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What do termite inspectors look for?

What do termite inspectors look for?

Although they are a threat all year round, termite outbreaks can be hard to detect. In fact, termites are thought to affect 1 in 5 houses in Adelaide, and cause thousands of dollars in damage that unfortunately isn’t covered by insurance. Learn how licensed termite inspectors identify the subtle signs of an outbreak in this Hivemind article.

What questions will this article answer?

Why are termite inspections important?

A notorious pest in Australia, termites are estimated to cause over $100 million in damage to homes every year, affecting 1 in 5 houses in Adelaide.

Sadly, as termite-related damage is considered to be preventable, it is not covered by home and contents insurance.

That’s why government guidelines recommend termite inspections at least once a year, and more frequently if your property is at higher risk of an outbreak.

Since the cost of a termite inspection is much lower than price of repairs, it’s worth making sure that your home stays protected.

At Allstate, our comprehensive termite inspections start at $200 per visit and are conducted by our fully licensed inspectors who will send you a report documenting all their findings.

Signs of a termite outbreak

Unless you have a severe infestation on your hands, it can be hard to tell if you have a termite problem.

At Allstate, our professional termite inspectors have experience, extensive training and the right tools to recognise the subtle hints of a termite outbreak. Here are examples of early signs of termites:

Damage to walls, floors, skirting boards, beams and ceilings

Wooden structures inside your home are vulnerable to termites, and you may notice cracks, blisters, warping and sagging. Paint might appear to have bubbling or have water-stain marks.

Damage to trees, outdoor wooden structures, sleepers and furniture

Some species of termites prefer living in tree stumps and wooden structures above the ground, hollowing out the wood inside. This means that trees and branches may topple, and sleepers may crumble, potentially causing a hazard.

Hollow sounds in timber

If you knock or tap your walls and hear an empty, hollow sound, this could be due to termites tunnelling through the insides of the timber.

Mud tubes

Subterranean termites build tunnels to protect them when they are foraging for food away from their nests, which are located underground. These tunnels are usually made of a mixture of saliva, dirt, wood and other debris and provide a safe pathway to travel.

Clicking sounds in the wall

As termites tunnel through wood, they make clicking sounds with their constantly chewing jaws and teeth. Soldier termites are known to knock their heads on wood to make clicking noises and warn other termites of impending danger.

Termite wings

Winged termites or swarmers leave the colony every few years when it is ready to expand, and start a new one elsewhere. They’ll find an old tree stump or wood pile to create a nest. After mating, they will lose their wings, and you may see these accumulating around your windows and doors.

Termite droppings

If you notice a build up of a fine, dark, powdery substance on your floors, this could be due to a termite outbreak.

Tiny holes in wooden structures

These could be entry points for termites.

Windows and doors become hard to open

Termite activity can increase the amount of heat and moisture within affected structures, such as window and doorframes, and result in expansion. This can mean that doors and windows become hard to open.

Handle termites fast. Speak to an expert today.

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Types of termites

It’s helpful to know what types of termites are responsible for a termite outbreak, as they all behave differently. This can help us come up with a targeted treatment plan that effectively preventes the termites at their source, as quickly as possible.

Subterranean termites

With a preference to nest underground as their name suggests, subterranean termites thrive in moist conditions. They are 1/8 to 1 inch long and yellow to dark brown in colour. You can also find them in trees, dead stumps, and buried wooden poles and sleepers.

Dampwood termites

Found mainly in moist areas with decaying wood, dampwood termites thrive in tree stumps, logs and buried wooden poles such as fence posts. They are usually 1/2 to 5/8 inches long, with a creamy white to brown colouring.

Flying termites

Also known as swarmers, you’ll know that there is a mature colony within 100m if you see winged termites.

What happens during a termite inspection?

No matter the size of your property, your licensed Allstate termite inspector always has the right tools and knowledge conduct a thorough assessment inside and outside. They will also assess how well your current termite protection system is working.

