Discovering that your residence is infested with termites is extremely disheartening, as they can consume wooden and plant-based materials within your dwelling until nothing remains.
Given the potentially catastrophic consequences of a termite invasion, the most effective strategy for detecting these pests within your home is to hire a professional termite control specialist. A company specialising in termite control will have ample experience locating their presence within your residence. This blog presents vital guidelines for eradicating termites in Australia.
Signs of Termite Presence
Australian homes are susceptible to infiltration by diverse termite species. Identifying their presence within your residence is crucial for successful eradication.
Here are the most common signs of a termite infestation:
Mud Tubes:
Inspect the perimeter of your property, including the boundaries of exterior walls and posts. Termites typically construct mud tubes while consuming and burrowing through wooden structures. These tubes appear as narrow brown dirt or mud tracks extending along flat surfaces. Mud tubes protect termites from light exposure and larger predators such as ants or chickens.
Fallen Wings:
The presence of fallen wings near wooden structures in your home may indicate the presence of queen termites. Once mature termites find a suitable feeding location, they fly around window sills or doorways but shed their wings upon settling.
Signs of Wood Damage:
Have you noticed any unusual creaking sounds when walking on your floor? Perhaps you’ve tapped your walls and heard a hollow echo. Additionally, keep an eye out for signs of rot in your home’s foundations. If any of these apply, there’s a possibility of wood damage.
Droppings:
Termite droppings typically accumulate at the base of deteriorating wood. These droppings resemble coarse grains of brown sand, signifying the gradual degradation of your wood. They also indicate that termites have initiated the process of hollowing out the post or foundation.
How to Get Rid of Termites?
If you notice termites in your home, you must take immediate action for their removal. Hire a pest control specialist to ensure a safe and effective eradication process.
Here are the standard termite removal procedures:
Employ a Chemical Barrier Treatment for Termites
Chemical solutions have consistently proven to be the most efficient approach for eliminating them. Termidor, for instance, is a chemical treatment that effectively poisons termites upon ingestion, spreading the infection within the colony. Typically, Termidor is injected into the ground surrounding the house’s perimeter. Consulting a termite expert is essential to ensure the correct dosage of chemicals is applied. Additionally, termite specialists possess the expertise to administer chemicals for effective termite removal.
Implement a Baiting Approach
The baiting method is suitable for homes with raised foundations. Termite bait comprises solid extensions positioned at least 2-4 feet from the base of your home’s foundation. Depending on the number of foundations, multiple baits can be installed. While the baits do not actively attract termites, they serve as traps for any termites approaching your home’s foundation.
Do-It-Yourself Approaches to Prevent Termites
Here are some practical DIY tips to help prevent termite infestations. You can keep those pesky termites away by minimising the risk of infestation.
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Minimise Mulch Near Your Home:
Eliminating anything that attracts termites is a simple strategy to decrease the likelihood of infestation. Termites are particularly drawn to mulch, so it’s advisable to clear it from your immediate vicinity. If mulch is used in your garden beds, consider lowering your weep holes or slab edge to reduce the risk further.
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Sunlight:
Termites have an aversion to sunlight. Should you suspect termite infestation in your furniture, consider placing it outdoors for several hours. Exposure to sunlight and heat can deter termites. Alternatively, applying varnish to your furniture can be a preventive measure against future termite activity.
Final Thoughts
Eliminating termites can prove challenging, particularly in cases of severe infestation. When combating the issue alone, more than merely targeting a few termites is required. It’s essential to realise that extermination efforts must extend to locating and eradicating the entire colony, leaving no member behind.
A professional termite inspection can uncover hidden infestations within your home for years. Despite outward appearances, your residence may harbour significant damage unknown to the untrained eye.
Should you require a trustworthy termite inspection and removal services, do not hesitate to contact the termite control company – RD Facilities Management at 1800 507 552. Our experienced termite inspectors possess the expertise needed to promptly identify and address termite infestations in your home.
