Termite Control Sydney

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Termites are attracted to wood, so remove potential termite food away from buildings – their food can include timber stacks, old stumps, building refuse, garden decoration such as sleepers and logs

Waste timber from construction activities is often left in place or stored under the house – remove all timber formwork

Timber can be treated to prevent termite attack, and some timbers are naturally resistant – use treated or naturally resistant timber when it is in contact with, or close to, soil. If you think that some of your timber needs to be treated, organize one of our termite inspections for peace of mind.

Termites and water go hand in hand, without it they can’t survive. Fixing water pipes that leak and draining pools of water near structures will help eliminate local colonies. Termites love humid environments, so make sure that sub-floor ventilation is adequate and minimise water retention and improve drainage in this area.

It is well known that white-ants (termites) can’t chew through concrete, but enter through cracks so make sure that the concrete slab is compacted, and properly cured. Another fact is that termite colonies can sometimes be located within 100 metres of building structures. Colony detection and elimination is the best way to protect your home from infestation.

Regular termite inspections are the most important part of controlling termites before they do any damage like in the video below.

Termite Control Sydney – How To Get Rid of Termites

In Sydney, Australia, arrange regular inspections for more effective termites control – at least once a year in cooler areas and twice a year in warmer areas. I remember years ago before I even started in the pest control industry, finding termites in my own back yard. I was alarmed, and then quite angry that termites had been chewing on my back yard fence-line. A bush had overgrown over the fence and had provided what was an excellent environment for white ants (another name for the critters!). They had a shady, wet, secret undisturbed area where could munch away on my fences.

In a rage I ripped away the bush looking for the mongrels that were costing me my hard earned money. Lucky for me they had only started foraging and once disturbed went back to my (unlucky) neighbours home. I ended up getting a termite inspection from a local firm, which found no termite activity in any area of my property. They never returned until some 12 months later. Thankfully I had already sold my home and moved away. My old neighbours said that the new owner found them returned under a verandah, and it apparently cost them over $4,000 for the treatment.

Especially now that it’s warming up home owners should be aware of the importance of termite and pest control.

Even though control of termites can be tricky, I learned from this that changing the environment can make a big difference to keeping termites at bay. IT’s very important to know the basics about how to control termites.

Types of termites:

• Damp wood termites rarely cause trouble and damage to peoples property however, if a timber structure like fencing, decking or even internal timbers has issues with decay due to exposure to weather and moisture, dampwood termites can damage said timbers and even affect surrounding timbers in close proximity.
• Damp wood termites do not have large subterranean galleries and in most cases dont even require contact with soil like other species.
• They also don’t have a large central colony. Rather, they nest in wood or timbers in smaller groups numbering only in the hundreds.
• Some damp wood species include: Porotermes,  Glyptotermes and Neotermes which are the largest found in Australia.
• Dry wood termites live in isolated pockets in dead wood of live trees and building timbers like furniture, flooring and strucural beams.
• They find their water source from the consumed timbers, meaning they also do not need contact with soil to find a water source. This means there galleries are soil free although Dry wood termites can be identified being the cause of damage through their Faeces which is a dry, sesame seed like Frass that will be found in the galleries and closy by affected areas.
• Some Dry wood Genus of termites include Cryptotermes in which there are two species, Primus and Brevis. the differences used for identification are that the Primus species have a box like head and leave behind Rounded Frass where as the Brevis species have a mickey mouse shaped head and the Frass left behind is mostly pointed.
• subterranean termites are generally ground dwelling and require contact with soil for a source of water although can survive in above ground buildings if an internal water source exists.
• Subterranean termites cause most of the damage found in Buildings throughout Australia.
• there are 15-20 different Subterranean species of termites with the most common being Coptotermes, Schedorhinotermes, nasutitermes and Mastotermes.

Recommendations:

• All untreated timbers should be removed from ground contact
• Bushes and plants removed from fence-lines and extermal perimeters of home
• Increase ventilation by installing mesh vents to subfloor areas of your home
• Reduce moisture by improving drainage, repairing dripping taps and pipes
• Divert air conditioner overflow away from home using a hoseline and into a drain if possible
• Consider getting a Termidor Treatment to get termite protection for up to five to ten years
• Monitor future activity with Nemesis Termite Baits

A Five Year Warranty

We are so confident of our work that we are able to provide a Five (5)Year Warranty to 95% of our termite work for active termites or termite protection as a preventative measure against white ant attack. It is a condition of warranty that we regularly inspect completed work so that we can monitor any changes in the environment.

Please call Bruce, an expert termite inspector, on 0417 251 911 for any questions about termites.

Protozoa in Termites

Microscopic, single celled protozoa take in particles of ingested wood and render cellulose sugar for their mutualistic host. Dependent upon one another for ecological survival, it is thought that protozoa are behaviorally transferred from adult termite workers to the young. This exchange of regurgitation occurs within colonies of social and eusocial insects. An exchange known as trophallaxis from the Latin, tropho or “to nourish,” and allaxis or “to exchange.”

Top: a termite worker. Middle: termite worker gut. Bottom: arrows point to spirochetes and “P” a protozoan.

More closely related to the Order Blattaria, termite soldiers possess a generally rectangular head capsule with species distinct mandibles. Workers are notable for a broadly joined thorax and abdomen. As their Order signifies, winged reproductive termites or alates possess two pairs of opaque, linear, thin, and equal-sized wings.

Living in a colonial and “socially ranked” system, all termite castes are bisexual. It is thought that determination of caste is post-ovum emergence. Via trophallaxis, nymphs receive hormones secreted from reproductives and soldiers that limit development to a specific caste.

