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Termites get into a house and can cause damage to structural timbers. The problem is, that these pests are not easily removed, as the colony must be eradicated before being able to treat the property.
If you find live termites, spraying them with your favourite fly spray will not remove the infestation, sure you'll kill a few termites, but the problem is far from over. Termites are social insects with potentially large nests and killing a few termites in an infested piece of timber will only cause the rest of the colony to look for another piece of timber, somewhere else in your home. It's best to get a professional to eradicate the whole colony. Thus eliminating the cause of the threat. We service the Newcastle, Hunter and Central coast areas. Providing expert termite control.
Schedorhinotermes in a termite bait station. Happily munching away in Bateau Bay!
We regularly check out bait stations as we don't want our baited termites to go hungry! The Schedorhinotermes can be quite difficult to eradicate, we successfully do it by baiting and constantly topping up the bait, if it's not, then the colony won't be eliminated! This colony is in Bateau Bay.
Dusting Termites with Termidor
One method of eradication is using dusts. Rest assured, we don't use anything dangerous. Arsenic dusting is still commonly used, but we feel it isn't safe enough to be used inside your home. Also, modern insecticides use more advanced modes of action to help spread the chemical to all termites and effectively eradicate the colony.
Removing Termite mud shelter tubes after eradication.
After every eradication, we remove the mud shelter tubes that the Termites have left behind. This is to ensure that there are no termites left, giving us a visual cue that they are effectively eradicated. This also ensures that future colonies won't use existing mud tubes to access the building again.
Termite infestation in subfloor
Subfloor infestation in a dwelling with poor ant capping. The termites have built a significant mud tube to feed on this home! The colony was effectively eradicated using baiting. Regular inspections will prevent this from happening again!
Termites being dusted with Termidor. Newcastle home.
See a termite colony being eradicated by dusting with Termidor. This video has been sped up to show how it's done over a period of time to ensure many termites are treated. After 2 subsequent inspections it was confirmed the colony was eradicated!
Eradicating a Termite nest
This Nasutitermes termite nest was one of many causing havoc around a property, we carefully eradicated all the nests by introducing a safe but effective termiticide. Termite nests contain workers, soldiers and the queen. It's the queen that we really want to destroy, along with the rest of the colony to ensure that the colony cannot survive. Killing a large number of the termites isn't enough.
Nasutitermes termites in their nest.
Termite Infestation
In this picture you can see some friendly Coptotermes soldiers popping their head out after a nice visit to a commercial property. This infestation was in a shop/workshop and cost the landlord thousands in repairs.
It's important to get professionals to deal with infestations, termites are very persistent and almost all readily available insecticides do not eliminate termite colonies, and even those that do require thorough knowledge and experience to effectively eradicate the colony.
Eradication by baiting.
Termite colonies infesting your home can be controlled by means of eradication by baiting. These baits can eradicate a whole colony by means of transferring a bait that feeding termites take back to the colony to eradicate it.
Timber stud completely eaten out by termites.
Baiting has been used for many years and is gaining popularity for termite protection. But what is it and what does it do?
Baiting in it's simplest form means feeding termites on a matrix* that they find attractive to feed on. It's like restaurant food for Termites. However, that delicious dish that they are feeding on is laced with an insecticide that ends up destroying the colony. The termiticides used are generally very safe and super effective. They vary from the common insecticides in that they don't kill termites quickly, in many cases adult termites are not affected at all, but an insect growth regulator (Commonly known as an IGR) inhibits the natural development of the young and thus causes the colony to collapse.
Eliminating the colony thus removes the threat to your property, and so is an effective method or eliminating termites that are feeding on your home or used to eradicate termites surrounding your home. However, once the colony is eliminated your property may still be susceptible to termite attack. A program of ongoing monitoring of bait stations placed around the perimeter of your property can provide protection from colonies nearby and thus prevent termite infestations. However, these must be installed correctly and monitored regularly to be effective.
A Sentricon Always Active Rod - Ready for installation!
The Sentricon always active system can be installed in concrete paths. Here we have carefully drilled a hole that will house the rod. If termites come within the vicinity of the home, they will start feeding on the rod which will subsequently eliminate the colony. Tests have shown that termites prefer feeding on this rod rather than timber!
The Rod is active from the moment of installation and can last up to 5 years!
A neat installation of the termite bait station in concrete.
Installing a Sentricon always active system.
A video of an installation of a Sentricon always active system. Protecting a new home in Newcastle.
Termites eating out a Sentricon always active rod!
This Sentricon Always active rod was significantly eaten out 8 weeks after installation! The termites feed on this and take a lethal dose of a termiticide back to the colony.
In concrete bait station - infestation.
This bait station was installed in a concrete path adjacent to a house and was dutifully checked 30 days later. It was loaded with Coptotermes termites! They were promptly baited.
