Subterranean termites are commonly known as white ants. However, they are distinctly different from ants in their lifestyle and appearance.
In nature, termites have an important role in recycling timber in the forest and returning nutrients to the soil. When they get into our homes they are then declared pests and the damage they can cause to a home is substantial. Termites are social insects and have a caste structure which differentiates workers from soldiers and reproductives.
The reproductives when sexually mature, are winged. In the warmer, more humid months, they swarm and can often be seen in early evening, flying out of bushland to colonise new areas, sometimes your home. The Queen lays eggs and once the nest is established, does nothing else. The Queen of a large, mature colony can lay up to 2,000 eggs per day. These eggs develop into workers, soldier and reproductives.
The workers are the ones who do all the damage. They are wingless, blind and sterile and are responsible for foraging for food, constructing tunnels, building the nest and feeding the other members of the colony. They feed on wood and other cellulose materials, but have a preference for some timbers over others. As they feed they may hollow out timbers and often move from one area to another by constructing small tunnels made from a mud-like combination of faeces and saliva over non-suspectible materials.
They make these tunnels to protect themselves from predators and from the heat, light and lack of humidity in the outside environment. The soldiers are responsible for the protection of the nest and in some species have a pair of mandibles on their head to attack predators.
Termites can travel long distances to find food. The nest may be one hundred metres away from where the workers are foraging. They can work from their way into a house from under the floor, up the wall cavity, alongside plumbing penetrations or through construction joints in the concrete.
The latest survey in Australia has indicated that 1 out of 3 household yards have had Termites foraging for food and 1 out of every 5 Homes has had a Termite attack.
Termites have caused more $ damage Worldwide than all natural disters combined.
At least 12 Monthly Termite Inspections are essential.
Termite Inspections will not stop Termites from attacking, they are all about early detection, so if Termites are detected within your home on or before the next scheduled inspection, it will give you the opportunity to address the problem before they get the chance to create tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage.
Our highly experienced and licenced Inspectors will go over your home with a fine tooth comb inside and out, give you a comprehensive written report of their findings along with general recommendations to reduce the odds of attracting Termites to your valuable home.
If your Home requires a comprehensive Termite treatment, the Inspection fee will be waived.