Termites Found in the Subfloor During a Building and Pest Inspection.
Today we treated active termites in the subfloor area of this home which was found during a building and pest inspection. The termites had climbed a steel pier and were into the timber flooring.
This subfloor has poor drainage and was very wet which is an ideal environment for termites. Moisture is probably one of the biggest factors in attracting termites to homes. So it is very important to keep your home free of moisture. Make sure your drainage is working, fix all leaks around the home including gutters, downpipes. Make sure your air conditioner and hot water service overflows are connected to the drainage system and not draining next to the building.
Termite Treatment
The treatment that was carried out to this home was Termidor Foam to the termite leads. Termidor Foam does not kill too quickly, allowing time for the powerful Termidor Transfer Effect to go to work. This means the termites will spread the treatment to others and eliminate them from the house.
These termites are Coptotermes Lactius ( The Milk Termite ) and are responsible for most of the damage to homes in Australia and can cause major damage to timber very quickly. They can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage in just a few months.
Termite Identification
So how do we identify what species is infesting the building. Soldiers are the easiest way to id them as the soldier is different and unique making it easier. The worker termites are very similar in most species and are very difficuilt to id unless you have a microscope and are an entomologist.
The Soldiers of Coptotermes have an orange-brown, oval-shaped head, curved mandibles and a whitish body. When disturbed, soldiers readily attack any approaching objects, and secrete a white gluey fluid ( A defensive secretion) from an opening in the head.
Termite Inspections
So it is very important to get regular termite inspections done. Additionally the recommendation is a minimum of 12 monthly inspections. But if you are in a high risk area you should get them done more regularly. If you are buying a home make sure you get a building and pest inspection done before you buy as it may save you thousands. If you have a home make sure you get it inspected regularly.
Certified Home inspections offers one of the most thorough inspections on the market.
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