Termite detection equipment

To help identify early signs of a termite outbreak, our termite inspectors use the following devices:

  • Borescopes assist with taking photographic evidence of termite activity within timber structures
  • Moisture meters can pinpoint areas with a higher than normal moisture content
  • Movement detectors can locate active termites
  • Sounding tools are tapped against timber structures to check their integrity

Physical inspection

Our termite inspectors will pay close attention to the following areas of your property, which are known to be popular spots for termite activity:

  • Timber beams
  • Interior rooms, covering the walls, floors, ceilings, door and window frames, skirting boards and cupboards
  • Subfloors
  • Outdoor/yard inspection, including the perimeter of the house, garden beds, sleepers, woodpiles, trees, stumps and wooden fencing
  • Interior and exterior sections of outbuildings

Don’t delay your termite inspection. Speak to an expert today.

or

Professional termite prevention

Treating a termite outbreak happens over a period of time and requires patience. At Allstate, we use modern treatments with a proven effectiveness against termites.

Sentricon Always Active bait stations

Positioned 30cm away from your house, with each station 3m apart, Sentricon bait rods are positioned underground. They are laced with a termiticide that doesn’t harm pets or other wildlife, making them both safe and environmentally friendly.

Premise liquid spray

For large areas that have a significant amount of termite activity, we recommend a residual treatment spray as a fast and effective option to remove termites.

Choose Allstate for reliable and long-lasting termite protection

A termite outbreak can be stressful and expensive to fix, so we understand how important it is to prevent it from happening in the first place. That’s why yearly inspections by licensed termite inspectors can be extremely valuable.

Established in 1986, Allstate has been carrying out comprehensive termite inspections in homes and businesses across all suburbs of Adelaide for over 35 years. Using modern technology, our team is fully equipped and highly trained to assess properties of all sizes, inside and out.

Available 24/7 for urgent callouts, our inspections are covered by competitive warranties. You can even arrange for a payment plan, so there’s no need to delay your next termite inspection. Safeguard your home from termites today.

Our expert team is ready to help you now.

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How To Prevent Termites In Commercial Buildings

How To Prevent Termites In Commercial Buildings

HOW TO PREVENT TERMITES IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

 

Termites are a notorious pest to homes and businesses in Australia. They are thought to be responsible for significant damage that requires repairs averaging $10,000 per home — and it isn’t covered by insurance.

For commercial buildings, the cost can be much higher due to the impact on business reputation and operations, equipment damage and breach of health and safety standards. The good news? Termite attacks are highly preventable if you seek professional assistance.

Continue reading if you’re keen to learn how to keep your commercial property protected from termites all year round.

What questions will this article answer?

Why is it important to prevent a termite outbreak?

Termites may be small, but they can cause significant damage to buildings. In Australia, they are thought to affect one in every five houses, and cause over $100 million dollars in damage to homes each year.

Unfortunately, since termite damage is considered as preventable, property insurance does not cover the cost of repairs.

If you’re responsible for a commercial property, however, the bill could be much higher. Building damage can have a severe impact on your business and operations, as well as your reputation. On top of this, any structural problems can cause accidents, start fires, damage equipment and compromise the health and safety of tenants, staff, customers and clients. Breaching government regulations may also lead to heavy penalties.

Fortunately, termite outbreaks can be easily avoided as Allstate offers comprehensive termite prevention programs for commercial facilities of all sizes.

Get fast termite protection advice today

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Signs of a termite infestation

Termite outbreaks can often go undetected in the early stages, so they require a professional with training and the right equipment to detect subtle signs of activity. In any case, it’s handy to have an awareness of termite activity.

Mud tubes

If you notice accumulations of brown trails, these could be tunnels which consist of dirt, droppings, wood and other debris, known as mud tubes. They are built by termites to protect them while foraging.

Knocking on timber structures and getting a hollow sound

When there has been significant termite damage, you may hear a hollow, empty sound when tapping or knocking on a wooden structure.

Clicking sounds in walls

Active termites tunnelling through wood, or soldier termites warning of a threat to other termites can give rise to a persistent clicking sound.

Termite swarms and discarded wings

In spring and summer, termite alates, or winged termites, will leave the nest to start a new colony elsewhere. You may see them nesting in tree stumps and woodpiles in your yard, and flying around lights or windowsills.

Damage to floors, walls and ceilings

Look for cracks, changes to paint, blisters, warping and sagging. You may even find doors and windows are harder to open and close.

Electricity interruptions

Termites can cause electrical transmission issues by a leaving a build-up of organic material and mud tubes around electrical fittings and wiring.

You can learn more about the signs of a termite outbreak here and here.

