Tips to prevent termites invading your home
Termites are an ever-present issue for Australian homeowners. These tiny insects can silently affect incredible ruin to the woodwork and structure of buildings. Termites cause a massive $100,000,000 worth of damage to houses around Australia each year. So staying vigilant and carrying out these simple termite prevention measures could keep your home free from devastating termite destruction.
Keep loose timber away from the house
Firewood, tree cuttings, garden sleepers and untreated timber of any kind should be kept clear of your home, veranda, outdoor entertaining areas and shed. Having these items lying around your yard could attract termites, become a source of food for the insects and provide a potential nesting place.
Termites love broken drains and pipes
Termites are attracted to moist soil like the area's surrounding broken pipes and drains. Carry out pipe repairs as soon as you notice damp patches around a leak. Ensure your gutters, downpipes and stormwater drains are free from blockages to allow rain to run freely away from the house. Fix dripping garden taps and don't over-water your plants as continually wet garden beds will encourage termite infestation.
Clear weep holes
Even brick homes can be affected by termites as most have some timber framing or timber roof trusses and rafters. If your home is brick ensure the weep holes (small holes in the mortar between the bricks a few row's up from the base or slab of your home) are clear to allow water to escape from the wall cavity. Often dirt, mulch, garden beds or shrubs can block these holes keeping the brick-work moist and attractive to termites.
Avoid garden beds against the house
Building up garden beds directly around the outside of your home may look great but it also provides a great place for termites to take up residence. Keep a space between the external walls of your house and any gardens, dense tree or shrub foliage and other infrastructure to avoid giving termites easy access to the building. This also allows the area close to the house to dry out quickly preventing moisture build-up.
Grind tree stumps
We know, it's a nasty job and can cost a bit to remove tree stumps but compared with the cost of repairing your home from extensive termite damage, it's worth it. Termites love tree stumps.
Clear out under the house
Keep the space under the house free of debris and junk to steer clear of providing termites haven. This is not a great place to store unused timber, garden supplies and boxes.
Regular termite inspections
Pest control experts recommend yearly termite inspections to identify potential issues quickly and prevent damage from spreading. You can check for termite presence each time you are in the garden, watch for swarming termites, small mud tunnels near the foundations and sections of timber which appear soft and spongy or sound hollow.
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