What are termites?
Termites are small ant-like insects that live in underground colonies of up to 7 million pests. Although some species are white or cream in colour (thus the common name White Ants) they can also be black or brown.
How common are termites?
Termites are very common and are increasing in most states of Australia (especially areas with a warm, humid climate). According to the CSIRO one in three homes will get termites and to keep your home safe from termites you should have a professional termite inspection every 6-12 months.
How much damage can termites do?
Termites are veracious eaters and travel up to 100 metres from their colony to find food. They eat 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can live for 15 years. Each year termites infest more than 150,000 Australian homes and buildings and cause millions dollars in damage damage. A large termite colony can demolish an entire home in less than 2 years.
How do I know I have termites?
The only sure way to know your home is safe is to follow the CSIRO’s recommendation and have a professional termite inspection every 6-12 months. In the meantime, if you notice rotting timber around doorways or the base of your walls, see spotting (small dots) on your walls or mud trails in or around your house, or suddenly notice a swarm of winged ants… you may have termites. Take action immediately. Termites can demolish an entire house in less than 2 years. Call the professionals on 1300 270 019.
What should I do if I think I have termites?
Don’t spray them, destroy their mud trails, bang on the walls or disturb them in any way. This could cause them to retreat into their tunnels making them harder to treat. Call us on 1300 270 019 or click here to book a comprehensive termite inspection.
If my neighbour has termites will I get them too?
According to the CSIRO you are very likely to get termites at some stage. In fact, one in three Australian homes gets termites. Termites travel up to 100 metres from their nest to find a source of food. Look around you – if there is another house within 100 metres of your home, you could be vulnerable. The only way to be sure your home is protected is to have a comprehensive termite inspection and preventative treatment.
How do I tell the difference between termites and ants?
The short answer: Don’t take any risks – get advice from a professional. In the meantime, ants have a narrow or pinched waist and termites have a more evenly shaped body. Depending on the type of termite (and the stage of life) they may also have wings. If you spot a line of ‘winged ants’ it could be a group of termites looking to form a new colony.
Can a new house get termites?
Yes. And if you don’t have yearly termite inspections you may void the warranty with your builder and be left with a costly repair bill. The only way you can be sure your home is protected from termites is to have regular, professional inspections and install a preventative treatment. Find out more or call 1300 270 019.
I have garden beds next to my house – does that mean I’m more likely to get termites?
Termites can only live in a dark, moist environment of constant temperature. That’s why they build mud trails when they travel above the ground. A garden bed with lots of mulch is a perfect place for termites to build tunnels. But even if you don’t have garden beds against your house termites can easily travel deep underground. The only sure protection is a preventative treatment like a chemical barrier or baiting system. Find out more or call 1300 270 019.
Didn’t find an answer to your question? Call the termite control specialists on 1300 270 019 and remember if you see termites DO NOT disturb them.
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