Termite Control Services
Termites live in colonies which comprise of different individuals with definite function and individual tasks and the size of the colonies can vary from a few hundred to millions as in the Coptotermes spp species.
Termites are often called 'white Ants', due to their pale white appearance but the similarities are minimal and when looked at side by side it's very clear that they are different. The only main similarities they share with the ant are their highly developed social organizations. Please follow the links below if you require more identification details.
In each colony there is a division of labour, with several distinct caste members, each specializing in a particular activity. The great majority of termites in Australia live in the soil and in fact, they depend on the soil and its associated moisture content for survival. Those species that live in the soil are known as subterranean termites, and usually don't attack sound dry wood, preferring damp or damaged timber.
Termites' diet
Termites' diet consists mostly of cellulose, which is obtained from a variety of sources such as living trees, seasoned timber, books, grasses, etc. Termites attack untreated wood, and usually by the time their work is visible, the timber is virtually eaten away.
Termites can enter your property in a number of ways, some of which are as follows:
- Under concrete slabs that have cracks or fissures
- Through hairline cracks which appear in concrete slabs around plumbing and electrical conduits.
- Constructing mud tubes from the soil to the flooring within cavity walls
- By tunnelling up the centre pipe of wooden stumps/piers
- Entering through the weep holes around the building, covered by shrubs or hedging
- They will enter via roof and stormwater disposal
- Leaks through damp-proof courses and flashings
- Timber in contact with soil
- Timber products of inappropriate durability
- Excessive moisture attracting termites
- Stacked timbers beside or near building structure
- From under pavers that will conceal entry
- By constructing mud tubes over concrete stumps
All of these are just some of the main areas which can and will act as an invitation for the termite to enter your home. A termite can travel approx. 50 metres from the central nest site in search of food, and have even been noted to have travelled some 100 metres from the main nest.
Termites are attracted to moisture, so it's important to repair any leaks or excessive moisture pooling areas around your home especially under the subfloor areas as the dark damp situation will put you at risk of termite ingress. Also removal of untreated timbers in contact with soil from around your home can reduce some of the high risks associated with termite attacks to homes as well. Even though you may not have any activity now, your home is always going to be at risk at some point from external pressures and seasonal climate conditions.
6 - 12 monthly inspections recommended
This is why both The Pestman Qld and the Australian Standards strongly recommend having a 6 - 12 monthly Timber Pest Inspection, for the relatively small outlay each year; it's far better than paying thousands of dollars in repairs and in cases having the inconvenience of moving out while work is done.
All of the devices we use are current, up-to-date Termite identification and detection equipment, like fully calibrated moisture meters, scopes for more invasive inspection as requested, sounding devices, identification tools if active termites are located, and of course 10 years of termite experience and regional knowledge to pick up on signs prior to infestation.
Fully qualified termite technicians
As we are all fully qualified as termite technicians we make sure that we keep an eye out for any timber destroying pests as part of our normal pest control service, this ensures that if termites are located, then you will be notified instantly and a solution to rectify will be recommended.
Your property is your investment for the future. Let us help you maintain the value of that investment by developing a flexible, tailored solution in order to manage these pests. Our goal is to provide management options that are effective and suit your expected outcomes.
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Our licensed technicians can assist you with a flexible, tailored solution to meet your needs and prevent these pests from becoming a problem in your home or workplace.
Please Contact the Pestman to see how we can help you maintain an environment free of termites and other pests.
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