A video explaining the background to termite baiting systems, specifically the Sentricon system.
Read MoreTermites and electricity don't mix.
If you're having inexplicable electrical problems in your home, you may want to call a termite inspector as well as your electrician.
Read MoreTermite mud shelter tubes galore!
Photos of termite mudding to help you identify it if you come across it in your home
Read MoreTermite Mud Gallery in a subfloor,
See a huge termite gallery that originates in a subfloor - along the ground and then travels up a pier to the underside of the flooring in a home. It highlights an obvious infestation and underscores the need for regular inspections.
Read MoreDetermining termite genus & species - another part of an inspection.
Getting a termite inspection also involves determining the species of termites in a building and also the species of those surrounding the building. Each species have their own characteristics, interestingly only About 12 Species of termite damage sound timber in Australia. That's of the approximately 350 species in Australia, so determining termite species is important. The behaviour of these timber destroying species does vary, so an accurate identification is essential.
A Coptotermes acinaciformus worker. The Coptotermes genus is one of the most destructive termites in Australia, accounting for the majority of the timber damage in structures. These were found in a subfloor and were consuming leftover formwork in the subfloor.
Nasutitermes on a fence post, this genus are very destructive termites, and are a threat to homes and timber structures. These were within 50m of a house and are a direct threat to the home.
The destructive Schedorhinotermes can be very difficult to control because of their their shy behaviour. And yes, they are very destructive! Here are some during a baiting programme we're carrying out.
So, make sure that termites are identified correctly during an inspection. The threat to your property, the type of treatment options and the effectiveness on control all depend on correctly identifying the termites in and around your home!
Extensive damage - often concealed!
Extensive termite workings, the termites made themselves right at home, then invited all their friends and family over for an all you can eat buffet....
Termites make themselves right at home in yours. This infestation was an extensive one, with large amounts of damage done to structural timbers on this house. Interestingly (or maybe not so much) the extent of the damage was only fully realised after the plaster board was removed and the frames visually inspected.
Why regular inspections are important.
Termite Mud tubs in a subfloor space.
Regular termite inspections are an important part of any home maintenance program, as can be seen by this photo. The homeowner was getting a regular inspection when these mud tubes were noticed with termites building them up. This indicated that termites were living in the subfloor and it would only be a matter of time before they would find their way into the timber of the house.
Treated timbers - use them correctly!
A treated pine frame with termites throughout.
Treated timbers are a great way of preventing damage to timbers in service, however, not all treatments are created equal.
Here is a picture of a piece of treated pine frame that was infested with termites in less than 18 months. The problem? It was in constant contact with moist soil, this timber was not designed to withstand this kind of environment.
Pick up that piece of wood!
Termites eating out a piece of wood in a garden.
This clearly demonstrates why it's important to keep your garden areas clear of timber sitting on the ground. It's important not to store timber where termites can easily find it, as it attracts termites to the area. The next stop could easily be your house!