Hot Water units - a constant source of moisture.

Termites love moisture, no wait, they NEED moisture to survive, so it's not surprising that a big part of a good inspection requires checking for sources of moisture. A storage hot water unit has a relief valve that is often dripping water. This persistent source of moisture is ideal for termites, as they need a reliable source of water to survive. Ensure that this water is piped away rather than dripping against the footing of your house, openly inviting termites.

The Overflow on this hot water unit (Copper pipe going into the soil) drains near the base of the house, coupled with all the vegetation nearby, this is a great invitation for termites.

This overflow is actually plumbed around the hot water unit, but still drains right against the house, it actually drains next to timber lattice! Once again, vegetation is prevalent around the base of the building.

Even concealed hot water units have insufficient drainage. 

Subfloor covering

Access to the subfloor area of a house is vital for a proper termite inspection. More often than not, if there is a termite infestation then there will be evidence in the subfloor. Not only that, but anything that might be inviting termites into the building will probably be evident in the subfloor (Think leaking pipes and random bits of timber stored in the subfloor)

This garden area not only restricts access to the subfloor, but the plants and decaying organic matter is like a billboard inviting the termites in!

There's little hope of doing a good termite inspection with this much foliage! (And a greater chance of finding termites!)

Not only do the plants against the building compromise the building, but having the timber in the garden makes a great appetizer for the termites before they make it inside.

This subfloor opening was ONLY JUST big enough!

Potential problems..waiting to happen.

Building using recycled materials certainly makes ecological sense, however, they need to be understood so as to be used most effectively. Used railway sleepers are often used in new building work, but they are usually not treated and can also be a problem when attached to a building. It's best to avoid using any recycled susceptible timber if it comes into contact with the ground.

A retaining wall/landscaping timber attached to a building, causing a potential breaching point for termites. 

These timbers will negatively impact both a physical and chemical barrier.

Will Ants keep Termites Away?

It's a common theory - if you see black ants around your house, the it's safe from termites! Well, this video will answer that question with a demonstration of the interactions between Black garden ants and Termites

Ants Vs. Termites

Keep checking reticulation!

Termite management systems, by and large are effective. However, problems often occur after reticulation systems are installed. Often there are delays in building and hence exposes the reticulation system to damage to other trades being on site. This isn't necessarily always the fault of tradesmen on site, as they are usually not expecting a reticulation system being buried around the perimeter of the building. It's important to have good communication with the builder and tradesmen on site and also to keep a watchful eye on reticulation to ensure its safe after installation. That being said, reticulation is a great termite control method if it's done correctly!

This reticulation system was treated quite unkindly by builders/tradesmen!

This reticulation system has not been considered by tradesmen on site.

Repellant vs. Non-Repellant chemicals.

Termites detecting a repellent chemical treated zone (in blue) and avoiding it to forage for food. Photo reproduced with permission of BASF Australia.

Termites entering a non-repellent Termidor (Fipronil) treated zone, and subsequently have been killed off by the termiticide. Photo reproduced with permission of BASF Australia.

Many new chemicals in pest control are touted as "non-repellent". What does this mean?

A non-repellant chemical has many advantages, specifically when dealing with termites.

Termites forage for food and may come into contact with a chemical barrier around a house in doing so, if the barrier is repellant, that is to say, the termites can detect it and avoid it, then there is a potential for them to locate somewhere around the perimeter of the building where they can enter. Hence, a barrier that is repellent can fail if the chemical has not been applied evenly around the perimeter through all potential entry points.

A non-repellent chemical treated zone does not repel the termites, but instead, allows them to enter the treated soil to such an extent that the termites are affected and after a period of time, they die off. The benefits of this treatment are apparent in the photos above. Not only does it prevent the termites finding the non-treated section of the barrier, but it also can kill many termites due to the delayed action of the chemical. In some instances, the transfer of chemical from one termite to another can be so prolific that the whole colony can be eliminated!

Look out when building!

Concrete slabs form an important part of termite management nowadays, with slabs being used as termite barriers as they are considered termite resistant (if poured in accord with AS2870) the only potential problem is where pipes or other materials penetrate the slab. Whilst things such as plumbing and electrical conduits are easy to locate and treat, sometimes there are  building practices that inadvertently create penetrations through the slab, such as when putting in temporary formwork during construction of slabs, as demonstrated by these photos.

Reo bar used to peg out the step down in wet areas of this slab were left in place, creating a termite highway!

It is important to check all potential entry points by ensuring no penetrations through the slab are left untreated.

Looks pretty - the termites think it too!

Heavy foliage against buildings is surprisingly common.

Having plants up against your home can be a large contributing factor to attracting termites for several reasons.

1. Plants need water, and so do termites. Having plants that need water against your home only adds to the problem of attracting termites, just having the extra foliage allows moisture to remain longer right next to your home. 
2. Termites feed on cellulose in timber and plant material, having this material in any quantity near your home adds as a further attractant.
3. Having a sheltered area that is concealed makes it even harder to find termites, if you have to attack your garden with a machete like you're travelling through the amazon jungle before you find part of your home, then the termites may be in the home for a while before anyone discovers it, like some lost Amazonian tribe... 

And finally, wood rot needs persistently moist conditions and rotting wood is not only an attractant, but is a problem in itself.

So try to keep your home free from those friendly climbing plants, and you'll be discouraging termites.