance policies often exclude damage caused by pests like termites.

What are the costs involved in termite treatment?

Costs vary depending on the size of the property, the extent of the infestation, and the treatment method. Ask us for a free quote.

Termite Baiting

How does termite baiting work?

Termite baiting systems use strategically placed stations containing a palatable food source laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Termites are attracted to the bait, consume it, and carry it back to the colony, eventually eliminating the entire colony.

Is termite baiting effective?

Yes, termite baiting can be highly effective when installed and monitored by trained professionals. It's a proven method for eliminating termite colonies, especially when the bait is readily consumed by the termites.

What are the advantages of termite baiting compared to other treatments?

Baiting is highly targeted, minimizing environmental impact. It aims to eliminate the entire colony, not just the termites you see. Baiting often requires less drilling and disruption to your property compared to other methods.

How long does it take for termite baiting to work?

The time it takes to eliminate a colony can vary depending on factors such as the size of the colony, the termite species, and environmental conditions. It can take weeks or even months.

How often should termite bait stations be checked?

Bait stations need regular monitoring, usually every few months, to check for termite activity and replenish bait as needed. We will advise you on the appropriate schedule.

Is termite baiting safe for my family and pets?

Termite baits are designed to be low in toxicity to humans and pets when used according to the label instructions. However, it's always best to keep baits out of reach of children and animals.

Can I install termite bait stations myself?

It's highly recommended to have termite baiting systems installed and monitored by a licensed pest control professional. We have the expertise to identify termite activity, place baits strategically, and ensure effective treatment.

How much does termite baiting cost?

The cost of termite baiting varies depending on the size of your property, the extent of the infestation, and the specific baiting system used. Pricing for a standard house starts at $1740.00.

How do I know if my property has a termite infestation?

Signs of termite infestation can include hollow-sounding wood, mud tubes, discarded wings, live termites, sudden buckling floors or ceilings.

What should I do if I find termites in my home?

Do not disturb the termites. Contact us immediately for an inspection and treatment options.

Termite Inspections

How often should I have a termite inspection?

Australian Standards recommend a termite inspection at least once a year for residential properties. However, if your property is in a high-risk area (e.g., near bushland or has a history of termite activity), inspections every 6 months might be necessary.

What is involved in a termite inspection?

A termite inspection involves a trained technician visually inspecting the interior and exterior of your property, including sub-floors, roof voids, and gardens, for signs of termite activity or conducive conditions. They may use tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden termite activity.

How long does a termite inspection take?

The duration of an inspection depends on the size and complexity of your property. Typically, it can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.

How much does a termite inspection cost?

The cost of a termite inspection varies depending on the size of your property and the pest control company. The price for a termite inspection to a standard residential property is $290.00.

What happens if the inspection finds termites?

If termites are found, we will recommend a suitable treatment plan. This may involve chemical treatments, baiting systems, or a combination of both.

How can I prepare for a termite inspection?

You can prepare by ensuring the technician has access to all areas of your property, including sub-floors and roof voids. It's also helpful to clear any clutter away from walls and garden beds.

Are termite inspections safe for my family and pets?

Yes. If any treatments are required, they will advise you on any precautions to take.

Can I do a termite inspection myself?

While you can look for obvious signs of termites, a professional inspection is recommended. Trained technicians have the expertise and tools to detect hidden termite activity.

What are the signs of termites?

Signs of termites can include:

Mud trails or shelter tubes

Discarded wings

Hollow-sounding timber

Soft or damaged timber Unusual noises in walls

Sudden swarms of winged insects

What is the difference between termites and ants?

Termites and ants can look similar, but there are some key differences:

Termites have straight antennae, while ants have bent antennae.

Termites have a broad waist, while ants have a narrow waist.

Termites have four wings of equal size, while ants have two larger and two smaller wings.

Termite Monitoring

What is termite monitoring, and why is it important?

Termite monitoring involves installation and checking of an in-ground termite monitoring system.

How often should I have my property monitored for termites?

There are generally two types of termite monitors; active and passive. Active monitors have termite bait inside them at all times. Passive monitors have timber inside them without bait. The frequency of inspection varies between the two types. As a general guide, checking of monitors is recommended every 8 – 12 weeks. However, if your property is in a high-risk area or has had previous termite issues, more frequent monitoring may be necessary.

What is the difference between termite monitoring and termite baiting?

Monitoring is the process of regularly checking in-ground termite monitors for termite activity. If the system is passive and termites are located inside, bait is then added to the monitor. The monitors are then regularly checked for bait consumption and additional bait is added until the colony is eliminated. If the system is active, termites will already be consuming bait. In this instance, regular checks measure the bait consumption and whether additional bait is required for colony elimination.

How much does termite monitoring cost?

The cost varies depending on the size of your property, the type of monitor used, and the frequency of checks required. Typically it costs around $3,000.00 for installation and maintenance for the first 12 months.

Can I monitor for termites myself, or do I need a professional?

While you can check the monitors, understanding what you see inside is best left to professionals.

What should I expect during a professional termite monitoring inspection?

The inspector will check each monitor and provide a report with the findings and recommendations.

How can I prevent termites from infesting my property?

Preventive measures include:

Reducing moisture around your property

Ensuring proper drainage

Removing wood debris near your home

Maintaining a gap between soil and timber Using termite-resistant building materials