Is Termite Damage Common in Australia?
It’s estimated that termite damage affects one out of three to five homes in Australia. This means the total number of homes infested by termites could easily reach to hundreds of thousands (and millions of dollars worth of structural damages). With these numbers and money, it becomes important to us to protect our homes and buildings from these pests.
About termite infestation and damage
The damages being caused by termites are usually extensive and expensive. That’s because each colony can have as many as one million termites. This is especially the case with the Coptotermes termite species where they build nests in trees, stumps, wall cavities, under concrete floors and other areas.
Termites are actually useful and important in natural ecosystems. They break down the material in dead trees and the resulting organic matter can then be utilised by other organisms (or the nutrients can go back to the soil for plant use). However, termites in our homes and buildings can result in expensive damages. We want to prevent the infestation early on or make sure that a property is not suffering from termite damage before we buy it.
When it comes to termite prevention, usually it’s now being incorporated into the construction of new and existing buildings here in Australia (as stated in the National Construction Code). This prevention often includes installing physical or chemical barriers (usually a combination of both). The goal is to prevent termites from entering the premises through the installation of physical barriers (e.g. metal shiels, steel mesh) and/or chemical barriers (environment-friendly solutions are available).
When it comes to pest treatment in existing infestations, it starts with the detailed inspection of the internal, external and subfloor areas as well as roof voids. Visual and borescope inspection and thermal imaging might be used to confirm the presence of termites as well as the extent of infestation. Once it’s confirmed, an appropriate treatment will be applied which usually includes the use of chemicals and baiting systems.
Whether it’s about treatment or prevention, it’s crucial to act quickly so that you can minimise the structural damages and prevent high repair expenses later on. If you’re concerned about termites, you can contact us today and we’ll schedule a detailed inspection of your home or building.