Do You Think You Have Termites In Your House?

The origin of termites date back to more than 100 million years. They are called 'white ants' but their resemblance to ants are superficial. They are more related to cockroaches and have been included into cockroach order Blattodea recently. 

Termites may be categorised into 3 basic categories – drywood, dampwood & subterranean. Drywood termites usually obtain water from wood in which they live and basically have no contact with soil or any other source of moisture. Dampwood termites live in the damp rotting logs or the rot pockets in living or dead trees. Subterranean termites basically ground-dwelling and need contact with soil or some source of moisture. They pose a great threat to timber in built environment. 

There are 300+ species of termites found in Australia but only some of these species attack the house and cause significant damage. Correct identification of termite species in thus the first step in any control program. If you think that there are termites in your house, make sure not to touch the suspected areas or spray them with insecticides because this won't solve the problem; it would rather frighten them away from that area.

The problem with termite infestation is that their nests cannot be located easily or with naked eyes. So, it becomes a problem for many home-owners to understand that termites have already infested their house until their property gets damaged. In such a case, it is best to get in touch with a professional who conducts termite inspection in Northern Beaches with thermal imaging cameras in conjunction with visual termite inspection. By using these cameras, the companies can find the termite nests in cavities and walls, which are usually not visible to the naked eyes. 

In-ground termite monitoring and baiting 

You can prevent and treat termites with this. It basically involves using of termite bait stations. The professionals dealing with termite treatments monitors these stations routinely for termite activity. When they detect these pests, they add bait to the system. Termite workers eat the bait and take it back to their nest sharing the toxic with other of its colony members thereby destroying the colony. 

Above ground baiting 

Above ground bait stations are usually installed on the termite activity. Termites eat the bait & take it back to their nest thereby infecting & eliminating the entire colony.