As warmer spring weather approaches, this not only brings with it the promise of long and lazy summer days. It also provides the ideal breeding ground for termites to make themselves right at home in any wood sections you may have on your house and cause significant amounts of damage in little to no time at all. Below are some handy hints to help prevent these pests from taking up residence in your home uninvited.
Fast Movers
Timber consists of up to 50% cellulose, which is a termite’s main food source – this is why they establish themselves in any wooden section of your property possible. Owing to the fact that termites are active 24/7, they have the ability to completely destroy wood sections of your home within a matter of days to weeks if left untreated. In most cases, damage caused by termite infestations is also not covered under home and building insurance policies, meaning that you could be left to foot a hefty repair bill out of your pocket to eliminate them.
Inspect your Home’s Perimeter Regularly
One of the best ways to prevent termites from moving in is to regularly inspect your home’s perimeter for signs of mud tubes, rotting wood, damp leaves and grass. It’s also essential that firewood and any other wood or mulch you have on your property is stored far away from your home’s foundations, as these materials provide the ideal breeding ground for termites. It is recommended that firewood be stored a minimum of 5 – 6 metres away from your home.
Damaged, rotting or missing fascias, roof shingles and gutters should also be repaired or replaced as soon as possible, and water should be appropriately diverted away from your house by means of correctly installed gutters and down pipes. This ensures that your property remains as dry as possible, preventing termites from moving in. Rotting trees and/or branches should also be removed from your property as soon as possible.
Don’t Neglect Regular Home Maintenance Tasks
Although your home may not have experienced termite damage before, it doesn’t mean that it is immune to future infestations. It is recommended that you perform thorough checks in and around your home at least once a year to check for rotting wood, crevices or cracks that should be sealed to keep termites out. Dripping taps that are close to your home should also be repaired as quickly as possible, as these provide an ideal level of dampness for these pests to thrive in.
If you are not able to perform a full inspection of your property, it is strongly recommended that you schedule an annual termite inspection with an accredited company instead. All of our inspectors are extensively experienced and have the correct diagnostic equipment to ensure all areas of your home are fully inspected for signs of termite damage. Contact us today to schedule your home inspection or even if you would simply like to find out more about what our termite inspections entail.