Tips For Use
Protecting Your Home From Termite Attacks:
Termite Bait Stations should be placed around the entire perimeter of your home approximately every 3 metres to effectively reduce the risk of termite attack. Termite Bait Stations should be approx 60cm away from wall structures.
Termite Baits can also be placed in higher risk locations around your home such as:
- Termite Traps
- Air-Conditioning Unit
- Hot Water System
- Damp Areas
- Leaking Taps
- Garden Beds Against Your Home
- Retaining Walls
- Old Tree Stumps
- Back Shed
- Stored Timber
- Fence Posts
- Concrete Slabs
Termite Myths:
Termites are attracted to moisture: – True
Termites are attracted to moisture which creates a higher risk of termite infestation in damp areas.
Termites are unable to sustain exposure to sunlight: – True
This is true in most castes of termites. Termites will generally travel in ‘mud tubes’ to protect themselves from sunlight and predators. The term ‘White Ant’ has been used to describe termites as they lack the protective pigment which limits their ability to cope with exposure to sunlight.
My home insurance will cover termite damage: – False
Your home insurance will not cover you against termite damage-period. Australians spend billions of dollars on termite repairs every year, and none of it is covered by home insurance. Be aware! Termites are your responsibility. This is one of the termite myths which causes australian homeowners some of the most significant financial losses.
Termites don’t eat hardwood: – False
Many baiting systems use hardwood baits to lure in foraging termites.
Diesel or petrol will solve my termite problem: – False
Pouring diesel or petrol onto termites will only succeed in killing the contacted termites, whilst the remainder of the colony retreats from the area, making treatment almost impossible until the colony can be located in another location. Another one of those termite myths which has gained traction from many farmers on the land, however with the research the CSIRO has been able to do over a period of many years, we know that killing small amounts of termites with solvent or petroleum based products makes no impact on the health of an attacking termite colony.
Termites won’t eat treated timber: – False
Termites will consume treated timber under certain circumstances. Some timbers may not be fully treated right through its thickness, leaving the centre susceptible to termite infestation. Moisture is a significant problem in some treated timbers.
You don’t need termite inspections if you have a barrier: – False
Whether you live in a new house with a physical Barrier, or an existing house, or an existing house with a chemical Barrier, your quarterly, bi-annual or annual are a must to maintain any warranty. If you fail to have your recommended inspections, your warranty is likely to be invalid, and any termite damage will be your responsibility.
Termites won’t exist when black ants are around: – False
Some black ants will eat termites, however, termites build mud tubes to conceal their presence from predators and sunlight. Termites can co-exist without their presence being noticed by their enemies.
Termites only live in trees – False
Some species of termites live predominantly in trees, and are known as ‘arboreal’ termites. These nests are visible as a dark ‘lump’ or ‘growth’ on the branch of a tree, and can be found in parkland as well as suburbia. Many other species of termites build their nests in tree stumps or under patios, and can travel over a hundred metres in search of a suitable food source to feed the colony. These are known as ‘subterranean’ termites, and are generally the most harmful to man made structures. They are difficult to detect, and are not often located until extensive damage has been done.
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