How to prevent a termite outbreak

Here are some steps you can take to reduce the chances of a termite attack at your commercial property:

  • Trim tree branches, vegetation and foliage that are in contact with the sides of your building
  • Remove old tree stumps, as well as piles of mulch and wood
  • Be aware if your neighbours have experienced termite problems
  • Have yearly termite inspections

Termite inspections

The purpose of a regular termite inspection isn’t just to check whether your property is under a termite attack. It’s also to assess for potential risk factors, and to make sure that your existing termite barrier system is still in good working order.

Depending on the level of risk, we recommend having a termite inspection of your commercial property at least once a year, in accordance with government guidelines.

If you’re in a higher risk area for termite attacks, for example, your property is surrounded by trees or has greater levels of moisture, this means that you may need more frequent inspections.

During a termite inspection, your licensed Allstate termite inspector will cover all areas of your property, inside and outside. This includes fence and yard, especially if there are tree stumps or timbers. We’ll cover all interior areas, from the floor to ceiling, including the roof void and subfloors.

You can expect us to use equipment such as borescopes, sounding tools, moisture readers and movement detectors.

Read more about termite inspections here and here.

Don’t delay your termite inspection, speak to an expert today

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Professional termite treatment

As commercial properties vary in size, layout, surroundings and the number of tenants, our termite control technicians will come up with a personalised treatment plan to manage the outbreak.

Premise Treated Zones
Applied to the soil in specific treated zones, Premise termiticide is a powerful liquid treatment designed to kill termites. As it cannot be detected by termites, it is widely used in popular foraging areas.

Sentricon® Always Active™
Protection around the perimeter of your property is one of the best ways to restrict termite activity within the building. We position each Sentricon bait station at 30-50cm away from the building, with at least one station every three metres to maximise its effect. Each station is installed underground and contains a termiticide chemical that can be carried back to the nest by termites who have fed on it, leading to the prevention of the entire population.

Learn more about professional termite prevention here.

Choose Allstate for effective termite prevention in commercial buildings

Managing a commercial building is no easy task, and having a termite outbreak is not something you want on your hands. Fortunately, our licensed termite inspectors are ready to help you to safeguard your business.

Available 24/7 to all suburbs of Adelaide, our team is fully equipped to assist with termite prevention and management  in commercial facilities of all sizes. All our inspections are conducted in compliance with Australian standards.

Established in 1986, Allstate has grown to become the largest independent pest control company in Adelaide. We use targeted, innovative treatments that are non-toxic towards pets, children and the environment.

With a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our services, competitive warranties and payment plans available, you can trust Allstate for long-lasting defence from termites.

Our expert team is ready to help you now

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Are Termites Active in Autumn

Are Termites Active in Autumn

ARE TERMITES ACTIVE IN AUTUMN?

 

Just because the weather is getting cooler, it doesn’t mean that active termites will just disappear. Like many other creepy crawlies, you’ll find that they thrive better in warmer conditions, but are still able to survive well in the cold. No matter the temperature, once termites have managed to make their way inside your home, they won’t stop causing thousands of dollars of damage that insurance won’t cover.

If you’re concerned about a potential termite outbreak, read on to learn more about termite behaviour in autumn and signs of an infestation

What questions will this article answer?

When are termites most active?

In many parts of the world, including Adelaide, termites are active all year round, no matter the season. The queen termite will continue laying eggs to help maintain the colony. While the ideal temperature for termite survival is 23-38 degrees Celsius, they also prefer areas with moisture.

Although it seems that termites prefer a warm, humid climate, and the weather can certainly affect the formation of new colonies, make no mistake – they can still be laying low nearby when the mercury drops.

Many species of termites have evolved to survive in winter, and others actively look for warm places to shelter, such as your home.

Once they’ve entered your foundations, walls and other cellulose-rich wooden structures, they will silently eat away at the wood, resulting in significant damage. At this point, no weather conditions will deter termites away from a feast of their favourite food.

Termite activity through the seasons

It’s more common to see termites swarming and flying in summer, but this is just a visible sign that there are termites are nearby. In other seasons, there can still be many more hidden away underground and sheltering inside homes and businesses silently causing destruction.

Here’s the pattern of behaviour that you should expect from termites throughout the year:

Spring

Spring time is when termites begin to pair off to mate, with each couple swarming or flying away or from the colony to start their own. The female termite will lay eggs inside a rotten tree stump or decaying wood.

