Termite or ‘white ant’ infestations treatment and prevention in homes. Do you have termites in or around your home?. Many insects are confused with termites, especially ants. Termites are sometimes referred to as ‘white ants’ because of their pale appearance. Initially, termites have an important role in the forest ecosystem as they break down cellulose. However, when their natural food source is eliminated, termites replace it with anything made of or containing cellulose. And, cellulose is commonly found in dead wood and wood by-products which leads the termite directly to your home.

In exposed areas, termites travel within shelter, dirt tubes that they construct. Temperature has a strong influence on daily and seasonal activity. Termites remain active in cold weather if the structure they are infesting is heated.

The first step in protecting a house is to prevent termites from gaining access. Our termite control treatment incorporates a barrier placed beneath or around the house.

Barriers are designed to deter termites or bring their presence out into the open. Barriers can be physical or chemical in nature.

The termite control for home can be achieved by remembering the following facts:

• Termites are attracted to wood, so remove potential termite food away from buildings – their food can include timber stacks, old stumps, building refuse, garden decoration such as sleepers and logs.
• Waste timber from construction activities is often left in place or stored under the house – remove all timber formwork.
• Termites are attracted to water, so fix leaking water pipes, drains, showers, sinks etc, plus capture water from air conditioning units.
• Termites prefer humid conditions, so keep air under the house dry by improving sub-floor ventilation, drainage and access.
• Termites cannot chew through properly laid concrete, so ensure concrete slab is properly designed, compacted, and cured.
•  Termites colonies can sometimes be located – it is possible to eliminate colonies by killing the reproductive’s (the queen and the king).

Regular inspections are the most important part of Termite control treatment ,therefore:

• Arrange regular inspections – at least once a year in cooler areas and twice a year in warmer areas.
• Inspect during periods of high termite activity – early spring to late summer is generally the best.
• Timber can be treated to prevent termite attack, and some timbers are naturally resistant – use treated or naturally resistant timber when it is in contact with, or close to, soil
• Keep the edges of the house (slabs, foundation, piers and stumps) clear of clutter, including garden beds and vegetation
• Professional pest controllers are trained in inspecting houses for termite activity – use their services.
• Home owners can inspect houses themselves more frequently than a professional, if they can identify termite activity.