Determining termite genus & species - another part of an inspection.

Getting a termite inspection also involves determining the species of termites in a building and also the species of those surrounding the building. Each species have their own characteristics, interestingly only About 12 Species of termite damage sound timber in Australia. That's of the approximately 350 species in Australia, so determining termite species is important. The behaviour of these timber destroying species does vary, so an accurate identification is essential. 

A Coptotermes acinaciformus worker. The Coptotermes genus is one of the most destructive termites in Australia, accounting for the majority of the timber damage in structures. These were found in a subfloor and were consuming leftover formwork in the subfloor.

Nasutitermes on a fence post, this genus are very destructive termites, and are a threat to homes and timber structures. These were within 50m of a house and are a direct threat to the home.

The destructive Schedorhinotermes can be very difficult to control because of their their shy behaviour. And yes, they are very destructive! Here are some during a baiting programme we're carrying out.

So, make sure that termites are identified correctly during an inspection. The threat to your property, the type of treatment options and the effectiveness on control all depend on correctly identifying the termites in and around your home!

Termatrac - Detecting termites in difficult places.

Termites often like to hide out in concealed places, it's the very nature of their existence, so it's important to have the right tools to find them.

We use a Termatrac extensively during our inspections, it helps us to identify termite activity or often just for peace of mind that there really is no activity. The unit uses a radar to bounce signals into wood and other materials to determine if there's movement, it's so sensitive that it's best to set up on a tripod as you can see in the pictures. The benefit is that we can get an extremely accurate understanding of what's happening inside walls and means we don't have to do any destructive inspecting.

Checking a door jamb where evidence of termite mudding existed.

The unit sends signals deep into the timber to accurately measure movement.

Termites were discovered in this wall because of the Termatrac. 

Ant capping - how does it work?

This ant capping actually did it's job, making sure the termites are visible.

It's often thought that Ant capping will keep termites out of a building, unfortunately it doesn't quite work that way. Ant capping prevents termites entering undetected, rather than stopping them completely. This is why regular inspections are important, not checking ant capping regularly is like having a security camera that is never looked at, it's not going to be of any use unless it's actively used!

Read our detailed blog post on how ant capping here.

Read Posts on all things Ant Capping.

Extensive damage - often concealed!

Extensive termite workings, the termites made themselves right at home, then invited all their friends and family over for an all you can eat buffet....

Termites make themselves right at home in yours. This infestation was an extensive one, with large amounts of damage done to structural timbers on this house. Interestingly (or maybe not so much) the extent of the damage was only fully realised after the plaster board was removed and the frames visually inspected.

Why regular inspections are important.

Termite Mud tubs in a subfloor space.

Regular termite inspections are an important part of any home maintenance program, as can be seen by this photo. The homeowner was getting a regular inspection when these mud tubes were noticed with termites building them up. This indicated that termites were living in the subfloor and it would only be a matter of time before they would find their way into the timber of the house. 

Treated timber. Getting eaten out!

Treated pine framing used in a subfloor being eaten by termites.

Manufacturers of treated timbers my warrant it against termite attack, however, if you carefully read their terms and conditions, you'll notice that they won't warrant timber that's in ground contact.

http://www.chhwoodproducts.com.au/index.cfm/pageid/157/viewpage/brochures

If you look at the warranty brochure for this treated pine frame, you'll notice that things such as storing the timber on the ground, in high moisture environments or anywhere that can cause fungal decay will void the warranty. So be careful not to rely just on treated timber to prevent termite damage.

By and large, termite treated timbers do work well in resisting termites, but only if they are used in accord with good building practice and the treated timbers manufacturers recommendations.

Kitchens are termite food!

It's often accepted that termites only eat complete timber in service, and are not interested in consuming particleboard, MDF or other engineered materials. However, this picture clearly shows that termites will consume chipboard and cause significant damage. In this particular instance, the termites ate out the kitchen carcass and it required replacement. So even if the building is constructed of termite resistant materials, it's important to protect the whole building and not just have some elements that are termite resistant.

Signs of termite damage!

Obvious mudding and damage in a wall - Note the depressed section around the mud where the termites have eaten out the plasterboard.

If you see mudding around an architrave or wall, then you probably have termites! It may not be as obvious as this, so that's why it's good to get regular inspections. Usually, when the termites are this obvious, there is a fair bit of damage done underneath.

Termites may cause mudding on the wall like this in preparation for a colonising flight. The termite colony releases many winged reproductives called alates. These are usually dispatched from a higher location on a mild evening during the spring and summer months, typically when there is high ambient humidity. So if you see many of these swarming inside your house, you know that the colony has already found it's way in!