Summer

As swarming continues, there also are many termites out and about foraging for food. While many worker termites die during this time, the secondary queen will lay more eggs to keep the colony populated. Damp wood termites are most commonly active during summer.

Winter

In winter, most termites will avoid the harsh elements and become less active in foraging for food. The queen termite will also lay less eggs during this time.

To escape the cold weather, many species of subterranean termites will dig deeper underground to seek warmth. Others will look for protection within your home.

Worried about termites?
Our friendly team is ready to help you now.

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Termite activity in autumn

There are some dry wood termites, in particular subterranean termites, that prefer cooler weather. In fact, there is one species that is known to have active swarmers during the autumn months.

What are the signs of active termites?

Here are some ways to tell if you have termite activity in your home or business:

  • Look for changes to walls, floors and ceilings, such as cracks, changes to the paint, sagging and blistering.
  • Door frames may become warped and doors may be harder to open or close
  • You notice mud tubes which are small brown coloured, elongated tunnels with an outer wall made from dirt, wood, debris and droppings
  • You hear a hollow sound when tapping on termite-infested timber structures
  • You see piles of swarmer or flying termite wings
  • You experience frequent electricity interruptions due to termite activity interfering with wiring

Termite activity can be difficult to see until it’s too late without extra equipment and special training. For early detection, a professional termite inspection is the way to go.

 

Don’t wait ‘til it’s too late.
Book your termite inspection today.

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Professional termite control

Due to the high risk of structural damage to your home or business, we recommend seeking professional assistance to prevente termites as fast as possible.

At Allstate, we’ll carry out a thorough inspection of your property before coming up with a treatment plan.

We normally use above ground and underground baiting systems to remove termites, depending the affected areas of your home.

For targeted treatments inside your home, we’ll normally use Premise, which is a non-repellent termiticide, placed in treatment zones. This product is safe for children, pets and the environment.

Our go-to underground baiting system is Sentricon Always Active, which is placed around the perimeter of your home, and in areas with high amounts of termite foraging.

Learn more about how we detect and treat termite outbreaks

Choose Allstate for effective termite control this autumn

As termites don’t stop being a pest in autumn, your home or business could still be at high risk of an outbreak. Fortunately, Allstate is here to help.

Family owned and local, with over 30 years’ experience in pest control and management, Allstate has provided services to homes and businesses in all types of settings across Adelaide.

Our team is licensed, highly experienced and fully equipped to detect and treat termite outbreaks early.

We understand that termite outbreaks can be stressful and disruptive, and that’s why we are available 24/7 for advice about any pest issue or concern that you may have.

All our treatments come with a 100% money-back, satisfaction warranty and are non-toxic towards children, pets and the environment. With interest-free pay plans available, you won’t need to delay any urgent termite inspection or treatment any futher.

Get long-lasting protection from termites with Allstate

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9 signs of termites you need to know about

9 signs of termites you need to know about

What questions will this article answer?

For many people who have experienced a termite outbreak, any obvious indication of a problem simply came far too late. Unfortunately, it’s all too common to find termites have already caused significant and costly damage to homes and businesses before being detected. With one in five Adelaide homes thought to have experienced termite attacks , it’s useful to know what to look out for in case your home is at risk.

If you’re concerned about having termites, here’s our top 9 tips on potential termite problems to look out for around your home.

Sign 1. Hard to open doors and windows

If you’re noticing that your windows and doors have become tight-fitting and difficult to open, this could be the work of termites.

When you have an outbreak, the amount of termite activity increases inside window frames, doors and door frames. This leads to more heat and moisture being produced. While warmth and humidity are ideal conditions for termite survival, this can eventually cause major problems in your home or business.

Depending on where the moisture accumulates, you may find parts of your doors and windows absorb the moisture more than others, causing them to swell in certain areas.

Sometimes, termites may leave behind dried mud inside door and window joints which creates more friction when you’re trying to open the doors and windows.

Don’t leave your annual termite inspection too late!
Make an appointment today

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Sign 2. Clicking in your walls

Though they are generally quiet, a heavy termite infestation can result in constant clicking sounds coming from your walls as they chew nonstop through the wood.

In some cases, the clicking is deliberately caused by soldier termites knocking their heads and tapping their mandibles against wood to warn the colony of imminent danger.

