Termites (particularly subterranean) are more common and prevalent than you may think. In fact, recent data suggests that approximately one in five Australian homes fall victim to infestation from these cunning and crafty pests. In most cases, residents are unaware of the infestation until it becomes widespread.
To ensure that you stay vigilant and pest free, we have compiled a simple list of termite control techniques that are known to work and hopefully, keep you away from any vermin concerns.
1. Know the Warning Signs
Before you rush out and blindly inspect every inch of the house, knowing where to look and what to look for are by far the most crucial elements of prevention. Common warning signs you can look out for include:
- Damaged or hollowed out wood
- Strange clicking noises
- Mud tunnels
- Property damage (walls, ceilings, and floors)
- Termite excrement or discarded insect wings
- Garden holes or rotting wood
Of course, the most obvious warning sign is the appearance of termites in plain view. This may be less likely as termites are incredibly tricky customers that know how to remain hidden.
2. Early Action
Whether you spot a single warning sign or multiple indications of termite activity, one rule of prevention always remains the same – act early. Ignoring the issue can lead to serious property damage and threaten the safety level of your home or business.
While some DIY treatments are effective at the early stage of detection, the most appropriate course of action involves assistance from trained termite control professionals. Preventative measures, rather than full-blown fumigation, will also save you a significant amount on labor costs.
3. Gardening and Landscaping Prevention
One of the most common origin sites for household termites are trees, bushes, and overgrown vegetation. Termite colonies are known to initiate their movement from these areas before moving into the home.
Trimming/pruning overgrown bushes and branches is, therefore, a simple counter measure you can use to prevent the spread. A trained termite control team will also perform this process. While getting a contractor down to inspect your garden seems like a minor hassle, it saves you considerable time and money down the line.
4. Address Moisture Issues
Termites are instinctively drawn to moist spaces. Even if you do not reside in a humid climate, wet areas around the home are paradise for these subterranean vermin. As soft and rotting wood is the termite’s favorite diet, you must identify and address any moisture issues early before the timber is ruined.
Moisture build-up commonly arises from leaking pipes, leaking air conditioner systems, ceiling/roof damage and excess water in the bathroom. This is another area that you can look for before turning to professional termite control.
5. Clean Your Gutters
Following on from our previous point, termites love to nestle into the soft, moist wood around clogged gutters. When gutters become clogged with leaves, debris, and dirt, this invariably leads to a build-up of water, particularly during Autumn and Winter.
If a wet and moist area exists anywhere in your property, termites, bees, ants, and other insects are sure to find it. The longer you leave clogged gutters unattended, the more likely you are to require full scale pest/termite control services. Additionally, the structural integrity of your roof is also likely to become compromised.
6. Enlist Professional Termite Control
When it comes to insects, pests and vermin, there is no shame in taking the safe precautionary route. One of the most effective prevention methods is to reach out to a pest control company as soon as your concern first arises. A termite control team utilizes targeted techniques, treatments, and products to address the very source of the infestation.
This next point is critical – While DIY products are effective in certain instances, they often contain dangerous chemicals that can be harmful to the health of your occupants, pets and plant life. This is one of the reasons why pest/termite control staff are fitted out in purpose-made protective workwear.
Get a Free Quote
If you strongly suspect termite activity, you can always contact a pest control company for a free quote. Remember, termites make for terrible house guests, so look out for the warning signs, act early, and arrange a quote for professional termite control.
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