As homeowners, we all share a common concern - the silent invaders that can wreak havoc on our homes without us even realizing it. Yes, we are talking about termites. These tiny, yet destructive pests can cause significant damage to our homes if left unchecked. That's why effective termite prevention is crucial in safeguarding our most valuable asset.
Understanding the Enemy: Termites
Termites are relentless creatures that work around the clock, feeding on cellulose materials found in wood and other plant-based products. They can enter your home through even the smallest cracks, making it challenging to detect their presence until it's too late.
Most termites prefer hardwood as their food source. Some clients mistakenly believe that having hardwood-built homes makes them safe from termite damage.
It is important to keep in mind that the majority of Australian native trees are hardwoods and serve as a natural food source for termites. Coptotermes spp. tend to hollow out living hardwood trees to create optimal nesting sites.
All Things Pest Control frequently see Hardwood constructed homes eaten out by Termites throughout the Mackay region.
This makes termite prevention all the more essential as home insurance will not cover Termite damage!
Protecting Your Home With Physical Termite Protection.
One of the most traditional methods of termite prevention is through physical barriers that are installed at the time of construction. These metal, concrete, stone or geotextile fibrous barriers form a physical barricade that forces termites into a more visible area.
These physical barriers do not prevent termites from getting into your home; instead, they redirect them to a more noticeable location for timely detection by an inspector.
In the past, physical termite control methods mainly focused on suspended floor structures such as houses on stumps.
Ant caps were commonly used on stumps and piers to prevent hidden termite entry. This capping guided termites out into the open as they tracked up piers and over the ant capping, making them visible during an inspection.
Unlike traditional ant capping, metal flashing barriers are utilized in cladding-framed, slab-on-ground construction types.
Steel mesh or Geotextile barriers such as Greenzone or Kordon are installed more commonly to block, brick veneer, slab on ground homes.
In order to effectively detect termites during regular inspections, these physical barriers need to have an exposed edge measuring at least 7.5cm.
If a clear visual is lacking, an alternative termite management strategy must be implemented to ensure proper termite protection in accordance with Australian Standards.
Physical systems are frequently compromised when homeowners lay turf, plant gardens, or install concrete paths or decking too close to their home, thus concealing the necessary 7.5cm edge required for a thorough visual inspection.
Loosing the visual to a slab edge allows termites to gain entry, consequently tracking right over the physical protection directly into your home.
PHOTO: The 'Termimesh' installed during construction has caused these Termites to create a 'bridge' over it.
If the Termimesh had not been in place, these termites would likely have gone unnoticed to the untrained eye. Traveling via hairline cracks within the mortar hidden inside wall voids, gradually making their way to wet areas such as bathrooms or kitchen cabinets & framing.
Back up Your Physical Protection with A Chemical Termite Barrier.
Chemical barriers play a vital role in termite management by establishing a protective shield around your premises.
'Repellent' treatments discourage termites, whereas 'non-repellent' treatments quietly eliminate them. These chemical barriers complement physical termite barriers, facilitating the eradication of termites in the vicinity.
Chemical Termite Management systems are installed around a homes footing, under ground. If the property is on stumps, the soil around the stumps are treated.
Today, a complete chemical barrier can last up to eight years.
Certain chemical solutions have a shorter lifespan. The duration of effectiveness is influenced by the chemical used, the application method on the soil, and any applicable treatment restrictions.
Properties that have concrete patios or paths abutting the external perimeter are drilled. The hole spacing varies depending on chemical used or structural and environmental factors.
The chemical is injected beneath the slab and the holes are finished with a colour matched mortar or plugs.
Concrete areas inside the home may need to be drilled, and injected to ensure that all possible entry points are covered.
If slab additions have been made and built over (such as when a downstairs area that has been closed in), these slab joins need to be protected. The same goes for garage slabs that were poured after the main house slab. Walls that are built over or alongside these unprotected joins are hidden termite entry points.
Not covering these areas results in a Termite Barrier that is not to Australian Standards i.e. Non compliant. Therefore only providing a limited warranty if any at all.
Time and time again, we see non compliant Termite Barriers throughout our region.
This usually stems from out of town installers lack of education and understanding of compliance, taking shortcuts or sadly, misinformed clients chasing the cheapest installation price.
All Things Pest Control's Termite Management Systems utilise a high quality Non-Repellent product (Fipronil) which gives an 8 year chemical life expectancy.
The Hybrid Approach to Termite Prevention
To achieve comprehensive termite protection, a hybrid approach combining both physical and chemical methods is often strongly recommended in a high termite risk area like Mackay.
Chemical barriers work hand in hand with a homes physical termite protection. A mix of physical and chemical protection provides optimal benefits, balancing advantages and drawbacks effectively.
Chemical barriers eliminate termites upon contact, and when a 'non repellent' chemical such as Fipronil is used, the termites can't detect it and avoid it like they do with 'repellent' treatments. This means they can potentially transfer the chemical to the entire colony when colonies are located close by, resulting in their demise.
This is ideal for keeping the nearby termite population under control and taking the termite pressure off your home.
In contrast, pre-construction physical barriers are long-term solutions designed to prevent termites physically entering the home - but doesn't kill them. Meaning local populations nearby can build up over time putting pressure on the physical barrier.
To keep your property safe, use both Physical & Chemical protection methods for the best protection against termite attack.
Conclusion
When it comes to safeguarding your home from termite damage, prevention is always better than cure. By investing in effective termite prevention methods such as physical and chemical management systems, you can provide your biggest asset with the protection it deserves.
Remember, confidence in your termite prevention measures is the key to keeping these destructive pests at bay. As is the importance of having an annual Termite Inspection to ensure your prevention methods are being maintained correctly.
Don't let termites take control of your home - give the friendly team at All Things Pest Control a call today to discuss your Termite prevention options.
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