TERMITE CONTROL SYDNEY

Termites - Getting To Know The Enemy

Termites - often referred to as White Ants. Though termites share characteristics with ants in that they live together in groups in a co-operative manner and divide labour amongst their society, they are actually evolved from cockroaches during the Jurassic or Triassic periods. Around the world, there are over 3000 species of termite, with 300 different species found across Australia; the most common and damaging being the subterranean termite which is commonly found around Sydney.

Subterranean termites form large colonies organised in castes. Similar to ants, worker termites are responsible for gathering food and also build the mud tubes which they use for protection, and for travelling between food sources. Subterranean termites feed off cellulose containing materials such as timber, which makes them especially damaging to property, and also makes them a huge threat to the forests, native bush, and timber based industries of Australia.

Commonly, termite colonies may be buried underground or be hidden in a tree trunk. They will then use their network of mud tubes to burrow beneath the surface from their colony in search of food sources.

Recognising Termites

Termites are very small, and often are confused for ants. The characteristics of subterranean termites differ by their caste within the colony. Worker termites are the colony members who travel in search of food are a creamy brown in colour, and range in size from around 3mm to 9mm. Termites have 6 legs and small antennae. As the worker termites spend their lives in dark tunnels below and above ground (known as mud tubes), they have no eyes, however interestingly they can still tell the difference between light and dark. Worker termites avoid the light as they are aware that this means predators may be around, so the tell tale signs of termites being present in your property would be the visible presence of mud tubes, or hollowed timber where they have separated the cellulose contained in the wood, which they use as their food source.

Ant or Termite?

Other than their social behaviours of living together in colonies as several castes, termites do not resemble ants.

Termites are mostly pale brown to white and have no constriction between thorax and abdomen, whereas ants have an obvious constriction and vary in colour depending on species.

Reproductive termites have two pairs of equally sized wings and one pair of eyes, however reproductive ants have unequally proportioned wings.

Ants, unlike termites do not destroy sound timber for food and nesting and instead choose to live in decayed wood which they use to house their nest. Also their workings are clean of faecal marks which are often characteristic of termite workings.

Am I At Protected?

For 200 years or so, houses in Australia have been provided with physical barriers to protect against termite infestations, and for some 60 years have been build with chemical termite barriers.

Houses over 25 years are most likely at risk from termite problems.

Over time, chemical barriers may degrade. Chemical barriers can also be breached by everyday activities such as children playing, gardening or DIY assemblies around the home such as erection of pergolas or fencing.

Important- call us to arrange your annual termite inspection even if you think you're protected, there could still be a problem!

Signs You Have a Termite Problem

There are many signs you may have a termite problem. If you do, call us immediately for advice and assistance in preventing termite damage to your premises. If you do find or suspect a termite infestation in your home don't panic, do not disturb them, and contact us immediately for expert advice.

• Mud Tubes - Small tunnels connecting the nest to food sources. Check on wooden structures or trees in the yard or garden, low down on the exterior walls of the property for signs of mud tubes connecting to the nest, or in your roof void.
• Termite Damage - Though most termite damage to wood should be obvious to detect, it can go unnoticed until its too late. Termites eat the wood beneath the surface, leaving a thin veneer to protect them from predators and to maintain a moist environment. You may notice hollow skirting boards, or brittle wood or blistered wood. There may also be signs of mud traces left behind by the termites.
• Sight - Though most termites are hidden, the winged reproductive termites leave the nest in order to establish new colonies. You may see these termites flying around or spot discarded wings in places like window sills. You may spot these termites on humid, warm days.
• Noise - In the case of a large scale termite infestation you may hear odd noises around the home. As workers chew through wood they make rustling sounds. When threatened, solder termites make rattling noises by hitting their heads against the tunnel walls, known as head-banging. If you hear such sounds call us straight away.

Reducing The Risks

Termite infestations could cause many thousands of dollars damage without you even knowing. It is important you get a professional termite inspection carried out at least every 12 months to ensure your property remains protected. Some simple household tips to reduce the risks and assist in the prevention of any issues arising:

• Remove materials such as cardboard from around the property and its surrounds.
• Trim shrubs, bushes and foliage from the foundations, ensure no mulch touches the home.
• Store all firewood away from the home.
• Eliminate and protect the home against leaks, moisture & damp.
• Remove infested trees or stumps from the vicinity of the property
• Clear out ventilation spaces and ensure they are not blocked