Will Ants keep Termites Away?

It's a common theory - if you see black ants around your house, the it's safe from termites! Well, this video will answer that question with a demonstration of the interactions between Black garden ants and Termites

Ants Vs. Termites

Treated timber. Getting eaten out!

Treated pine framing used in a subfloor being eaten by termites.

Manufacturers of treated timbers my warrant it against termite attack, however, if you carefully read their terms and conditions, you'll notice that they won't warrant timber that's in ground contact.

http://www.chhwoodproducts.com.au/index.cfm/pageid/157/viewpage/brochures

If you look at the warranty brochure for this treated pine frame, you'll notice that things such as storing the timber on the ground, in high moisture environments or anywhere that can cause fungal decay will void the warranty. So be careful not to rely just on treated timber to prevent termite damage.

By and large, termite treated timbers do work well in resisting termites, but only if they are used in accord with good building practice and the treated timbers manufacturers recommendations.

Kitchens are termite food!

It's often accepted that termites only eat complete timber in service, and are not interested in consuming particleboard, MDF or other engineered materials. However, this picture clearly shows that termites will consume chipboard and cause significant damage. In this particular instance, the termites ate out the kitchen carcass and it required replacement. So even if the building is constructed of termite resistant materials, it's important to protect the whole building and not just have some elements that are termite resistant.

Look out when building!

Concrete slabs form an important part of termite management nowadays, with slabs being used as termite barriers as they are considered termite resistant (if poured in accord with AS2870) the only potential problem is where pipes or other materials penetrate the slab. Whilst things such as plumbing and electrical conduits are easy to locate and treat, sometimes there are  building practices that inadvertently create penetrations through the slab, such as when putting in temporary formwork during construction of slabs, as demonstrated by these photos.

Reo bar used to peg out the step down in wet areas of this slab were left in place, creating a termite highway!

It is important to check all potential entry points by ensuring no penetrations through the slab are left untreated.

Physical barriers - what to look for.

A Physical termite barrier drops down below a timber adjacent to a brick wall and below footpath height.

Physical termite barriers, like all types of termite barriers, are designed to prevent termites getting into a building undetected. A physical barrier does this by preventing them being able to access the inside of the building and forcing them out. To that end, the barrier may be connected to either a concrete slab, or it comes out to a visual inspection zone, as is illustrated in these pictures.

The pivotal thing about visual inspection zones is that they need to be clear of obstructions and easy to see. The Australian Standard (AS3660.1) as well as all barrier manufacturers recommend that a clearance of 75mm be available between finished ground height and the barrier.

So if your home or a home that you are considering buying has a physical barrier, then you may want to check that there is sufficient clearance around the perimeter. Making sure that there isn't anything covering it up, as the barrier cannot work unless it has been installed correctly, irrespective of the type of barrier used.

A physical barrier running into a step, for this barrier to work, it needs to be cast into the concrete step. It's important to check all these details. This barrier was not cast in, potentially allowing termites to get in undetected.

Signs of termite damage!

Obvious mudding and damage in a wall - Note the depressed section around the mud where the termites have eaten out the plasterboard.

If you see mudding around an architrave or wall, then you probably have termites! It may not be as obvious as this, so that's why it's good to get regular inspections. Usually, when the termites are this obvious, there is a fair bit of damage done underneath.

Termites may cause mudding on the wall like this in preparation for a colonising flight. The termite colony releases many winged reproductives called alates. These are usually dispatched from a higher location on a mild evening during the spring and summer months, typically when there is high ambient humidity. So if you see many of these swarming inside your house, you know that the colony has already found it's way in!

Laundry woes

Termite mudding behind a tap in a laundry.

A good termite inspection will reveal damage and infestations which may not be obvious. In this instance, there was little visible evidence of termites until a little more investigation revealed termites in behind the laundry wall. Often, looking behind easily removable fittings can make a difference between a quick and thorough inspection! Whilst. There was moisture discovered, further investigation confirmed it was a termite infestation.