Uninvited Guests: Why Termites Are Buzzing in Brisbane this Summer
Stay vigilant and keep termites out of your home
In this blog post, we will be delving into a topic that’s buzzing around Brisbane this summer – termites! If you’ve noticed an uptick in termite activity lately you’re not alone.
The recent abundance of rain in South-East Queensland has created the perfect conditions for these unwelcome guests to thrive. While the community is recovering from the summer storms, there’s a hidden story unfolding beneath our homes – the bustling world of termites.
The Rainfall Ripple Effect
This summer has been marked by significant rainfall. This increased rainfall has saturated the soil, creating an environment that’s conducive to termite activity. Termites thrive in moist conditions, and the increased humidity is like an open invitation for them to amplify their activity and expand their colonies. Of course, this is becoming an issue for Brisbane homeowners as termites move into homes as their colonies expand.
Stay One Step Ahead: Annual Termite Inspection
As we soak in the summer sunshine, it's crucial to stay vigilant and proactive. The increased termite activity calls for homeowners to take measures to protect their properties. One of the most effective ways to do this is through regular timber pest inspections (also known as a termite inspection). These inspections act as a shield against potential termite damage by identifying early signs of infestations and conducive conditions.
A timber pest inspection is a comprehensive, visual inspection looking for any evidence of termite activity, timber borers and termite damage. It is very thorough and includes checking all accessible areas of the home. Quality inspectors will also check your home with a thermal imaging camera and moisture meter.
Spotting the Signs of Termite Activity
The most common sign of termite activity is mud tubes. These mud-like structures are actually the secret tunnels of termites. As termites hate sunlight, they build mud tubes to protect themselves as they move to hide from both sunlight and predators. Mud tubes are often found around the foundation, walls and subfloor of your home. If you see any mud tubes, contact a licensed termite technician.
Additionally, the other most common signs are damaged wood, hollow sounding timber and swollen floors and ceilings. Termites eat wood from the inside out. This means timber or paint may appear damaged or ‘bubbling’ to the eye and sound hollow when tapped. Swollen floors and ceilings are a noteworthy red flag for termites as it generally mean significant damage has already been done. You can read more about the signs of termites here.
Solutions to Shield Your Home Against Termites
One thing is certain, termites are understandably concerning for Brisbane homeowners. Thankfully, there are few things you can do to prevent termites in your home. These include:
- Reduce any conducive conditions around your home. This includes ensuring any water leaks, drainage issues or moisture/damp issues are resolved as soon as possible. You can find a full list of other conducive conditions here.
- Keep an eye out for signs of termites throughout the year. Termites can move into a home at any time. Staying vigilant to the signs of termites and acting quickly will significantly reduce the extent of termite damage should attack.
- Get annual termite inspections. A licensed pest inspector is specially trained and experienced at finding evidence of termite activity. In addition, Australian Standards recommend that every home should be inspected every 12 months at a minimum.
- Install a chemical termite barrier. Highly effective, a chemical termite barrier acts as a shield around your home against subterranean termites for up to 8 years. Our team at Dedant is ready to support you with effective termite management solutions.
Think You’ve Found Termites? Here’s What To Do
Firstly, don’t panic! Secondly, don’t disturb the termites! It can be unsettling to find termites in your home, particularly if you’ve vigorously maintained your property and tried to prevent termites. However, termites don’t discriminate when selecting a house to invade and can, unfortunately, move in at any time.
Whilst termites can cause significant damage to a home, this damage generally occurs when the termites have been left unidentified. When caught early, the effects of termite damage can be easily managed. The horror stories you hear about generally occur when they have been left for months or years to chew away quietly. In saying this, it does not negate the need for quick action once termites have been found.
If you’ve found termites at your home, leave them be and call a licensed termite specialist as soon as possible. They will be able to come out to your house and treat the termites – preventing any more damage from occurring. In addition, they will be able to provide recommendations for long-term preventative solutions like a chemical termite barrier.
The worst thing you can do is nothing. Failing that, the second worst thing you can do is disturb the termites. Termites are elusive creatures that will find a new hiding spot when disturbed, making it harder for professionals to treat. That’s why it’s so important to leave them alone.
Don't wait. Book your Annual Timber Pest Inpsection today!
At Dedant, all our inspectors are licensed and highly experienced at conducting timber pest inspections, termite treatments and installing chemical termite barriers. They are specially trained to identify evidence of termite activity and damage, giving you peace of mind that your Brisbane home is free from termites.
We have been servicing Brisbane, Redland Bay, Moreton Bay, Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich and Logan since 2009.
If you have any questions or would like to book, contact us on 07 3807 0122 or via our website.
