For many homeowners, termites are a constant threat. Often described as the “silent destroyer”, termites can damage the foundations of your property, because they feed on cellulose-based plant materials. No matter how your home was constructed or what its age may be, if it is designed with wood-type materials, there is a big chance that termites may feed on shelves, furnishings and the property foundations. There are some things you can do to eliminate problems and prevent termites from using your home as a site for breeding. Read on to learn more.
Types of Termites
Before an infestation can be dealt with through organic or chemical methods, the company you hire will need to send a professional to your property so that an inspection can be carried out. This in-depth inspection will help the professional better understand what types of termites are infesting the home. Detritus feeders, they can tear apart strong pieces of wood-like material and even though they only measure a couple of millimetres, they can cause a lot of damage. What’s more, they breed very quickly, proving the importance of protecting your property from the minute you notice something is up.
Common types include:
- Drywood termite
- Dampwood termite
- Subterranean termite
- Formosan termite
- Conehead termite
If the infestation has reached the point of a colony forming, you will notice termites gathering around the windows and doors in your property. Infestations are common during spring, and termites with wings tend to be attracted to well-lit areas. Wood that sounds hollow when it is tapped may have been targeted by these annoying pests, so take this as a warning sign.
Preventative Measures
Aside from hiring help for pest management, there are some simple approaches you can take to keep termites away from the home. Although a constant threat, they will be less likely to invade the home if moisture problems are managed. Seal entry points, clean downspouts and gutters, transport water away from the foundation of the property, and arrange for regular roof inspections to stop water from accumulating. Termites will swarm to properties with good food sources too, so why not seal the outside vents with screens? You can also prevent infestations by checking wooden fences for signs of damage, keeping wood out of contact with the soil on your property grounds, and throwing away debris and wood stumps. For the last 15 years, RIP Integrated Pest Management Services Sydney has been assisting customers in protecting their property investments. To find out what pest control services are available, call 1300 668 303.
