Preventing Termites

Termites are a huge problem in Australia. In fact, about one in five homes in Australia have termite damage. That makes preventing termites one of the top things you can do to protect your home. Use these termite protection basics to help reduce the chances that your home will be next.

Remember that all houses are vulnerable to termites. Many Australian builders use steel or cement to provide “termite proof” housing. While it is true that termites cannot eat steel or cement, keeping you safe from structural damage, they can still do a bunch of damage in your home. Termites also eat cotton, wallpaper glue, paper, cardboard, plasterboard, timber paneling, cotton clothing, cellophane, pressed wood pulp furniture, and natural fibre carpets. Even steel or cardboard framed homes usually have cellulose-containing items, such as window and door frames, cabinetry, flooring, etc.

Reconsider your landscaping. We all want gorgeous landscaping around our homes. However, you want to leave a gap between your landscaping and your home. Leave at least 1 metre of space between your home and trees, shrubs, or plants. Do not use wood chip, mulch, or untreated garden timber borders next to the house. If you love the look of mulch flower beds next to the house, consider alternatives like recycled rubber chips or pebbles that provide the look of mulch without giving termites a food source. If you use wood in your borders, choose treated timber, or choose masonry, rock, or brick.

Look for moisture. Just like all other animals, termites need water to survive. Make sure that your yard is properly graded, so that water does not sit against your home, but instead flows away from it. You also want to make sure that you do not have any external water sources. Most people check for leaking pipes or drains, but you also need to check your AC drains, gutters, and garden hoses.

Keep your home clear of debris. If you are tackling a DIY project, it is tempting to stack things against the house to keep them out of the way. However, anything touching your house can act as a bridge for termites. These bridges can defeat the built-in perimeter termite protection in many homes. So, avoid stacking things against your home, even for short periods of time. Inside your room, be especially vigilant about storage areas. If you cannot visually inspect an area, it can be more difficult to see if termites have invaded.

Get regular inspections. One of the most effective preventing termites is to get regular termite inspections. Flick offers several different packages that include termite inspection services. Contact us to help find the right one for you.