Termites

There are several different types of termites and they can be found all across the mainland of Australia. Some species of termite are of little concern to building structures; however there are also species that will comfortably nest within the cavities of residential buildings without detection until serious damage has been identified.

The damage that certain types can cause can be devastating to a building structure. In the wild they have a preference for Eucalyptus trees but in built up areas they will eat through telegraph poles, fence posts, house stumps and any hardwood or softwood in a buildings structure.

It takes a trained eye to detect the type of species that may inhabit a location. However there are many precautions that can be made by the lay person to reduce the risk of an attack.

Key points to keep in mind are that termites travel through the sub surface of the ground; they will attack where a food supply is abundant and additionally they have a preference for locations with a water supply. Houses built on old swamp lands, close to creeks or with plumbing leaks are of higher risk to attack.

Precautions that can be taken:

Ensure there are no plumbing leaks within or surrounding the house.

Ensure that the performance of the storm water drainage and site drainage in general is of an excellent standard.

Do not store firewood, timber off cuts, paper or any cellulose material under or adjacent to the house.

Ensure that the ventilation under the house is of an excellent standard and that vent openings are not obstructed.

Monitor the level of your garden beds and paths adjacent to the house. Do not build garden beds against the external walls of a timber house and a good rule of thumb for brick veneer houses and houses on concrete slabs is to keep garden bed levels at least 300mm (1 Foot) below the underside level of the internal floor structure.

Pay particular attention to the construction techniques of decks, timber fencing and small timber structures attached to the house. Use treated timber and metal stirrups to create an obstruction of the possible path between the ground and the structure of the house.

Well organized councils keep records of Termite Attack and can be contacted for information regarding the risk level in the immediate area.

If you ever find a termite attack - notify your neighbours and the council. Termite attacks can be active within 100 metres of a nesting colony.

Seek the advice of an accredited expert.

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