Termite Risk Management: Is your Property at Risk?

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Your house is somewhere you do not want termites to be. Termite protection is a smart move that should be considered by all property owners. We are here to help you take a proactive approach toward termite risk management and ensuring you know how to reduce the risk of a termite attack

Conditions conducive to termite infestations

There are various conditions for termites to thrive and cause infestations. 

  • Moisture found collecting around the structure will draw termites. This may be due to several reasons including plumbing pipes leaking or water not flowing into drainage correctly. They may also be found in bathrooms, which ideal for termites as it provides them with wood, warmth and moisture. 
  • Any contact between the ground and wood, for example, wooden fences which are put in the soil or a wooden deck prove to be common places for termites to be found. 
  • Excessive cellulose debris, which is essentially any type of extra wood such as firewood logs, construction lumber being left against the structure.
  • Having plants too close to the structure may lead to moisture being trapped which may, in turn, draw in termites. 

Melbourne Termite Risk Management

Termite Risk Management Procedures

There are several precautions you can take to enhance your termite risk management. 

Building or Designing a Structure

  • If designing/building a new structure, termite-proof materials such as concrete slabs, termite resistant timber or steel frames can be used to ensure they cannot be penetrated by termites. Alternatively, a physical or chemical barrier can be used to protect a structure from termites. However, it must be in accordance with the Australian Standard AS3660.1. These might require continuous maintenance or inspections to ensure they are still safe and operational.

Purchasing Property

  • When purchasing new property with an already existing structure, we highly recommend that a termite inspection is conducted by a specialist. 
  • After completing a comprehensive inspection of the property a report should be provided detailing any issues regarding termites and any termite management system.

Melbourne Termite Risk Management

Other Precautions

  • The soil surrounding the structure should be dry by ensuring that the drainage and grading are completed adequately.
  • Limit the number of openings that allow termites entry into the structure by using sealant and metal barriers over wooden surfaces. Use of cement or grout will also assist with keeping them out. 
  • Any leaks should be repaired immediately. 
  • Vegetation should not be allowed to grow up against the structure near exposed wood. 
  • Any excess pieces of wood such as firewood logs or construction lumber should not be kept against the house. 
  • Regularly request professional termite inspections to ensure that no colonies have started.  

How quickly can termites infest your home? 

There are numerous variables that come into play when asking how quickly termites can infest your home. These include the amount of moisture and warmth that are present in the condition, and the age of the colony. Termites thrive in humid conditions due to the moisture and warmth in the air. The age of the colony also plays a role as a new colony may have approximately 100,000 workers at the ready whereas an older colony can have about 2 million termites. With about 2 million termites working in the right conditions they will be able to completely destroy a home in approximately 2 years. 

The safest way to go about termites is to not let it get to the stage of home infestation and to identify it in its early stages. Concealed areas are often where damage can be found if inspecting your structure. Keep an eye out for: 

  • Timber that breaks apart easily with thin layers of wood in between.
  • Cracks or holes in timber or plaster with fine dust residue.
  • Mud-like tubes or material around external footings/brickwork, or internal fittings like service pipes and electrical plugs.

Melbourne Termite Risk Management

If you’re unsure or concerned about any termite or pest damage found in your home, contact us at Specialist Termite Control on 1300 695 949 for a free assessment. We also offer termite inspections and treatments to remove them.

Click here to find more information on identifying potential termite issues.

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