If you think you have a problem with Termites
call Redback Pest Control Sydney now on 1800 733 222 for expert advice
Why do I need a Termite Inspection?
Subterranean termites are by the far the most destructive timber pests in Australia and pose a real threat to both existing and new homes and buildings.
Termite surveys find that 1 in 3 homes in Australia will be affected by termites at some stage which is more prevalent than damage caused by fire, storm and flood combined.
All too often the presence of these silent invaders goes undetected until the damage is done, and though the problem is so severe, many building owners will come to find termite damage is not covered by most home insurance policies.
It is for that reason that the Building Code and Australian Standard for Termite Protection now require for all new homes being built to be protected against the concealled entry of subterranean termites from the ground into the building.
The Standard does advise that even a correctly installed and complete termite barrier system cannot completely guarantee prevention of termite attack as termites can potentially breach or bridge over the barrier. But evidence of termites bridging or breaching a barrier can be easily detected during regular termite inspections.
Therefore the Australian Standard for Termite Protection (AS3660) recommends that regular competent inspections be carried out at least once a year or more frequently in areas of higher termite risk or known activity.
An annual Termite Inspection by a licensed professional such as Redback Pest Control is the safest way to detect, treat and prevent Termite activity in new or existing homes!
About Termite Inspections:
A termite inspection involves a thorough visual inspection of the sub floor, roof void interior, exterior, and other areas of the property. An average house takes anywhere from one to two hours to complete. Cost may vary from $160-$360 depending on the size of the house and access. A thorough and detailed written report is then provided.
Essentially a Termite Inspection Report is designed to:
- Detect old damage and active termites.
- Gives you the element of risk of infestation.
- Gives you tips on reducing the chances of termite infestation.
- Gives us enough information to accurately quote you on a termite treatment and to use the most appropriate method.
- Most importantly, educates you about termites.
- Identifies species of termites.
Remember a Termite Inspection is designed to detect termites at an early stage as to reduce the amount of damage to your house. It does not stop termites. It is strongly recommended a termite inspection report is carried out at least once every twelve months and every three to six months for high risk areas.
Termite Inspection Techniques:
Termite identification in Australia is highly specialised and pest controllers need to thoroughly inspect all areas of the property before any protection or treatment can begin. Termite Expert network members use only industry best practice techniques. These may include the use of the following equipment and approaches:
Torch with bright light
This is essential and krypton bulbs give the best light for torches generally available today. LED torches, headlamps and flashlights are the next generation inspection tools and should be used when they come onto the market.
A Termite Sounding Donger
A fibreglass rod with a small plastic ball at the end. It is designed to run along skirting boards, higher placed timbers and other exposed timbers. When it runs across termite infested timber the tone changes, indicating hollowed out timber.
A Moisture Meter
It is designed to pick up high moisture content in walls and timbers. Termites bring up moisture from the soil and into the walls and timbers.
Stanley Knife & Tape
If termite infested timber is located, we may cut it with a Stanley knife and expose the interior of timber, identifying the species of termites then seal it back up with tape so as not to disturb the termites.
Listening Device
This listens to sounds in the internal of the walls. However, if you tap the wall with your hand and put your ear up to the wall you can head the soldier termites rubbing the mandibles together.
Termatrac Termite Detectors
Termites need to be found before they can be treated! Termatrac is a breakthrough development in the detection of termites. It was invented and developed in Australia using technology similar to radar for detecting termites in Australian building conditions and situations. Termatrac can effectivel detect termites through timber, plaster board, brick or masonary with no interference to the building material or risk of disturbing the termites which is important for effective treatment.
Inspecting Your Own Home or Property:
Inspecting Outside Your Home
During the months of spring the inspection should always start in the yard. Any moveable wood in soil contact, such as firewood, timber, cardboard boxes, barrels, planting boxes, etc., should be lifted and examined. Any stumps in the yard should be examined using a pocket-knife to separate the bark from the wood. Also, all of the following areas should be carefully examined for the presence of termites: crevices in the bark of any large trees; compost bins; garage, including bottoms of any cardboard or wood boxes used for storage; crawl spaces under porches and decks; and exposed foundation walls.
Check wooden logs and debris for termite damage and carefully inspect the bark of trees for termite mud leads, checking underneath loose bark for termite damage
Inspecting Inside Your Home
Next check the house starting in the subfloor using a torch, flat-edge screwdriver or pocket-knife. If Termite mud leads are found they should be carefully examined along their length. If the ends of the mud leads are darker in colour this indicates that they were very recently built and still wet, and probably still have termite activity. If the mud leads show no cracks or damage this is also a good indication that they may still be active. Once the mud leads have been identified and examined along their length, then they should be scraped off with a putty knife and the scrapings examined for live termites.
Be thorough in doing this and record all the areas where mud was scraped off. After one month, recheck all areas where mud leads were previously recorded. Any new mud leads can then be interpreted as newly built and evidence of new activity.
CALL 1800 733 222 NOW!
For peace of mind remember to Book a Regular Termite Inspection from Redback Pest Control
