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SUBTERRANIAN TERMITES
Subterranian Termites are one thing we don’t have a problem with in the UK but termites are a must to watch over here in Perth and the rest of Australia.
In fact the Australian Standards stipulate that buildings be inspected for termites every 12 months. And there is a very good reason for that……
Termites are known through out WA as highly destructive timber pest, and can cause major structural timber damage to your home if left untreated. In fact termites cause more damage to homes in Australia than fire, floods, storms and tempest, combined.
Only a few of the more than 300 species found in Australia are responsible for causing extensive damage to sound timber.These species of subterranian termite are known as the Coptotermes frenchi (most important) and Nasutitermes exitiosus.
OK, OK I can hear you asking what do subterranian termites look like? Well they are often (although incorrectly) referred to as white ants and are similar in size to ordinary black ants. The workers are known as soldiers and they have soft whitish bodies, are wingless, sterile and blind. However, the reproductive stage is winged with compound eyes and can fly and make their nests in favourable places. Places such as old railway sleepers or thick layers of wood chips (at least 15 cm deep). Subterranian termites can even establish new nests in a damp area in the house, such as a shower recess or where the hot water system has leaked. This is because they survive where water is readily available
So how do you know you have an infestation of subterranian termites? Termites are prone to desiccation and they construct a system of sealed leads made out of excretions from the anus. This allows them to move from the nest to the food sources and back in an environment that protects them form atmospheric conditions. You are likely, to see the mud tracks they leave or timber damage made by the termite first.
Tree stump which has been eaten away by termites
Now the reason you have an annual inspection of your home is because they are known to destroy the wall and roofing timbers of homes if left untreated for long enough. In the Northern Territory termites have been known to destroy the wall and roofing timbers of a home within 3 months of construction. And the damage will not be covered by your home insurance .
Down here in Perth though that’s not the case so don’t be led into believing that it is. If you have a regular termite inspection once every 12 months that will be plenty of time to identify and treat any termite infestation.
The recommended annual inspection should be sufficient to keep your termites at bay. Of course it makes sense to be sensible and your termite inspector will highlight in his report to you any changes you may need to make to keep the termites at bay. It would be unwise for example to stack large timber next to the house or to a fence if it is likely to contain termites. Only chopped firewood should be stacked so that termites, if present, will soon dry out.
Oh and a Word of Warning, it: requires expert skill and judgement to identify and treat a termite invasion. Do NOT attempt do-it-yourself termite control.....
leave it to the experts
They have professional training and extensive field-work experience in termite control in a wide variety of circumstances.
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