Termites can cause large financial problems for homeowners in Australia. These problems occur more frequently than the average homeowner would think. For this reason, most people overlook the importance of termite prevention. Preventing termites is easy. By preventing termites to the best of your ability you can avoid the risk. Putting these simple precautions in place can help.
If you do find signs of termites in your house or property, don’t hesitate to contact us. Precision Pest Control is the expert pest control company for termite treatment. We use a variety of treatment methods, including termite baiting systems and safe chemical treatments. We operate across NSW, the ACT and QLD. Your local pest manager can help with more information.
Termite prevention before a home is built
The best termite prevention starts before the home is built and in the planning stages. If you are building a new home you should consider a termite barrier. In many jurisdictions, some form of termite barrier is mandatory for new homes.
A termite barrier is a flexible and durable laminate designed to stop termites accessing your home through the foundations. It does this by providing a barrier between the ground and your home.
A chemical called deltamethrin is highly repellent to termites and sits between the layers of the robust, flexible laminate in the termite barrier. This is installed during the construction process.
We are fully qualified and experienced in the installation of Kordon Termite Barrier, as well as other preventative treatments. The Kordon Termite Barrier is the flexible and durable laminate designed to stop termites accessing your home through the foundations. Learn more about this process here.
Preventing termites in existing homes
In already existing homes there are some preventative measures to help you prevent a termite infestation. The three main tips are to avoid creating a food source for termites, to prevent the occurrence of unnecessary moist areas near your house such as from leaking taps or dripping air-conditioning units, and to keep the areas around your house clear of wood and debris that might conceal termite activity (and also food).
Eliminate termite food sources
The idea is to keep termites away from your house. By removing food sources from the home – under or around – you make it less desirable for termites to enter your home.
Do not use mulch directly adjacent to your home. It is better to use pine needles (but not touching the building) and keep nearby plants in pots or pebbles. If you really must use mulch, ensure it is treated.
Keep termite food OFF the ground and away from the house – food sources such as waste timber, cardboard boxes or firewood. Store all timber and other items like these off the ground and away from the building.
Subterranean termites love snacking on wood as they travel from the outside of your house to the inside. Not presenting food for termites is a great form of termite control and prevention.
Avoid unnecessary moisture around your property at all costs
Reduce the risk of termites by removing all random sources of moisture around your property. Fix leaking water pipes or water damage of any kind as soon as they occur. Check that your hot water systems or air conditioners are not dripping moisture into the soil.
Other ways to prevent moisture attractive to termites include not placing garden beds next to or adjoining your house. Ensure any external taps are never dripping or have a drain underneath. Your guttering systems should never leak – they should discharge to stormwater drains.
Having inadequate ventilation can also lead to a big problem with moisture inside your house, especially in and around foundations. Ensure bathrooms and laundry rooms as well as sub-floors have proper ventilation and no leakage.
Termites are not only attracted to moisture, but they also need moisture to thrive. Whilst it is not easy to maintain a moisture-free household it is something you should keep in mind as it can save you thousands of dollars in damage and a termite problem later down the line.
Keep your home clear!
Keep around your house clear. Avoid stored items and plants sitting right next to the building. If you can see the edge of the building, you have more chance of noticing signs of termites.
Do not store any wooden items under your sub-floor or in the basement. Reduce humidity under the crawl spaces by ensuring there is good ventilation, which will in turn reduce any moisture build-up.
Remove dead trees or stumps as they can be sites for termites to nest. Either remove them or have them treated. Don’t allow climbing plants or bushy gardens to grow against your house or fences. Ideally this is to avoid roots growing under concrete slabs and penetrating the foundations of your property.
Keep an eye out for signs of termites
Inspecting your home and property regularly for termite activity is a good way to prevent a termite infestation from taking hold.
Simple things like noticing mud tunnels and common termite damage like hollow wood will help protect your home from a bigger problem.
Whilst you may not be able to prevent termites from being in your home, perhaps you can stop them from becoming an expensive problem if you know what to look out for. Check these signs of termites for more information.
Reducing Risk Termite
If you do notice any of these signs it is imperative that you contact us for more information.
Getting regular termite inspections
Prevention can only go so far as making your home termite resistant. Getting regular professional termite inspections annually is an effective way to ensure you do not have termites.
Some tips:
- Have regular pest inspections annually to help spot the infestation early and ensure peace of mind.
- Avoid stored, untreated timber leaning up against the home.
- Do not keep timber or cardboard boxes under the house.
- Avoid moisture around your property at all costs.
- Fix all leaking pipes or water damage as soon as possible.
- Avoid unnecessary moist soil by ensuring drainage pipes from hot water systems, air conditioners or leaking taps are not dripping into soil.
- Before buying a home have it thoroughly inspected.
- Understand the signs of termites.