Above Ground Baiting
Above ground baits can effectively eliminate colony that have infested a piece of timber in service.
These can be used to eliminate a colony that is infesting a building. However, a careful inspection and identification of the termite species must take place before a baiting program is decided upon.
A Termite bait station with bait being consumed.
Termite soldier head - showing colony elimination.
A Sentricon always active rod with termites.
Termites love eating our Sentricon Bait rods!
Specialist pre-purchase termite and timber pest inspections
Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Central Coast & surrounding areas
Buying a property is a big decision. A pre-purchase timber pest inspection helps you understand whether there is visible evidence of termites, timber pest damage, moisture issues or conditions that may increase the risk of future termite activity.
At The Termite Trackers, we specialise exclusively in termites and timber pests. That means our training, equipment and attention are focused on one thing: helping you understand the timber pest risks before you buy.
What we do
We carry out thorough visual timber pest inspections in accordance with the relevant Australian Standard for timber pest inspections. We are fully insured and take the time needed to inspect the property properly.
Most inspections take between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on the size of the home, access to key areas and the conditions found onsite.
Our inspection focuses on identifying:
- Evidence of termite activity
- Termite damage
- Timber borers
- Wood decay and fungal damage
- Moisture issues
- Conditions that may attract or support termites
- Areas where further investigation or treatment may be recommended
How much does it cost?
A typical pre-purchase timber pest inspection for an average 3–4 bedroom house is $450 including GST.
If the property is unusually large, difficult to access, or has additional structures, we can confirm pricing before the inspection.
Why choose a specialist timber pest inspection?
You may be able to get a cheaper combined building and pest inspection. But timber pest inspections are what we do every day.
We are one of the few pest control businesses that focuses only on termites and timber pests. That means our training, resources, equipment and advice are dedicated to termite detection, termite risk and termite management.
If we find issues, we can talk you through what they mean and provide practical advice about what may be required to improve termite protection around the property. Where appropriate, we can also provide a proposal for termite protection works to help bring the property closer to the requirements of AS 3660.
You will not just receive a report and be left to figure it out yourself. We are happy to talk you through the findings so you can make a more informed decision before you buy.
How we inspect
We do more than quickly walk through the house.
During the inspection, we check accessible timbers and key risk areas for evidence of termite activity, termite damage, moisture and conducive conditions. This may include areas such as the roof void, subfloor, internal rooms, external perimeter, garden areas, fences, outbuildings and other accessible timber structures.
Where we suspect termite activity, we may use specialist detection equipment such as:
- Termatrac radar technology to help detect movement behind surfaces
- Moisture testing to identify areas that may support termite activity
- Thermal imaging to look for temperature differences that may indicate hidden issues
It might sound technical, but the goal is simple: to give you a careful, detailed inspection and clear information before you commit to the property.
What you receive
Your report is completed onsite in real time, which means you can receive it as soon as the inspection is finished.
The report includes clear findings, practical recommendations and photos to help identify problem areas. If you do not live near the property, the photos and written notes make it easier to understand exactly what we found and where we found it.
After the inspection, we can also talk you through the report so you understand the key issues, the level of concern and any recommended next steps.
Buying soon?
If you are buying at auction, approaching exchange or need a fast turnaround, contact us as early as possible so we can check availability.
Call The Termite Trackers today to book your pre-purchase timber pest inspection.
Termite damage found during a Pre Purchase Inspection.
This was found in a subfloor of a house at Lake Macquarie when we performed a pre purchase timber pest inspection on it. Needless to say, the homeowner was glad to have this discovered and it helped them make an informed choice regarding their inspection! We provide a detailed report with images to make your purchase an easier choice!
Inspecting a door jamb
Using Infra red thermal mapping to detect problem areas.
Termites can be very difficult to detect when no obvious signs of damage are visible. That's why we use the latest in termite tracking technology. Not only does our Termatrac unit detect movement, but we can also map out the slightest variation in temperature in walls and timbers, showing us where termites are most active. It's like an electronic termite bloodhound!
Using a Termatrac in difficult to reach places.
Reports are done electronically on site.
Hate creepy crawlies (Not the ones in the pools!) or are worried about being bitten by a nocturnal nasty? Well, our pest control service is sure to impress. We are experienced in pest control of all forms, specialising in invertabrates. Contact us if you have a domestic or commercial pest problem.
Red Back Spider
Baiting German Cockroaches
Giving some German Cockroaches something to feed on! Baiting programs can be very effective in controlling populations of cockroaches. Particularly as they use the cockroaches natural behaviour to eliminate the population.
Baiting some White footed ants.
These are many White Footed ants feeding on gel bait just after application. There is a sizable population and this breed of ant can be difficult to eradicate, requiring thorough inspections and knowledge of their behavior.
All work is fully insured. We use high quality products and equipment from world leaders in termite detection and control.
