Do you think your property might have termites? Are you looking for signs your home might be inviting to these unwanted guests?
Termites are one of the most common pests damaging properties in the country. Approximately one in three homes are affected by termites in Australia. These voracious insects mainly feed on dead wood and plants and are drawn to moisture and warmth. Therefore, any conditions that create moisture and warmth will represent an ideal terrain for them.
To help you assess whether your home is at risk of termite activity and whether you should request the help of a Pest Inspector, we’ve listed below some of the main conducive conditions for termite activity.
High Soil Line
A high soil line means that the ground is above the property’s foundations and is in direct contact with the brickwork, wood, or any other siding materials. Now, ideally, there should be some clearance between your property’s foundations and the brick veneer. This can help prevent water intrusion into the wall cavities and within the structure and therefore help protect your home against subterranean termites. Indeed, water intrusion in wall cavities creates dampness and moisture, which is highly conducive to wood-destroying insects such as termites.
Note that mulch stacked above the property’s foundations is also considered a ‘’high soil line’’ and is extremely conducive to termite activity.
Negative Grading
If your land has negative grading, it means that it slopes towards your home, allowing rainwater to flow towards your foundations. Among other issues, negative grading can cause water to accumulate near your foundations, creating puddles and turning your home into an inviting ground for termites!
Heavy Foliage
One of the most common conducive conditions to termite activity is linked to heavy vegetation. Indeed, if vegetation is growing or has been planted too close to the building or house, it can trap moisture, which in turn attracts termites. Besides, termites thrive on old stumps, dead wood, and other building materials. And storing wood close to your property will not only provide them with a significant food supply, but it will also prevent you from seeing them and identifying their entry point. Therefore, you should always clear the space around your foundations to avoid termite infestations.
The Building is not Treated
Treating the building or property is very important as it will help prevent termites from infesting your home. Pest inspectors will be able to protect your property with a preventive termite treatment by identifying termite activity and nests and performing a termite foaming or dusting treatment to neutralize these insects. They will also perform a perimeter treatment to prevent termites from accessing your lovely home in the future. If your property has undergone extensions or renovations in the past, we’d also recommend that you thoroughly check for joins between new and old constructions and ensure they’ve been treated too.
Termites can cause significant damage to your property and shouldn’t be treated lightly. Now, on the positive side, 90% of the time, conducive conditions are resolvable by general landscaping and ensuring no overgrown foliage is located near your foundations. At OneHome Inspections, we specialise in Building and Pest Inspections. If you’re wondering whether your home is protected against termites, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team on 3369 5231 so we can help you identify a potential termite infestation.