TERMITES
Termites are social insects which construct elaborate nests in the soil whose structure enables them to maintain constant temperature and humidity within for the growth of Termitomyces fungi. Inside the nest there are different types of termites referred to as “castes”. Each caste has a different role in the nest. There are ‘worker’ and ‘soldier’ castes. There is also a king and queen termite whose role is reproduction. In some species there are multiple queens in a single nest. Termites gather dead plant material, generally in the form of wood, leaf litter, grass or animal dung which is returned to the nest to construct a carton on which the Termitomyces fungus is grown - this is their food source. Termites are major detritivores, particularly in the subtropical and tropical regions, and their recycling of wood and plant matter is of considerable ecological importance. Each year during the rains “flying ants” or “alates” are released in their thousands. These are future king and queen termites, which pair off, drop their wings and start new termite colonies.
How serious are Termites?
Very, termites can be devastating to your home or property. Termites are often called the “silent destroyer” because they may be living and thriving in your yard without any immediate signs of damage. If left unchecked, termites will seriously damage internal timbers such as flooring, skirting boards; they can cause cupboards and even roofing structures to collapse too. Unfortunately, all homes, regardless of their construction type, can provide cellulose for termites to harvest.
What are the signs of a Termite problem?
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Mud tubes on exterior walls, wooden beams or in crawl spaces.
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Raised mounds of soil with holes or soil ventilation chimneys emanating from it.
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A myriad of small holes in the lawn surrounded by soil workings.
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Dead patches in lawn during the winter months when the grass is dry interspersed with soil workings/holes.
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Wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
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A temporary swarm of “flying ants” in your home or from the soil around your home.
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Discarded wings from “flying ants”.
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Any cracked or bubbling paint or frass (termite droppings).
What we will do
We will send an expert to your property to assess the problem and provide you with a free quote. Under floor inspections (sprung flooring) will incur a service fee.
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The quotation will encompass the treatment of any nests, and any further remedial action required to exclude termites and the damage being caused.
What should you do?
Termite control should be carried out as an annual form of maintenance. We recommend annual checks for emergent termite nests. This is best done during the wet period of the year (Jan/Feb) as smaller nests are more apparent on the surface. If you notice any nests emerge during the course of the year, they should also be treated.
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If building a house you should termite proof the foundations prior to the throwing of your slab; this can provide your home with 10+ years protection if done correctly.