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Termite inspection.
The only place to start any termite management plan.
The inspection is how you learn if any termites are present, where they may be in the structure, and where the termites accessed the premises as well as potential natural or physical control options.
During the inspection you will undoubtedly learn whether there are any inaccessible areas any e.
g.
under patios or stairwells that may need to have access organized to enable treatment.
Termite inspection is a skill learned over a long period of time and should not be taken lightly, if you intend to carry out an inspection yourself you must research the subject thoroughly and acquaint yourself with the signs of attack.
The biggest trap inexperienced people fall into is looking for the actual insect when carrying out an inspection as the insect is rarely outside of its earthen shelter tubes and tunnels inside of timbers.
2.
Identification.
Termites have many different species, of which we are only generally concerned with four or five.
The differences in the species is extremely important when considering the various treatment options available, and when endeavoring to locate a nesting site, as each species has different nesting habits.
3.
Colony Elimination.
There are various methods for colony elimination of termites dependent mainly on personal preference and sometimes budget.
· Application of a termiticide dust (low toxicity) This method involves locating enough damaged active timbers or articles with activity that small amounts of termiticide dust are introduced in such a way that the termites inadvertently carry the pesticide back to their colony wherever it may be eventually affecting the entire colony and causing its ultimate demise.
This method takes great skill and should only be attempted by professionals.
· Placement of bait stations (very low toxicity) Bait stations can be affixed to areas where activity exists.
The stations are placed in such a way that termites have access to the bait contained within.
The termite bait is extremely palatable and termites transition to feeding on this quite quickly.
The bait when consumed is taken back to the nest, regurgitated and then shared with other colony members, eventually affecting the entire colony causing its demise.
· Direct destruction of the colony (non toxic) Destruction of the colony is often difficult because of the location of that colony.
Some termite colonies will be located inside trees, stumps or underground.
Once a colony has been found breaking it up and removing all of the material used for its construction can take some time.
If the queen is found and destroyed then the colony will be successfully eradicated, however if the queen is not located then the colony may be able to survive and rebuild.
4.
Prevention of future attack.
Ongoing prevention can be achieved chemically or non chemically.
No termite prevention strategy is foolproof and all methods of control rely on regular competent inspection of the premises.
The reduction of conducive conditions around the property will also play a part in the long term prevention of re infestation.
5.
Regular inspection is the best way to avoid very expensive repair bills if termites manage to re enter your home.
All prevention systems can fail and for a myriad of reasons, therefore ongoing regular inspection must be carried out at appropriate intervals, doing so will enable the termites to be discovered soon after re entry and before major damage is occasioned.
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