Termites are small insects, measuring anywhere between 4mm to 35mm. Considered one of the greatest destructive pests to timber structures and buildings, termites are a very serious and common problem among all Australian properties. Termites devour wood and most cellulose-containing materials like cardboard, paper, etc. If you think you have termites, it’s important to know how to get rid of them in order to take action quickly and prevent further damage.
Identifying the Type of Termites
The first step to get rid of termites is to identify the type of termites you have. There are two main types of termites that infest homes: subterranean termites and drywood termites.
Subterranean termites live in the soil and build mud tubes to travel to food sources. They are the most destructive type of termite in Australia.
Drywood termites live in wood and do not build mud tubes. They are less common than subterranean termites, but they can still cause significant damage.
If you have found termites, DO NOT disturb them. Call 13 14 40 immediately to speak to an expert.
Inspecting Your Home for Signs of Termites
Once you know what type of termites you have, you can start inspecting your home for signs of infestation. Look for the following signs:
- Mud tubes: Mud tubes are a common sign of a termite infestation. They are made of soil and saliva, and they can be found in a variety of places, such as around windows and doors, under foundations, and in crawl spaces. It’s a tunnel they build to protect themselves from the outside environment.
- Termite droppings: Termite droppings look like sawdust and are often found near mud tubes.
- Damaged wood: Termites eat wood, so if you see any damaged wood or the timber structure or even furniture of your home is hollow when you knock on it, it’s a sign that you may have termites.
Calling a Pest Control Professional
If you see any signs of termites, it’s important to call a pest control professional for your termite treatment. They can inspect your home and determine the extent of the infestation. They will also be able to recommend the best treatment option for your home. Killing termites is not as simple as a DIY termite treatment. Our technicians are licsensed in timber pest identification and treatment.
Treating Termites
There are a few different ways a pest control professional will treat termites. The most common methods are:
- Termite baits: Termite baits are a slow-kill method that uses a pesticide to attract and kill termites.
- Termite fumigation: Termite fumigation is a fast-kill method that uses a gas to kill termites.
- Liquid termiticide: Liquid termiticide is a type of pesticide that is injected into the soil around your home. This method is effective for treating subterranean termites.
Preventing Future Infestations
Once the termite treatment is complete, it’s important to take steps to prevent future infestations. Here are some tips:
- Keep your home clean and free of debris.
- Seal up any cracks or holes in your home’s foundation.
- Book an annual termite inspection to inspect your home for signs of termites.
- Install a Flick Termite Management system to reduce the risk of termites entering and causing irreparable damage to your home.
We have over 100 years of experience in servicing Australian homes and businesses! So, leave the termite treatment to the professionals, and contact Flick Pest Control today for a termite inspection.
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