A home is the biggest investment that most people make in
their lifetime. When a homeowner has a chronic problem with termite
infestations, they usually wonder how it started in the first place.
Well, termites require two things to survive: food and water. When
they decide to move in, it’s because they have access to wood
or wood products and water.
Most homes in Australia are “pre treated”
for termites. This means that a pest controller has created
a chemical termiticide barrier between the soil and the concrete
foundation of your home. The termiticides used in pre treatments
usually don’t always kill termites but in ideal situations
they will impede and discourage termites from entering your
home through the foundations.
Important Information
The Australian standard AS3660 (protection of buildings
from subterranean termites) provides details for minimising the
risks to buildings from termite attack, and methods for treatment
to control termite infestations. The provision of a complete termite
barrier will impede and discourage termite entry into buildings.
It cannot prevent termite attack.
Termites can still bridge or breach barriers but they can be
detected more readily during routine inspections. As a homeowner,
it is your responsibility to ensure that your home is regularly
inspected, at least once every 12 months, so as to detect any
bridging or breaks in the termite barrier. If termites do get
through, a “retreatment” may be necessary. This
may involve drilling holes in and/or around the
foundation, or digging trenches around the exterior
foundation walls of a home and injection/flooding.
What are the essential components of a
good termite service?
A good termite service should include:
*A thorough inspection of the property and all buildings...
inside and out, including roof and ceiling voids.
*Identification of wood to earth contact, such as
fences or pergolas in the ground that touch the home.
*Locating areas of excessive moisture and slopeing
soil levels... soil levels that allow water to pool around the foundation
walls, leaking water taps, air conditioning units, pool filters
and above-ground swimming pools.
*Proper application of the termiticide according to
the label, Australian Standards and Federal and State Laws.
*Complete barrier termiticide application for
long-term residual control. It must be noted however, that even
the most thorough and complete barrier application of whatever termite
barrier product as used, does not guarantee against further termite
attack. In some cases termites will still find a way to enter your
home where early detection of activity is possible. This is why
we recommend the 6 monthly complimentary inspection and the following
Annual Inspection Programme to ensure the highest level of cover
to the treated structures.