You may notice your pets are more sensitive to subtle sounds within the walls, so pay attention to any changes to their behaviour.

Sign 3. Termite wings

During spring and summer, every 3 to 5 years, you will find that winged termites or swarmers pair off and fly away to expand the termite colony. They’ll start a new colony elsewhere and usually choose to nest in woodpiles and tree stumps in your yard, so we recommend removing these if possible.

Once they have mated, swarmers lose their wings. So if you notice piles of scattered wings or flying insects particularly around windows, windowsills and doors, you may have a termite outbreak on your hands. 

Not to be confused with flying ants which are smaller and darker coloured, you’ll tend to see flying termites swarming more often at night.

Sign 4. Hollow sounding timber

If you knock your walls and hear a hollow, echoing sound, this may indicate that termites have tunnelled through the insulation to eat away the wood.

A classic sign of serious termite destruction, continuous tunnelling within the walls and timber structures of your home can result in a hollow, echoing sound when you knock on it. Pay particular attention to skirting boards as these make the most obvious hollow sounds during a severe infestation.

If you’re noticing any hollow sounds when knocking on the walls of your home, we recommend contacting Allstate to arrange an urgent termite inspection.

Worried about termites? Speak to an expert today

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Sign 5. Mud tubes (Subterranean termites)

Termites build tunnels encased with a sturdy mixture of dirt, wood, debris, saliva and droppings to protect them when they forage for food away from their underground nests.

We recommend keeping the perimeter of your house clear of moist soil and dirt to discourage mud tube formation.

When subterranean termites leave their nest underground to forage for food, they will build mud tubes to travel safely between their food source and nest. These tubes also assist with retaining moisture and warmth, which are ideal survival conditions for termites.

While they can be seen inside and outside your home in different formations, mud tubes are commonly noticed around entry points and the house foundation.

Sign 6. Sawdust-like droppings (Drywood termites)

If you’re noticing a regular accumulation of a fine, dark powdery substance on your floors, it could well be a sign of a termite problem, particularly drywood termites.

Also known as frass, termites often create small openings in wood to push out their waste as they continue tunnelling through.

Frass can appear in cone shaped piles or circular patterns on the surface of termite-affected wooden structures.

Sign 7. Tiny holes in wood

With a diameter that is less than 1/8 inches, termite holes are generally left behind by drywood termites and can be hard to spot.

A sign of a serious outbreak, termite holes are an entry and exit point for termites tunnelling through wood, walls and mud. Once created, they are usually quickly sealed off by the remains of undigested wood and droppings. 

Usually formed just before mating season, these holes are an important way for termite swarmers to exit the colony to reproduce and start a new colony elsewhere.

Don’t put off your termite inspection. Call us now

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Sign 8. Unexplainable damage to the floor, walls or ceiling

Termites feed off the cellulose fibres within wood, making tunnels through the insides while leaving the outer shell intact for protection.

They are particularly drawn to timber that holds moisture – for example, damp timber from water damage or underneath floors.

Over time, this causes the wood to crumble away slowly from the inside and lose its structural integrity. You may find that this causes the following problems around your home:

  • Cracks and splinters in your walls and skirting boards
  • A bubbling, or honeycomb-like texture in the paint or water-stained appearance
  • Cracking, blistering, sagging and warping of laminated floors, ceiling beams and skirting boards

Sign 9. Damage to trees and outdoor wooden structures

Several termite species can be found living in nests above the ground in and around trees and tree stumps as well as landscaping sleepers.

Even if there are no visible signs of damage on the outside of a tree, the insides could be slowly getting destroyed. Over time, the tree will become increasingly rotten.

Once the tree has been damaged significantly, you may find the branches weaken and fall off, causing damage to your home and endangering people.

If you notice mud tubes appearing on tree bark, you can check how fragile your tree has become.

For a reliable and experienced termite inspection service,
contact us today

or

How to check for termites before it’s too late

At Allstate, we understand the importance of detecting and treating a termite outbreak as soon as possible. 

As the early signs of termites can be hard to spot, the best way to know for sure if they’re a cause for concern is to have a termite inspection. You can learn more about Allstate’s professional termite inspections here .

Depending on your level of risk, government guidelines recommend a termite inspection for every home at least once a year.

