Termite Frequently Asked Questions

Q What is a termite?

Answer:Termites are small, pale brown to brownish black in colour, insects that feed on wood.

Q Are white ants the same as termites?

Answer: Yes. The term "white ant" is a commonly used term for termites. However termites are not ants - they are actually distantly related to cockroaches.

Q What do I do if I find live termites?

Answer: Stop whatever it was that you were doing that lead you to find termites Do not disturb the termites or spray with insecticide. Termites need to be identified for proper treatment by a termite specialist. You cannot control termites by pulling out the effected timber and spraying the area.

Q What does termite damage look like?

Answer: Termites eat timber and paper products. They eat the timber from the inside out and create a paper-thin veneer on the surface, causing the timber to appear crinkled, wrinkled and often spotted with mud. In a home termites can be found infesting finished timbers (skirting boards, door frames, architraves etc), framing and subfloor timbers.

Q Termites won´t attack a new house, will they?

Answer: Unfortunately, they have been known to... sometimes within days of completion.

Q My home is on a concrete slab so doesn´t this mean I won´t get termites?

Answer: This is a common misconception. Termites readily penetrate concrete slab floors through gaps such as expansion joints and cracks and also alongside service penetrations such as pipes, drains, electrics etc.

Termites can also gain entry over the outside edge of the slab floor, sometimes by building mud shelter tubes that protect termites from the elements.

This form of construction is one of the highest risk types in terms of termite attack.

Q If I have a full brick home, does that mean I don´t have to worry about termites?

Answer: No. The roof structure in a full brick home is supported by timber framing and termites can gain access by traveling inside the cavity walls. Also, where this type of home has a suspended timber floor, termites can severely damage the flooring and supporting bearers and joists. Termites will eat built in wardrobes, timber fittings in bathrooms ' kitchens, as well doors, door framings, window frames and skirting boards.

Q Are there termite species which do not damage timber in buildings?

Answer: Yes, that´s why it is essential to have an accurate identification so that control options can be evaluated and carefully chosen specifically according to the particular species of termite.

Q How can I protect my home against termites?

Answer: For existing homes regular Timber Pest Inspections are essential. Advice on the status of termite management at the property will be provided by the PestCare technician in the report provided on the Timber Pest Inspection.

It is essential that current a termite management system is in place at all times. When building or renovating use construction techniques that isolate the timber components of the house from contact with the soil. This can be achieved by installing physical barriers or treated zones. Design features may also be incorporated to assist in preventing termites from invading the building.

• Always ensure that a visual inspection zone is maintained around the building; allow space when installing rain water tanks and other solid structures.
  
  
• Keep garden beds at least 300mm away from external walls ' trim foliage.
  
  
• Never build up soil, make compost heaps, stack timber or other materials against the exterior of the building.
  
  
• Ensure that good drainage ' air flow are present so that there are no areas of dampness or accumulated water around your home.