10 JULY 2023
According to the CSIRO, up to one in three homes in Australia will be affected by termites at some point. Our local climate, with its warm and humid conditions, provides an ideal environment for termites to thrive.
Causes of termite infestations
Termites are attracted to wood and moisture, so any property with a timber structure could be at risk. Poor drainage, leaky pipes, and overgrown vegetation near the home can also contribute to termite infestations. These things are controllable, so as a homeowner you should be extra diligent with up keeping the maintenance.
Signs of termite infestations
Termite infestations can be difficult to detect, as they often occur in hidden areas of the home. However, some signs of termite infestation include:
Hollow-sounding wood or wood that sounds "thick" when tapped
Cracked or distorted paint on wood surfaces
Discarded wings near windows, doors, or other entry points
Mud tubes on exterior walls, wooden beams, or in crawl spaces
Termite droppings that resemble sawdust or coffee grounds
If you suspect you have termites, call a licensed pest control professional to conduct a thorough inspection urgently.
Treatments for termite infestations
As an agent, I often hear homeowner’s say “I get a termite spray every year”. When in actual fact a pest controller has been in
to spray for spiders and cockroaches which has no impact on termites and provides zero protection.
What they really need is a professional who comes in and looks for termites specifically. Hopefully they won’t find anything. But if they do, there are treatment options available.
Baiting systems seem to be the most popular option. This involves placing bait stations around the property that contain a slow- acting toxin that termites will carry back to their colony. Over time, the toxin will spread throughout the colony and kill the entire termite population.
Impact of termites on property values
Termite infestations can have a significant impact on house prices, particularly if the infestation has caused structural damage. Repairs can be very costly, and in more severe cases, parts of the home may even need to be rebuilt.
Even if there is no current termite activity, old termite damage is often enough to turn a potential buyer cold.
If you have a home in Australia, you’d be crazy not to get regular termite checks, especially if you have a soft timber framed house, live near bushland or have found previous termite damage. For a few hundred dollars, at the very least you will get some piece of mind.
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