While other castes are repelled, light and air currents stimulate alates. Postnuptial flights, alates shed wings and in pairs attempt to found a new termitarium.

Termite Tips

• inspect during periods of high termite activity – early spring to late summer is generally the best
• keep the edges of the house (slabs, foundation, piers and stumps) clear of clutter, including garden beds and vegetation
• professional pest controllers are trained in inspecting houses for termite activity. Only used licensed and termite accredited technicians.
• home owners can inspect houses themselves more frequently than a professional, if they can identify termite activity. We can show you what we are looking for, just ask us at the time of the inspection, you’ll be better off knowing how to termite control with a bit of information from one of our specialists.

Termites are a formidable force of nature, especially in Australia, where they thrive due to the warm and humid climate. Often referred to as “white ants,” these tiny insects can cause significant damage to homes and structures. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to identify termites in Australia, the steps to get rid of them, what Aussie termites look like, and what to do when you spot signs of their presence.

How Do You Know If You Have Termites?

Detecting the presence of termites in your property is crucial to prevent extensive damage. Here are some signs to look out for:

Mud Tubes: One of the most common indicators of termites is the presence of mud tubes. These pencil-sized, brownish tubes can be found on walls, foundations, and wooden structures. Termites use these tubes to travel between their nest and their food source.

Hollow-Sounding Wood: Tap on wooden surfaces, such as walls or beams, and listen for a hollow sound. Termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving a thin layer on the surface.

Discarded Wings: Swarming termites shed their wings after finding a mate. These wings can often be found near windowsills or on the floor, especially during spring when termites are most active.

Frass: Termite droppings, known as frass, resemble small wood pellets. You may find them near termite entry points or in areas where they are feeding.

Damaged Wood: Look for wood that appears damaged, with tunnels or galleries inside. Termites create these structures as they feed on the cellulose in the wood.

Blistered Paint or Sagging Floors: Termites can cause paint to blister or peel off and may also cause floors to sag due to structural damage.

How to Get Rid of Termites?

Once you’ve confirmed the presence of termites, it’s crucial to take immediate action to eliminate them. Here are steps to get rid of termites in Australia:

Consult a Professional: The first and most important step is to contact a licensed pest control expert. They have the knowledge and tools required to assess the extent of the infestation and recommend the most suitable treatment.

Chemical Treatments: Pest control professionals often use chemical treatments to eliminate termites. These treatments may include liquid termiticides or baiting systems. Liquid termiticides are applied around the perimeter of the structure to create a barrier that prevents termites from entering. Baiting systems use termite attractants to lure termites away from the structure and kill them.

Physical Barriers: Installing physical barriers like metal mesh or termite-proof materials during construction can prevent termites from entering your property in the first place.

Regular Inspections: After termite treatment, it’s essential to schedule regular inspections to ensure that the termites are completely eradicated and to catch any new infestations early.

Moisture Control: Since termites are attracted to moisture, it’s crucial to address any moisture issues in and around your home. Fix leaky pipes, ensure proper drainage, and maintain adequate ventilation.

What Do Aussie Termites Look Like?

Termites in Australia vary in appearance based on their role within the colony and their species. The most common types of termites in Australia are subterranean termites, drywood termites, and dampwood termites. Here’s what they look like:

Subterranean Termites: These termites are the most destructive and widespread in Australia. They are creamy white to light brown in color, with elongated bodies. Worker termites have no wings, while swarmers (reproductive termites) have dark bodies with two pairs of wings.

Drywood Termites: Drywood termites are generally larger than subterranean termites. They have a light brown to dark brown coloration. Unlike subterranean termites, they don’t build mud tubes. Drywood termite swarmers have reddish-brown bodies with dark wings.

Dampwood Termites: Dampwood termites are less common in Australian homes. They are larger than subterranean termites and have a pale to dark brown color. They are often found in moist, decaying wood.

What to Do When You See Signs of Termites?

If you notice signs of termites in your property, it’s essential to act promptly to minimize damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:

Do Not Disturb Them: Avoid disturbing the termites or trying to handle the infestation yourself. Disturbing them can cause them to retreat temporarily, making it harder for pest control professionals such as A1 Pest Control to locate and eliminate the colony.

Contact a Pest Control Expert: Immediately call Bruce Gow, a licensed pest control professional to conduct a thorough inspection. A1 Pest Control will assess the extent of the infestation and recommend appropriate treatment.

Follow Professional Advice: Listen to the recommendations of many pest control experts in your “Near Me” area. They will outline the treatment plan, which may include chemical treatments, baiting systems, or a combination of both.

Prepare Your Property: Clear any clutter or obstacles that might hinder the inspection and treatment process. This includes moving furniture away from walls and ensuring access to crawl spaces or attics.

Regular Inspections: After treatment, schedule regular inspections as recommended by us, the pest control experts, to ensure that the termites are completely eradicated.

Preventive Measures: Once the termites are eliminated, take proactive measures to prevent future infestations. This may involve moisture control, installing chemical barriers, and maintaining a termite-free environment.

Australian termites can pose a significant threat to homes and structures. Knowing how to detect their presence, what they look like, and how to eliminate them is crucial for protecting your property. Remember that professional assistance is essential when dealing with termites, as their eradication requires specialized knowledge and equipment. By taking swift action and following preventive measures, you can ensure that your property remains termite-free and structurally sound.

Call Bruce on 0417 251 911 if you have a problem with termite control or email him at: