Termites are an extreme threat to the structure and foundation of your home. Watching for and inspecting your home for termites is important so you can treat termites immediately in order to avoid incurring any of the damage and loss of value these pests can inflict on your house. Of course, never seeing these pesky creatures in the first place is ideal and the best way to make sure that happens is to have an annual termites inspection on your Brisbane property, which includes having a prevention plan by your pest control professional in place!
What building types need termite control?
All structures containing wood need regular termite prevention, regardless of the timber type used. While many builders offer timber claiming to be ‘termite resistant’ it’s important to remember that no structure is immune to a termite infestation and, often, timber that has been said to be termite-proof has simply been chemically treated to make it indigestible to termites. This chemical could wear off over time and won’t necessarily stop termites from attacking it.
How can I prevent termites from entering my home?
While completely removing termites once they have infested your home is possible, it is far easier to deal with termites through preventative methods.
If you want to prevent termites from entering your existing home, as well as your annual termites inspection by a professional, you should also consider checking your home regularly for things that easily attract termites.
Termites love certain living conditions and if you provide them with the right environment they will be happy to come and make themselves comfortable. Here’s what you need to look for and fix immediately:
- Roof leaks or roof damage: Termites love hiding in moist areas and if you allow moisture into your ceiling you are providing them a place to live. Don’t allow roof leaks or roof damage to be the cause of a major termite catastrophe to your Brisbane home.
- Plumbing leaks: Sometimes plumbing leaks aren’t noticed until there is an excessive build up of water or moisture. By then, you may already have termites living and breeding in the area. It’s important to get professional pest controllers to inspect your home regularly to identify any plumbing leaks you haven’t seen yet, as well as keep an eye out for the leaks yourself.
- Garden beds blocking drainage or ventilation in walls: You may have thought the garden bed looked lovely in that certain spot, but if it’s against an outside wall, your garden bed may be blocking drainage or important wall ventilation, which in turn encourages termites to prosper—so it’s best to have it moved.
- Timber or hard rubbish against outside walls: Don’t let firewood or hard rubbish lean against your outside walls. Rain and time will allow wood to rot and provide a space for termites to breed.
- Dead stumps or trees around your house: Regularly clean up dead stumps, fallen trees or tree branches around your house. Wood that is in contact with soil can provide an ideal space for termites to travel to and breed.
- Worn timber decking: Check if your timber decking needs cleaning or treating before the termites make their way to exposed raw wood.
What if they still find a way?
If you keep up to date with your regular termite checks and a problem is identified, chances are that the problem will be identified in its early stages and can be treated before the termites cause too much damage!
Here are the most effective ways to treat them should they find a way to get into your home. The type of treatment chosen will depend on your needs and the degree of the infestation.
- Baits: Baits are an effective treatment as termites take the bait into their colony and share it with the rest of the nest, eradicating them. It can be useful for smaller termite infestations.
- Non repellents: Non repellents are chemical sprays that are undetectable by termites and are used when the house is already infected. Any termites that come into contact with the non-repellent are affected and will in turn affect the rest of the colony.
What if I’m wanting to prevent termites in a home I’m about to buy?
If you’re about to buy a home, you will need a termite inspection to be done first by a reputable professional. Banks in Brisbane will not agree to a mortgage proposal until they see a termite inspection report. This is to protect themselves from any serious structural damage hidden in the property. If there are termites found, then it gives you the opportunity to consider the extent of the situation and whether the problem can be solved, or whether you should shop for your new home elsewhere. Preventing termites right from the get-go and forming a relationship with a pest controller before you buy your new home is ideal.
Don’t wait! If you haven’t started termite prevention, then start now!
Now you know prevention of termites really is the best cure! That means it is time to start getting an annual termites inspection and prevention plan in place. Brisbane’s climate makes it a termite paradise and if a single house in your neighbourhood has them, you could be at risk.
Termite control and prevention will eliminate any massive costs you could incur in the future, as well as the emotional upheaval that can occur when you realise your house has been overrun by termites. Contact Bennett’s Pest Control, the best in Brisbane, for your termite control needs, today.
