Termite control in Melbourne is not just something that you should think about after termites have caused extensive damage to your home and property. As is the case in most situations, prevention is always better than cure – which is where getting a regular termite inspection in Melbourne comes in.
Keep on reading to find out more about termites as a household pest, termite inspections, and why it is important for you to schedule them regularly for the benefit of yourself and your household.
Identifying termites
Termites are often mistaken for ants as they look alike at first glance. In actual fact, termites are more closely related to cockroaches than ants. Like cockroaches, termites moult as they grow and feed on decaying plant material and wood, just like some species of cockroaches do.
Termites live in colonies that can contain anywhere between a few hundred to a million termites, depending on the species. Termites have separate body segments and six legs, with some termites owning wings, too. Termites go through the egg, nymph, and adult stages throughout their lifespan, with different termites in a colony taking on different roles. There is the termite queen which lays eggs, worker termites that care for the nymphs, and soldier termites that protect the colony.
Termites as a household pest
Unlike other household pests like rats or cockroaches, termites do not pose a direct health risk by being present in your home. Yes, some species of termites can bite and sting, and termites can lead to health risks in indirect ways such – as spreading wood particles that can lead to allergic reactions.
However, the biggest problems caused by termites are usually in terms of physical effects on property and financial damage. Termites cause up to billions in property damage in Australia every single year.
A colony of termites can cause widespread structural damage, feeding on the internal structures of your home and ultimately creating an unsafe living situation. Termites can create loose tiles, sagging ceilings, ruined floors, and holes in the drywall. They can also cause extensive water damage in your home by hollowing and weakening the walls.
Termite inspection as a method of prevention
Bearing in mind the type of damage that termites can wreak in your household, termite inspection can be viewed as a smart and effective method of termite protection in Melbourne. Termite inspection is when a team of skilled and experienced termite control professionals inspect your home or property for signs of termites and termite damage.
This can be done as part of a standard inspection for the building that you are currently living in, or as part of a pre-purchase procedure for home buyers who would like their potential property checked for signs of termites beforehand. During a termite inspection, the professionals will look at all accessible timbers in your floor, ceiling, landscaping, and more. The report will be detailed and comprehensive, accompanied with photographs and an explanation of the relevant findings.
If it turns out that you do have a termite problem on hand, then the termite control experts will recommend the best course of treatment to get rid of the pests. From bait traps to fumigation, reliable termite control professionals will always ensure that the treatment selected is child and pet friendly as well as suitable for the environment.
Termite prevention and aftercare
In addition to offering you solutions for termite treatment in Melbourne, a good termite exterminator will also supply you with helpful termite prevention and management solutions for afterwards. This includes tips like removing the source of food for termites, such as wood mulch, waste timber, cardboard boxes, or firewood stored near your home. Similarly, you should keep the perimeter of your house clear of plants and stored items to avoid clutter from accumulating.
Next, you should also try your best to reduce moisture within your home as termites are very attracted to moist and damp environments. Improve soil drainage systems by making sure your ground water flows away from your home, thus reducing the amount of moisture entering into your property. Ensure that your roof gutter and downpipes are working as they should, correctly discharging to the right stormwater drains. On top of that, make sure any leaks in the plumbing of your home are fixed immediately.
Schedule regular termite inspections
For maximum peace of mind and to catch any signs of termites before they turn into a full-blown, long-term infestation, you should schedule a professional termite inspection once every year. However, if the structure of your home or building is more susceptible to termite infestations, then it may be safer to get inspections scheduled more regularly.
Positive Pest Solutions is your termite expert of choice when it comes to professional termite inspections and treatment in Melbourne. With up to date knowledge of the industry and competitive prices, we have the expertise and level of service ready to solve all your pest related problems with ease. Contact us to find out more about what we can offer you today.
