Finding termites in your home is a common but very serious problem in Australia, and knowing how to get rid of them properly is vital if you don’t want them to cause a mass of damage and expense to your property. If you think you have found termites, DO NOT disturb them—call a professional pest controller and get some expert advice first. Termite colonies can house a million or more termites, and all those hungry mouths will devour wood and other cellulose-containing materials like cardboard and paper. The damage can be devastating.
Know What To Look For
There are two main types of termites that infest homes: subterranean and drywood termites. The most common—and destructive—are the subterranean termites that live in soil and build mud tubes to travel to food sources. They build these protective mud tunnels from soil and saliva, which are often seen around windows and doors, and are a common sign of infestation. Termite droppings are often seen near mud tubes and look like sawdust.
Drywood termites live in wood and don’t build mud tubes, but can still cause significant damage. Look out for any damaged wood or timber, and if it sounds hollow when you knock on it, it could be a sign of termites.
Call In The Pros
In order to successfully treat termite infestations, you need to identify the specific type of termite causing the issue so that the most suitable treatments can be used. Knowing and understanding the habits and natural foraging behaviours of these pests is what experts do best. A simple spray bought from the local shop will not do the job. You may kill hundreds—or even thousands—of termites in one go, but the tens of thousands of others will simply move away and continue to devastate your property.
Different treatments include bait stations that are consumed and shared with the colony over time, liquid treatments that are applied along the foundation of the property, and fumigation, which is especially effective for drywood termites.
What If You Find Termite-Infested Wood On Your Property…
Firewood can act as a bridge for termites to access your home, especially if the pile is touching your property. Always store firewood at least a few feet away from the foundation of your property. Try to store wood in an elevated position off the ground to keep it drier and away from other potential cellulose sources.
If you suspect any piece of wood is infested, move it away from other wood and off the ground—termites die when they lose contact with their colony and moisture from the ground. If possible, burn the infested wood in an outdoor fire pit, as long as the wood hasn’t been treated with insecticides (which can produce toxic fumes).
If you suspect a termite infestation, always call a pro for the best advice.
