Termites are a major nuisance in Australia, they cause billions of dollars worth of damage every year. In fact, surveys show that three-quarters of Australians would change their mind about a house if termites were found!
The problem is that termites live in colonies, they generally live under your home and can go undetected for a long period of time. Alongside this, a colony can consume 6 inches of 2×4 wood in just 5 months. That can cause serious structural issues.
In short, you need to know how to prevent termites from arriving and spreading in your home.
Regular Checks
The starting point must be an inspection from a professional. This will help to identify whether you have a current infection or not.
It is also a good idea to invest in some termite baiting boxes. These are specially designed boxes that allow termites in and give them food. However, once they have established it is a safe eating spot you change the food to a poisonous option. The termites take the food back to the colony and kill them all.
All you have to do is keep your eye on the bait box, if the food goes down you have a potential termite issue.
It doesn’t prevent them from getting in but it does alert you to the issue.
Seal Up
Termites usually get into your home through mud tunnels. These run from around your home the edge of your home, through the soil, and under your home where the colony is. The soil helps to keep the termites moist.
You can seal the holes but they will simply open new ones. Instead, dig a trench several inches deep and at least 6 inches wide. Fill this with concrete and the termites will be deprived of entry to your home.
You should also check your walls and around windows and doors to make sure there are no other gaps that will allow a termite or other pest through. If you see any then you need to seal them straight away.
Check Your Wood
Wood that is in contact with the soil is the most appealing to termites. You should check your current wood fittings and make sure they are elevated above ground level. It will make your property less interesting to termites.
Check For Leaks
Termites need to stay moist and they need water to survive. If the underneath your home is most you are more likely to attract and spread these pests. Take a meter reading and then wait two hours without using any water before taking a water meter reading again. If the reading has changed you have a leak and need to find it. The drier your foundations the less appealing they are to termites.
Treat Your Wood
You don’t need to wait until you have an infestation to treat your wood. Apply a termite coating to all visible pieces of wood today and you’ll ruin the fun for the termites. They will either try the wood and be poisoned or simply stay away.
Of course, termites are small and persistent, you’ll need to keep doing these measures to keep the termites from spreading.
