Why call a professional Pest Controller?

TERMITES!

By Chris Nelson
Business Development Manager
Accurate Pest Management

 

Why did the termite eat a sofa and two chairs? It had a suite tooth

Jokes aside, I think we all have had a crack at the good old DIY pest control measures, a spray here and there, I was once told to keep the termites away, soak your sleepers with old oil! (I am guilty of that one). However, when you are putting your house at risk, it is worth the money to protect the biggest investment you will ever make.   So, what are termites? Termites are often referred to as white ants; termites are insects, which devour wood and most cellulose containing materials like cardboard, paper, etc. Termites vary in colour, shape, and size depending upon the species but they are all characterised by certain similarities. Termites fall under the order Isoptera and are closely related to cockroaches. Despite their name white ant, they bear no relation to the ant family and wreak havoc on a majority of Australian homes. The key to lowering the cost of termite-related repairs is to conduct frequent termite inspections in order to detect problems early.   Termite colonies can contain up to several million termites. The insects in each colony are divided into castes, which determine their activities. Termites in the worker caste are responsible for digging tunnels and ensuring food supply. Soldiers prevent intruders from harming the colony, while reproductive termites' or alates' main job is to perpetuate the species through an annual colonising flight. Soldier and worker termites are unable to reproduce.

Subterranean termites or "white-ants" are a highly destructive timber pest, causing major structural timber damage to domestic and commercial buildings in Queensland.

A major economic pest: Recent industry surveys suggest about one third of all unprotected properties in Queensland are subject to attack by subterranean termites. 

Most homes are at risk in Queensland in built-up urban areas, especially if well established gum trees are nearby the building - within a 100 metre radius.

Other important factors promoting termite colony development include automatic watering systems, landscaping and maintenance that encourage termite activity and inappropriate building design that allow hidden termite entry into a building.

 

DESTRUCTIVE TERMITE RISK ASSESSMENT *

 

* Based upon CSIRO data and APCA national survey

 

 

 

 

A well-established termite colony will consume a square meter of wood per month.

Termites cause more damage to homes in Australia than fire, floods and storms combined.

Termites occur throughout Queensland, with a high incidence of attack invirtually all-urban areas.

 

 

In January 2001, legislation was brought in, that all new constructed homes have a physical termite management system installed during construction before the homeowner can take ownership.

That leaves a lot of homes on the Sunshine Coast without a physical termite management system or very little protection from termites.

Just ask Mark Hayman, 2^nd generation Pest Controller and owner of Accurate Pest Management in Maroochydore.

‘The one thing that most people are unaware of, is that your home is not INSURED against Termites”, yes, that’s right not covered by insurance. 

The best way to make sure you are covered against these hungry critters is to make sure you have an annual Termite Inspection.  The technician will then be able to inform you if you have any activity in and around your home and offer their best advise.  If you have any termite activity our technicians carry the necessary chemicals to treat the infected area straight away, or they may recommend you need a termite management system to protect your home.

If you discover termites at your property, contact us as quickly as possible and try not to disturb the area, until the technician has arrived and inspected the infestation for treatment.

Here are some tips that may help:

Some things to do around your home, to keep the termites at bay is, don’t leave tree stumps unattended, (once again, I am guilty of doing that and had to get it treated, as it was infested with termites).

Leaving materials and woodpiles stacked up against the home, adding concrete or new plants around the home, even a dog digging up the garden can compromise a termite barrier.

If you need or want any advise and would like to book in a Termite Inspection?

Please call Accurate Pest Management on 1300 787 415 or go to our website www.accurate-pest.com.au