Steps you Must Take for Termite Control

Termite infestation can be very frustrating. These small pests are known to cause extensive damage to furniture and wooden floors etc. Subterranean termites can bore holes through the soil and enter the homes. They are difficult to get rid of. Hence appropriate termite control measures are very important.  By using the following steps, you can control termite infestation and also minimize the extent of damage caused to your home and belongings.

As a part of termite control, a thorough inspection is a must to determine the extent of infestation. This can help you decide on the kind of remedial action that needs to be taken. For example, dry-wood termites are generally found in eaves, on wooden sidings and other exterior trims. For this purpose you need to carefully examine the outdoor frames, windowsills, roof eaves, stair carriages, and exterior electrical meters and fuse boxes that have been mounted on walls. You also need to take a look at the projecting roof structures like wooden trims, dormers, cornices etc.

On the inner parts of the house, you need to inspect window frames and trims and each and every room carefully. You can even sight faecal pellets and discarded wing structures if you have termites in the wooden floorings. Examine all wooden panelling and exposed beams completely and look out for signs of blistered painted surfaces as termites often tunnel through these.

After an extensive inspection you can try different alternatives for resolving the problem. If the damage is not very high, you can choose to not do termite control but must ensure monitoring on a regular basis to prevent it from spreading. In case of limited infestation you can remove the wooden panelling and use pressure treated replacement panels that not only prevent infestation but also wooden decay. Professional termite treatment Melbourne specialists may also apply wooden formulations for preserving the wood.

If the infestation is limited to one spot only, you can do a localized spot treatment. Aerosol injections, foaming solutions and dust applications are some of the options available for you. After application of these; professionals may even inject materials like Jecta to completely eliminate termite colonies. A re-application of one of the above mentioned substances can help protect your furniture and home for years to come.

For subterranean termites, two kinds of control substances are used: hormones and stomach poisons. Both of these are effective however, care must be taken to re-inspect the home carefully a few months after treatment. This is because; both procedures do not rid the home of the termite eggs completely. Also, another important point in controlling subterranean termites is to deny them water as they need this element to thrive. Bait boxes loaded with cellulose material is also a good way of termite control, albeit a slow one. This method is considered a lot safer than the use of harmful pesticides that can be injurious to the residents in the home.

Termite Inspections Melbourne: Facts and Tips

Your home is the biggest investment you will ever make. Naturally, prior to building it, it is recommended that you carry out termite inspections. Termites or white ants can cause extensive damage to your home and belongings. In reality, the builder is responsible for providing termite inspection and protection. Even when you are considering some additions to your existing home, it is better that you know the different options available to you in this regard. This way you can make an informed decision regarding termite inspections in Melbourne.

There are more than 200 species of termites in Australia. The most commonly occurring species is the subterranean termites which build their colonies underneath the ground. They feed on timber, plastic, rubber, fibreglass and many other materials. They can cause extensive damage to windowsills, doorframes, paintings, furniture, carpets, electrical wirings, books, clothing and other personal items.

Termite Inspections Melbourne companies can help perform an initial inspection and suggest various methods of termite treatment and control. These include:

• Chemical and physical barriers
• Use of termite resistant materials
• Landscaping and structural changes

While choosing a reliable company for termite inspection, you must ensure that the company has Public and Professional Indemnity Insurance so that chemical treatments may be covered by the same. The company should also use latest inspection techniques and gadgets which include Sounding, for testing the integrity of the wood, Listening equipment that can detect termite movement, moisture meters, that help indicate presence of termites which require moisture for survival etc. Borescope like devices also help professionals take pictures of active termites. Others devices include ones which can detect moisture as well as thermal imaging techniques that detect thermal variations.

Annual termite inspection is recommended on properties that are prone to infestations from these pests. Termite barrier and other protection systems can detect them, but do not completely stop them from damaging your property. Many times homeowners relax in the knowledge that their termite protection barriers are in place, but, in reality, they might have been compromised. Hence annual inspections are very important.

Termite Inspections Melbourne reports give you a comprehensive summary that includes information regarding:

• current termite activity
• proof of previous termite damage
• conditions around the property that invite potential termite infestations
• advice on minimizing the risk of infestation
• how often homeowners must have termite inspection and
• options for control and prevention.

Pest inspection also needs to be varied based on the style of the property: whether it is built on concrete slab-on ground or suspended flooring. In addition, the inspection must include all potential entry to timber structures, around perimeter weepholes, examination of the site to see which barriers are appropriate etc. Termite Inspections Melbourne is something that every homeowner must think about NOW and never procrastinate about.