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.
When Termite barriers go wrong....
This post explains and shows why physical termite barriers fail, they're all designed to work. So why do things go wrong?
Read MoreKeep checking reticulation!
Termite management systems, by and large are effective. However, problems often occur after reticulation systems are installed. Often there are delays in building and hence exposes the reticulation system to damage to other trades being on site. This isn't necessarily always the fault of tradesmen on site, as they are usually not expecting a reticulation system being buried around the perimeter of the building. It's important to have good communication with the builder and tradesmen on site and also to keep a watchful eye on reticulation to ensure its safe after installation. That being said, reticulation is a great termite control method if it's done correctly!
This reticulation system was treated quite unkindly by builders/tradesmen!
This reticulation system has not been considered by tradesmen on site.
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.
Repellant vs. Non-Repellant chemicals.
Termites detecting a repellent chemical treated zone (in blue) and avoiding it to forage for food. Photo reproduced with permission of BASF Australia.
Termites entering a non-repellent Termidor (Fipronil) treated zone, and subsequently have been killed off by the termiticide. Photo reproduced with permission of BASF Australia.
Many new chemicals in pest control are touted as "non-repellent". What does this mean?
A non-repellant chemical has many advantages, specifically when dealing with termites.
Termites forage for food and may come into contact with a chemical barrier around a house in doing so, if the barrier is repellant, that is to say, the termites can detect it and avoid it, then there is a potential for them to locate somewhere around the perimeter of the building where they can enter. Hence, a barrier that is repellent can fail if the chemical has not been applied evenly around the perimeter through all potential entry points.
A non-repellent chemical treated zone does not repel the termites, but instead, allows them to enter the treated soil to such an extent that the termites are affected and after a period of time, they die off. The benefits of this treatment are apparent in the photos above. Not only does it prevent the termites finding the non-treated section of the barrier, but it also can kill many termites due to the delayed action of the chemical. In some instances, the transfer of chemical from one termite to another can be so prolific that the whole colony can be eliminated!
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.
Reticulation - post construction.
Termite protection is often overlooked during a renovation, but in reality it can be an opportune time to install termite protection, as is demonstrated on this commercial building which was plagued by termite problems over its life. This reticulation system allows the building to be treated for decades to come with no disturbance to the structure. A little bit of money spent at the time of renovation can save a lot of money in remedial work down the track.
Reticulation being installed on a commercial building.
Many people don't realise that a reticulation system can be installed on an existing building.
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.