Fortunately, our highly trained termite inspection team is fully equipped with all the latest technology to conduct comprehensive termite assessments in compliance with Australian standards. We have specialised equipment to detect even the most subtle signs of an outbreak.

Since 1986, we have carried out and treated termite outbreaks in residential, commercial and industrial settings all around Adelaide. All our termite services are covered by extensive warranties and backed by insurance, so there’s no reason to delay an inspection. It could potentially save you thousands of dollars in repairs that aren’t covered by insurance, as well as stress and disruption.

Contact Allstate today to speak to our friendly team about staying ahead of termites .

Our expert team is ready to help you now

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How often do I need a termite inspection?

How often do I need a termite inspection?

How often do I need a termite inspection?

Subterranean termites are the main species of termites in Adelaide, and these highly destructive creatures are notorious for causing substantial damage to homes and businesses. The best way to prevent them from costing you expensive repairs is to have an effective termite management plan in place.

While we strongly advise having physical or chemical barriers installed at your property, the most important way to prevent termites is by scheduling regular professional termite inspections. 

If you’re due for a termite inspection or wondering how frequently you need to have one, we answer the 4 of the most commonly asked questions about this all-important step in protecting your home.

What questions will this article answer?

Why do I need more than one termite inspection?

Most homes and businesses in Adelaide have a termite management system in place, usually through modern and up-to-date physical and chemical barriers, which are highly successful at keeping termites away.

However, like many things in life, they aren’t permanent. Physical termite barriers are designed to last an average of 20 or more years and chemical barriers 8 or more years. As termites are persistent pests, they may still be able to find small gaps and crevices to penetrate the barriers and enter your home.

That’s why part of an effective termite management system involves having not only termite barriers, but also making sure that they are still doing their job properly.

Having regular, ongoing termite inspections by a licensed professional to identify early signs of termite breaches means that you can act quickly to stop termites from causing damage to your home.

How often should you have a termite inspection in Adelaide?

Subterranean termites are the most common species of termites found in Adelaide. They live underground and are known to cause substantial damage to timber structures. To minimise your risk of an attack, it’s recommended that you have an annual routine termite inspection by a licensed professional.

Australian national guidelines for termite inspection

The CSIRO recommends following the advice which is outlined by the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association (AEPMA) to determine how regularly your property requires termite inspections.

These guidelines state that termite inspections should be conducted at least annually, if not more frequently, depending on:

  • The type of termite species present
  • The type of building construction
  • Whether or not there are particular physical or environmental risk factors which predispose a termite attack
  • Geographical region
  • Previous termite damage within or surrounding the property

Cooler weather in Adelaide draws termites indoors

Areas with warm, humid climates and dense vegetation – such as Sydney and Brisbane – possess ideal breeding conditions for termites.

However, for a city like Adelaide, which is generally cooler, this means that termites are more likely to seek warmth indoors – most likely within the walls of your home.

At Allstate, we use a combination of traditional tools and modern technology to identify even the smallest signs of termite activity inside your home during your annual termite inspection.

Don’t risk termite damage to your home, book your annual termite inspection today

or

When should I get a termite inspection if I have a pest barrier?

Given that physical and chemical termite pest barriers are designed to last between 8 and 20 years, it’s helpful to make sure that they remain effective over their lifespan. Whether you’re purchasing an existing home or building a new one, you may want to consider an independent, expert opinion on whether your level of termite protection is adequate.

Newer homes

According to the National Construction Code, it’s compulsory for all new homes to have built-in termite protection. However, it also states that termite activity may still occur even with the presence of a termite management system.

These persistent pests have even been known to penetrate treated timber, steel roofing and even electrical wiring.

Having ongoing termite activity means that regular termite inspections are still necessary to identify any breaches to your barriers. Our inspection reports will detail termite barrier maintenance recommendations to safeguard your new home from any potential damage.

    Check the integrity of an existing termite pest barrier

    Making sure that you have a reliable termite pest barrier installed is the best way to safeguard you and your family from the threat of a termite outbreak.

    If you’re buying an existing home, or living in an older home, it’s important to check for potential termite risk factors, previous damage and that the termite protection plan for the property is up-to-date and adheres to Australian Standards.

    At Allstate, we offer pre-purchase termite inspections and quotes to update existing termite barriers, allowing you peace of mind before making these important financial decisions.

    We’ll make sure your home is safe from termites

    or

    How much does a termite inspection cost?

