FAQ

Q. Just what is a termite?

A. Termites are small, pale white to brownish in colour, insects that feed on wood.

Q. Are white ants the same as termites?

A Yes. Termites are commonly referred to as white ants purely by the colour of their bodies and they are similar looking to an ant.

 Q. Why do some termites look different to others when you find them?

A Termites are social insects. This means they have different looking individuals, called castes, to carry out the tasks or jobs of the colony. These tasks include reproduction done by the king and queen, defence conducted by soldiers, and workers who conduct most the activities of the colony; finding food, building nests, and taking care of the eggs and young termites.

Q. What do termites eat?

A. Termites eat cellulose, the basic building block of wood.

Q How quickly can termites eat my house?

A. There are many variables involved in how much damage termites can cause to a home.

Q If I have termites in my yard or my neighbour has termites treated in their house will they attack my house?

A Termites can travel 100 metres or more to access a food source such as your home. It is recommended by Australian Standards to have inspections at least annually and treatments if  needed once the inspection is done.

Q What can I do to assist in the prevention of termite?

A When a termite inspection is conducted you will be supplied with a report that lists recommendations to reduce the risk of termite attack. These could be poor drainage, timbers in contact with the ground, leaks in plumbing etc. These are called conducive conditions and should be rectified.

Q. How do I know when I have a termite problem?

A. Most homeowners will rarely see termites. These are secretive, cryptic insects that hide deep in wood or soil. However, during the spring , termite colonies produce alates – winged reproductives. These alates are new kings and queens. Their job is to start new colonies.

Sometimes you may notice their shelter tubes. These tubes are about the diameter of a pencil (sometime larger) and are made of soil. If you break one open, you may see a live termite inside!

Q. Which treatment method is the most effective to protect my home from termites?

A. Where possible, treatment should be directed towards eradication of the termite colony from which the infestation is originating.

Where the Nest is Found destruction using physical / chemical means should be undertaken.

Where the Nest is Not Found but active termite workings are found, it is possible to eradicate the attacking colony with the use of termite baiting systems remote from the nest.

Once the colony is eliminated a monitoring system or a chemical soil barrier is recommended.

The best treatment for your home will depend on many factors that are unique to your home, your termite problem and your personal preferences.