Author: Brian January 24, 2016

Guest post by Hubert Dwight

There are over 300 species of termites in Australia, and almost every Australian home may be at risk.

But do not lose hope!

Termites also known as white ants feed on a plethora of materials, including plastics, rubber, fibreglass and, of course, wood.

They can even chew through your personal belongings!

A major threat to your home, termites have the capability to destroy building structures.

The remedies to their damage, if available at all, are largely expensive.

That is why, when dealing with termites, prevention is key.

We have collated five preventative steps to take so that you can live in a harmonious, pest-free home.

1. Check for warning signs

Termites aren’t out in the open.

They like an environment that is dark, humid and protected, which is what makes them so hard to find – until it’s too late.

Check for noises, odour, nests, wing remains,mud tunnels around the foundations, and excavation of wood or other materials.

Termites excavate wood leaving a thin outside layer of timber intact – the type of excavation varies from flutings to hollowing to large galleries depending upon the species.

2. Remove tree roots and waste timber products from your home

Dead tree roots and rotten timber are ideal sites for termites to nest.so have potential hazards treated or removed to combat the risk on your property.

Also, it is important to remember not to plant trees that may have a tendency to send roots under slabs close to the home.

Furthermore, termites can often attack timber formwork, from concreting, and use it to gain access into your home.

Ensure all timber formwork is removed from your home after construction.

3. Ensure that the area under timber floors is dry and well-ventilated

High humidity and high moisture levels create an attractive home for termites.

Substandard ventilation in the sub-floor areas of your property can cause this damp environment.

Ensure that your home has good ventilation and extraction fans where necessary, as this will reduce the risk of subterranean termites.

4. Don’t stockpile timber or firewood under your house or close to external walls

Storing timber against or under your house or property on a soil sub-floor will provide an attractive food source and nesting site for subterranean termites.

It can also hide evidence of termites invading your home.

Remove any timber and/or debris (dead leaves) away from the house.

5. If you believe your house is potentially under threat, do something about it immediately!

A professional, thorough inspection by a licensed and accredited termite inspector is the best way to make sure that your home is safe from termites.

There are many effective options available to you, including many economic pest control companies that will cater to your needs.

Termites are sly creatures that inhabit the darker, and previously uninhabited areas of a house; only venturing out at night or when it is very quiet.

As a result, you may not notice them until it is too late!

Make sure you act swiftly, and take these 5 proactive steps we’ve listed here to ensure your home is free from termites.