At Defence Pest Management, we are the premier termite and timber pest experts. Learn more about these terrible pests by reading on below.
Termites are a group of tiny insects with a highly developed social organisation similar to bees and ants. There are many different species of termites, and all termites - or timber pests - live in colonies. Within these colonies, a careful organisation is generally in place. Most termites live in the soil, since most termites require moisture to survive. However, there are species of termites that don't require as much moisture to survive. Since they rely mostly on cellulose for nourishment, termites are known for being highly destructive to rotted and seasoned wood, and are very bad news for homeowners.
As mentioned above, there are different types of termites. The two most common types are subterranean termites and drywood termites; specific information about each is provided below.
Subterranean termites are the most common kind of timber pest in Australia. They nest below ground in the soil, in mounds or in the roots and trunks of living and dead trees. In order to survive, subterranean termites must continually be in contact with of moisture. Therefore, they build mud tubes to get from place to place. They consume their food from the inside out, hollowing out trees and the timbers. They can enter homes a number of different ways, including via pipes and electrical tubes, through mud tubes over concrete piers, through mud tubes from the soil to the flooring of a home and through many other innovative means. Subterranean termites attack rotted, damp wood.
Drywood termites get their name because they attack dry, unrotted wood. Their moisture requirement is quite low and they can tolerate dry conditions for reasonably long periods of time. For the most part, drywood termites are only present in coastal areas where there is enough moisture in the wood to keep these timber pests alive. They often enter through small holes in wood to start new colonies and their numbers can grow exponentially within a short period of time. Drywood termites rarely cause structural damage and aren't economically significant pests.
Regular Inspections - Since timber pests are such a huge problem all over Australia, Defence Pest Management recommends regular inspections to keep them at bay. Considering that termites cause more damage and cost people more money than fires and floods, it makes sense to ensure that these pests don't sneak up on you and cause you tons of terrible damage. Having a regular termite inspection conducted is a small price to pay for avoiding the incredible expense of repairing the damages caused by termites.
Termite Inspections When Buying A Property - If necessary, a Defence Pest Management technician can gain access to the property through a real estate agent or property management company. When you are going to be making such a large investment, it is critical to protect yourself as much as possible. Arranging for a professional termite inspection can help you avoid incurring major expenses down the road.
Our inspections adhere to Australian Standard AS 4349 and are typed out so they are legible and easy to understand. Reports that are required right away can be emailed or faxed.
When it comes to dealing with termites, prevention is key. Preventing a termite infestation is a lot less expensive than paying to get rid of one. Learn a bit about what to do - and what not to do - when it comes to preventing termites.
If you're trying to prevent termites at home, put away the insecticide; spraying it won't help. Do not store cellulose-based materials like cardboard boxes, wood piles and wooden objects beneath the home or in direct contact with the soil. Doing so can create a perfect entry point into the home for termites.
Keep gardens, wood piles, bark, mulch, trees and bushes away from the direct perimeter of the house.
Repair leaking shower heads, sinks and other moisture-causing problems right away; excessive moisture creates a suitable environment for termites.
Check for moisture beneath the house regularly, and check frequently to ensure that subfloor ventilation is adequate. Make sure that subfloor drainage is effective and that moisture isn't accumulating beneath the home.
Don't use untreated timbers for retaining walls or to form garden beds. They can encourage the attack of termites and create a major infestation in your home.
You should have termite control conducted on a regular basis, to ensure that the pests aren't sneaking in to your home. The sooner they are detected and eradicated, the less damage that can occur - and the less money you'll ultimately have to spend.
Learn a few of the telltale signs of termite infestations, including: mud trails, signs of mud accumulation on door and window joins and similar places, chewing and/or tapping noises behind plaster walls, blistered paint in places like window and door architraves and mud structures in the cavities of ceilings in the home. By knowing about these signs, you can put an end to termite infestations more quickly and have Defence Pest Management assist you more efficiently.
|
|
|
|
