Termite Dos and Don’ts

What issues do termites create?

It is impossible to overstate how big of a threat termites are in Australia. They cause billions in damage each year. Estimates vary, but some studies suggest that as many as 1 in 3 properties in Australia have some termite activity each year. Because of the damage that they do, they can be thought of as the most serious pest problem we have in Australia.

It is always easier to prevent pests than it is to get rid of them. This is especially true for termites. Once they get in your home, they are difficult to detect. They eat wood from the inside out, which means much of their damage is hidden. Plus, they can enter your home through small spaces like cracks in the foundation, cracks in brick or mortar, or any place where the wood contacts the ground or any exterior wood, like shrubs or trees. Even if you have a built-in barrier system, if anything you do creates a “bridge” between infested areas and your home, termites can get into your wood.

Here are some things you can do to help keep your home free from termites.

Do keep your gutters clean. Debris in your gutters can provide habitats for termites.

Do keep wood, mulch, and debris away from your home. Mulch in flower beds should be a few inches from the foundation of your home.

Do keep your bushes, vegetation, and trees trimmed. Do not let them touch your house, because that provides a “bridge” into the house.

Do remove dead trees and bushes from the yard.

Do get to know the signs of termite infestation and call a pest control company as soon as you notice any signs of termites. Consider getting yearly termite inspections just to make sure your property is termite-free.

Here are some things you should not do to help keep your home free from termites.

Don’t provide a water supply for termites. Repair any leaky water lines and taps so that termites do not have a source of water.

Don’t store building supplies like timber, cardboard, or paper against the house. Even short-term storage during a building project is enough to allow termites into your home.

Don’t store firewood next to your house. If you have outside firewood storage, make sure that it is at a distance from your home. Also regularly inspect it for evidence of termites.

Don’t place your garden beds against the house. You want to keep mulch and garden dirt from touching the foundation of your home.

Don’t leave timber or other debris in your yard. Any type of debris can provide hiding spaces for termites and other pests. Even more important, timber provides a food source, keeping termites in your yard.

Contact Flick today to find out more on termite protection.