    You can have a comprehensive termite inspection with Allstate starting from $198. For larger homes and properties, or more complex inspections requiring additional equipment, an extra fee may be charged. Please contact Allstate on 8371 1277 and speak to one of our friendly consultants to arrange a free quote.

    Protect your home with regular termite inspections

    At Allstate, have seen firsthand the damage and heartbreak caused by a termite infestation. 

    The good news is that this can be avoided through regular, routine termite inspections of your property. We understand that you’re busy, so we’re happy to work around your schedule.

    Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, our team of licensed termite inspectors is highly trained to detect the early, subtle signs of termite activity around your home. We always conduct our inspections in accordance with Australian Standards. 

    With the assistance of a range of modern equipment, we have the expertise to identify the presence of high risk factors so that we can determine the likelihood of an outbreak. 

    We’ll make sure that all of our observations and findings are communicated to you in a clear, concise report so that you stay up to date with keeping your family safe from termites.

    About Allstate

    Since 1986, we’ve helped many homes and businesses around Adelaide stay termite-free through with through a range of services. Alongside our thorough inspections, we also install pre-construction termite barriers and offer high quality, long lasting treatments to prevente any outbreaks.

    We offer payment plans to make sure that you don’t have to miss out on any important inspections. To make sure that you’re completely satisfied, all of our services come with a 100% money back guarantee.

    If you’re due for a termite inspection or noticing signs of termites around your home, speak to a friendly Allstate consultant today.

    Don’t delay your annual termite inspection, make an appointment now

    or

    Your Guide to Termite Protection for New Homes

    Your Guide to Termite Protection for New Homes

    YOUR GUIDE TO TERMITE PROTECTION FOR NEW HOMES

     

    There are over 350 known species of termites active in Australia. With many parts of Adelaide at high risk of termite attacks, you don’t want your dream home falling victim to them. Also known white ants, these pests are capable of chewing through walls, ceilings, floors and even electrical wiring, and if left unchecked could put the damage bill in the hundreds of thousands. Fortunately, a termite management can protect your new home before the foundations are even laid.

    If you’re building a new home and concerned about termite outbreaks, we’ve prepared this helpful guide to explain how termite protection is installed and the different types of termite management systems used in pre-construction.

    What questions will this article answer?

    Why does my new home need termite protection?

    Many parts of Australia are considered to have a high risk of termite infestations, and Adelaide is no exception.

    An estimated one in five Adelaide homes have fallen victim to termite attacks, resulting in treatment and repair bills averaging $10,000 and major disruptions to households. That’s why it’s well worth the investment to prevent them from entering in the first place.

    Why are termites so drawn to buildings? 

    Because they feed on cellulose-rich materials such as timber, which is a key component in most homes. Termites are able to quietly dig complex underground tunnels and gain entry into your house through tiny cracks and crevices.

    Once they’re inside, they can cause significant damage, affecting your walls, floors and ceilings. You’ll notice cracks, blisters, sagging floors, warped door frames, bubbling or honeycomb patterns appearing in paint. Electrical wiring can also be affected.

    What’s worse is that termite-related damage is not covered by home and contents insurance as it is deemed highly preventable. 

    The best way to reduce your risk of a termite outbreak is by choosing termite-resistant materials for construction, and having correctly installed and well-maintained termite barriers.

    Anxious to protect your new home? Speak our termite protection experts

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    Is termite protection mandatory?

    Yes, there are specific termite risk management guidelines which are outlined by the National Construction Code.

    Your new home is required to have a built-in termite management system, or be built with materials which are termite resistant. This is because termites can damage every room of your home, including the electrical wiring. Even treated timber or steel roofing is not immune to a termite attack.

    Regular inspections and maintenance of the termite management system are also important.

      How can I protect my new home from termites?

      At Allstate, we have a thorough understanding of termite behaviour and feeding habits. Using this knowledge and many years’ experience, we’ve adopted several effective ways to safeguard your home from destructive termites.

      Waterproofing and side slab moisture protection

      Concrete slabs must be water resistant, as internal moisture can attract termites.

      The exposed side edges of concrete slab foundations are most vulnerable to the elements, particularly water and dampness. Dampness shows up as efflorescence, a condition where white coloured crystalline deposits of salt and minerals remain on the surface of building surfaces.

