Termites are a pervasive problem across Brisbane and Queensland as whole. They are capable of causing immeasurable damage to homes and buildings off all construction types and the upmost care ought to be taken to safeguard your home against them.
Termites are drawn to the warm, subtropical climate of southeast Queensland in particular and they can be found in a range of areas, from suburban homes and semi rural properties, to inner city buildings. Termites are relatively indiscriminate in the damage that they cause and they have been known to even attack brickwork and electrical wiring.
There are many treatments available to address termites, as they become a problem, however this is not always sufficient to avoid costly damage to your home and property. Termites are subterranean pests and because of this, it is challenging to identify them without the right knowledge and equipment.
Termites can tunnel beneath your home and they often nest in the very foundation, which can be absolutely catastrophic for the structural integrity of your home. In fact, there have been instances throughout Queensland in which termites have render entire buildings unliveable and when this happens, the damage is usually irreparable and demolition is the only option.
Because of the dire consequences of termite damage, it is important to be proactive in your approach to safeguarding against them. Whilst there are a number of effective remedial treatments, the mere presence of termites on your property normally indicates that some damage has already been done and this is likely to mean that you will need to foot the cost of repairs. Avoiding this can be easy with the correct preventative treatments however, and this merely supports the idea that protective measures against termites are an absolute necessity – especially in an area such as Brisbane, where termites are rampant.
Some common termite habitats
Contrary to common beliefs, there are hundred of termite subspecies and each one is, in some way unique. Not all termites are quite as harmful as others and knowing how to distinguish between a few different types can be helpful. It is also helpful to know the preferred habitats of termite subspecies, as this can assist you in developing a targeted and effective preventative safeguard.
The most common varieties of termite in southeast Queensland are dry wood termites and damp wood termites. As their names suggest, they favour unique habitats and both pose a slightly different threat to your home. Dry wood termites generally inhabit woodland areas, as they prefer to nest in elevated positions. They pose probably the most significant threat to your home, as construction timber is dry and elevated, making it ideal habitat for dry wood termites.
Brisbane is home to a large number of traditional ‘Queenslander’ houses and these are often the hardest hit by drywood termites. Their elevated design and timber foundations make them perfect for nesting dry wood termites and this means that extra care ought to be taken by homeowners with houses of this nature. Despite begin found naturally in woodland areas, dry wood termites will venture into more developed areas, so even if you live in an urban areas, you are still at risk.
Damp wood termites, on the other hand, are somewhat less of a threat and they are found most commonly on the forest floor of woodland and rainforest areas. Damp wood termites get their name from their preferred habitat, which is damp timber. Damp wood termites prefer damp timber as it is structurally compromised by rot and makes for easy consumption and nesting opportunities. Because they much prefer rotted, even disintegrating timber, damp wood termites are not as common a problem as their dry wood counterparts, although they are still capable of considerable damage and any evidence of damp wood termites on your property ought to be take seriously.
Some types of preventative termite treatment
Often, preventative termite treatments are overlooked in favour of their remedial alternatives. There are, however, a large number of effective preventative measures that are suitable for all homeowners and can greatly diminish the prospect of sustaining termite damage in your home.
#1 Repellents
Repellents are perhaps amongst the most popular preventative measures when it comes to safeguarding against termites and they are generally quite effective. Repellents are usually applied by means of chemical spray and serves to shield your home against termite infestations. The chemical repels the termites before they have the opportunity to nest in your property and this prevents them from causing any damage.
Repellents do wear off after a while however, and this means that it is necessary to reapply at certain intervals. Given that these repellents consist of chemicals that can potentially be harmful if misused, it is important that you leave their application to the professionals. Not only will this keep you safe, it will also ensure that you get the best results, as professional pest control specialists are familiar with the preferred habitats of termites and can apply the repellent in a targeted manner.
#2 Termite Baits
Similarly to timber treatments, termite baits are useful both before and after termites have entered your home or property. Termite baits are popular in termite inspections, as the process is designed to first draw out any termites in the area, before then eradicating them. The process work by placing a liquid solution in the area to attract termites and if any are exposed, then the liquid is replaced with a chemical that will infect termites, consequently spreading through their colony.
For the best termite treatments in Brisbane, contact the experts at Bennetts Pest Control on 1300 661 008.
