Termites are one of the most destructive pests in Australia. Depending on the type of termite your property has, termites can gnaw away at the wood used in your building’s construction and create severe structural damage within years or even months. This is why calling in professional pest control as soon as possible is vital to clearing the infestation and preventing further damage.
Termites require targeted and tailored treatment, with the action needed varying depending on the species of termite being dealt with. Some may even require repeated treatments to deal with multiple termite nests. In this blog, we will cover the process we will follow when dealing with termite infestation.
Initial Assessment: Locating the Colony and Activity
The first step to treating a termite infestation is to inspect the affected property thoroughly.
Every inspection starts outside your property. Here we will seek out areas that might be attractive to termites, such as wet or damp areas around the home or commercial property.
We will then proceed to inspect the whole exterior of your home, including:
- Timber structures.
- Stumps.
- Trees.
- Decks.
We will photograph areas of interest during this process.
Subsequently, we will begin inspecting the inside of the house. Here we will check all the door and window frames. In addition to scrutinising defects in timber and paint work, we will tap window and door frames to test their integrity and density.
We will also bang the walls to disturb termite activity and help us hear them with a stethoscope. We will also use a thermal imaging camera as required.
As part of the inspection, we will also check your roof cavity.
Other signs we will look for include:
- Mud tubes.
- Discarded wings.
- Frass (termite droppings).
- Damaged wood.
- Clicking noises.
Preparation: What Homeowners Must Do Before Treatment
Whatever treatment the pest control professionals recommend, it is important to prepare your property for treatment.
General Preparations
- Ask the Professional for Advice: Discuss concerns, allergies and the treatment method being used. Follow their guidance as they’ve done this many times before.
- De-Clutter: Clear items from the floor, shelves, countertops, and perimeters of rooms.
- Move Furniture Away From the Wall: Move furniture two feet away from the walls to expose baseboards and hiding spots. Ensure easy access to the roof void and crawl spaces.
- Rectify Moisture Problems: Clear standing water and repair any leaks. Moisture will attract termites.
Localised/Treatment Zone Preparation
Localised treatments are targeted at specific areas and do not require homeowners to leave overnight.
- Clear Targeted Areas.
- Stay Away Until Treated Areas are Dry: Make sure pets and children are kept away from treated areas until they are dry.
The Application Process
Chemical Treatment Zones
This treatment is common for subterranean species. These are applied to the soil around the foundation. These are either repellent, preventing termites from passing the barrier, or are slow-acting, poisonous chemicals that the termite carries back to the colony.
Termite Bait Systems
Mall stations are set in the ground around the perimeter of the property with a station containing either wood, an attractant and or a bait. Termites then feast on the wood attractant and bait and carry it back to the colony, gradually eliminating it.
Wood Treatments
Sprays, foams and dusts are directly applied to infested wood.
Post-Treatment Monitoring
It is vital to keep vigilant for signs of recurring infestation. The chances of this can be reduced by getting your home or business inspected at least six monthly and investing in preventative treatments.
Do You Have a Termite Infestation?
Control Pest Management provides termite inspections and treatments to residential and commercial clients. Contact us today by filling in the form on our Contact page, emailing info@controlpestmanagement.com.au or calling 1300 357 246.