      We recommend using waterproofing compounds to treat the concrete slab during the construction stage. Many of these compounds offer excellent protection from moisture:

      • Ardex WPM 300: this can be applied directly to freshly laid concrete.
      • Deep Cure: this penetrates inside the slab, forming a gel which helps to retain water and stop excess moisture from seeping in.
      • Homeguard Protectacote: this Bifenthrin based termite barrier is applied around the perimeter of new concrete slabs and extensions. 
      • Xypex concentrate: this product is active within the pores of the concrete to produce a non-soluble crystalline compound, which blocks the water from penetrating inside

      Chemical reticulation systems

      Whether you’re adding a house extension or building a new granny flat on your property, Australian building standards state that you will need to add a termite barrier between the foundation of your existing home and new concrete slab. The barrier must be easily replenished with termiticide so that it remains effective.

      This is where a reticulation system is useful. It consists of a network of pipes which are carefully positioned underground and around key areas of your property. The system is designed to continuously discharge termiticide into the soil to deter termite activity.

      At Allstate, we choose to use Termidor, which needs to be topped up every 3-5 years.

      Concrete curing

      The concrete slab is the all-important foundation for your new home. Cement must be carefully laid out and then allowed adequate time to set properly so that it reacts with moisture to form a dense, tough and strong concrete base.

      This way there will also be less surface cracking, which can introduce a potential entry point for termites.

      At Allstate, we recommend using Rendacure to cure your new concrete slab. This water-based product can either be sprayed or rolled onto freshly laid concrete. It is a convenient choice as Rendacure will not delay other tradespeople from working at your building site.

      Protect your dream home from termite damage. Get a free quote today.

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      Kordon termite barriers

      At Allstate, we are certified Kordon installers and recommend it as our preferred pre-construction termite and moisture barrier for concrete slabs.

      How Kordon is installed

      Sheets of Kordon are placed between the bedding sand and steel reinforcing mesh layers, with cement for the slab poured over the top. Once this has been successfully completed, you’ll be issued with Certificate of Installation, also known as a termite treatment certificate.

      Benefits of using Kordon

      Kordon is an innovative termite barrier that has been shown to provide the best long term chemical and physical defence against the concealed entry of subterranean termites when installed correctly.

      Made in Adelaide and patented by Bayer, one of the world’s largest environmental science companies, Kordon has been tested extensively by the CSIRO over more than two decades with a 100% success rate.

      It is highly flexible, suitable for all building applications, excellent for high-risk areas, allergen-free and non-hazardous.

      Does Kordon have a warranty?

      If you choose Kordon, there are different types of termite warranty available on your new house.

      Homes installed with Kordon are covered for six years for termite entry and damage by the Limited Kordon Product Warranty.

      The Bayer Protection Program offers a $1 million warranty for a period of 12 months, which can be renewed annually, for homes that have been installed with a complete Kordon Termite Management System.

      Designed to last for 50 years, Kordon guarantees comprehensive termite protection to your new home right from the beginning.

      How it works

      Kordon acts as both a physical and chemical barrier against termites, as it contains an active ingredient known as deltamethrin, a type of pyrethroid termiticide, sandwiched between two layers of flexible and durable UV stable, low density polyethylene plastic webbing.

      Termites are forced to build visible mud tubes in obvious areas to avoid the Kordon, alerting your termite inspector to their presence so that they can take action to remove them before they cause significant damage.

      Get reliable termite protection for your new home

      Protecting your new home from a termite outbreak starts well before the foundation is laid, and your investment will likely spare you from expensive repair and treatment bills in the future. 

      Allstate has a dedicated construction team headed by licensed builder Aaron Thompson, who oversees all of our new build installations. All team members are highly trained with a thorough knowledge of termite behaviour, South Australian building regulations and Australian Standards for termite protection to ensure that your new home is safe for years to come.

      When you choose Allstate to for concrete slab termite protection, our team can work and communicate effectively with all tradespeople on site to ensure there are no disruptions. Just as we protect home owners from the threat of termites, we protect builders’ reputation from termite-related issues.

      We only use high quality products that once installed are non-toxic towards children, pets and the environment. We have payment plans available, long term warranty on our termite barriers, and a 100% money back guarantee on all of our services.

      If you’re after comprehensive termite protection solutions for your new home, Allstate is here to help.

      Our expert termite protection team is ready to help you now

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