Termite
Information
& FAQ
What are Termites?
Termites are small, often invisible insects that can wreak havoc on your home and health. Shockingly, 1 in 3 properties in Australia will be affected by termites at some point in their lifetime, causing more damage than fires, storms, and floods combined. Unfortunately, termite damage is not covered by most home insurance policies, leaving many with damaged properties and no help. The subterranean termite is the most destructive species, capable of burrowing tunnels up to 100m long. To protect your home, it's crucial to have an annual timber pest inspection and regular treatments. Termites are often called White Ants, but this is a misnomer. Despite their similar appearance and white colour, termites are not related to ants. Different termite species vary in colour, shape, and size, but they share certain characteristics.
It's important to be aware of the signs of termite infestation as they are notorious for their destructive feeding habits. Look out for indicators such as timber walls sounding hollow when tapped, sagging doors and floors, and cracked plaster and paint. Other signs may include the presence of discarded wings, mud tubes on exterior walls, or piles of termite droppings, also known as frass. By catching the signs early, you can prevent costly repairs and structural damage to your home.
Termite Identifier:
Worker Termite
Soldier Termite
Termite Prevention:
To protect your home and property from potential termite attacks, it's crucial to take preventative measures. One effective measure is to have a termite barrier in place, which can be a physical chemical barrier. The Bug Specialist offers multiple termite barrier options, such as Termguard and Granitgard, and our specialists can recommend the best solution for your building.
Annual termite inspections by our qualified pest control technicians are also essential to detect any early signs of termite activity and prevent infestations. To significantly reduce the risk of termite infestations and protect your home and property from costly damage, it's important to implement these preventative measures.
Termite FAQ:
Can termites and white ants be considered as the same thing?
Termites are a type of insect that come in many species and are commonly referred to as white ants due to their appearance, even though the correct term is termite. Despite their resemblance to ants and their milky white color, termites are actually more closely related to cockroaches than ants from an evolutionary perspective.
how big are termite colonies?
Termites live in colonies and are social insects. Subterranean termite colonies can have millions of termites, divided into castes that determine their roles. Workers dig tunnels and provide food, soldiers protect the colony, and reproductive termites start new colonies through annual swarming. Termites are active all year round, 24/7.
What signs do i look for if i suspect infestation?
You may discover signs of a termite infestation in various areas of your property, including sub floors, roof voids, gardens, and around the structure of your home.
These signs may include:
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Termite shelter tubes and tunnels
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Sagging floors or hollow wood
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Blow holes in trees and tree nests
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Termite frass (tiny pellets) that can be found at termite entry points
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Earthen packing on the surface of foundation walls or joints in your property structure
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What do termites eat?
Termites have a diet that includes wood and cellulose found in paper and timber-based products. They tend to eat the timber from the inside, leaving a paper-thin shell on the outside appears mottled or wrinkled and often stained with spots of mud. In residential properties, termites may infest finished timbers such as door frames, skirting boards, architraves, subfloor timbers, and framing.
How long does a termite treatment last for?
After conducting a termite treatment on your home, the effectiveness of the treatment can last for several years, depending on the method and formulations used. The residual life of the formulation in the soil is also a factor, which can vary based on the amount of moisture and soil type. It is recommended to have annual inspections to ensure continued protection.