Everyone is aware of the damage that termites can do to the structure of a building, and as a prudent property manager you should be on the lookout for any signs of termite infestation. As we head into summer, you should be aware of the threat that winged termites can pose to your building. The warmer weather and humidity mean that winged termites will now be emerging from their nests and the risk of termite infestation will begin to rise.
In this blog post, Vectothor will share some helpful tips on recognising the signs of a termite problem and how our flying insect traps can help in guarding against this.
Recognising a Problem
Termites are a significant cause of damage to homes and buildings in Australia; more so than storms, flooding and fire damage combined. It is critical that you carry out a pest inspection on a regular basis, as termites are notoriously difficult to spot and can go undetected for years, all the while eating away at the structural foundations of your building.
It’s always best to catch the problem early, so it pays to be on the lookout during the summer months when large clusters of flying termites (swarms) can be easily spotted – particularly around the exterior of buildings with wood foundations. This can indicate one of two problems:
- 1 – You may have an existing termite problem
- 2 – A colony is nearby, and you may be at risk of a termite infestation
Termites swarm after a period of heavy rainfall and warm/humid weather, as they seek to start a new colony. If you’re noticing swarms inside your building, this colony may have taken up residence near your building. You should keep an eye out for any shed wings around doors/windows, as this is a key indicator for an active colony within your premises.
The first step to take is to get a professional pest inspection.
DON’T do the Following
Spray Winged Termites
There’s no point in attempting to eliminate a termite problem by spraying the swarmers as this will accomplish nothing. Worker termites, hidden inside the timber do the damage. These worker termites will remain active and continue to do damage.
Block their Escape
If you’ve managed to find the hole through which flying termites are emerging, DO NOT be tempted to block it. If you do, they’ll just find another way to escape, causing even more damage.
Ignore the Problem
It is imperative that the colony is found and eradicated, as otherwise you will have a serious problem on your hands.
Tips for Preventing Termite Infestation
Termites are very difficult to eradicate, so it’s best to take a defensive approach. There are a few things you can do to minimise your risk of termite infestation. You should consider the following:
Install an EXTERRA Termite Protection around your building to allow early detection and future eradication.
Keep all sub-floor areas clean, dry and well ventilated where possible.
Fix up leaking plumbing e.g.: downpipes, gutters and taps, and make sure there is good drainage around your home.
DO NOT build up soil, mulch or garden beds against the walls of your home.
DO NOT store timber or cellulose-based materials underneath or against the walls of your home.
Take Preventative Measures with Vectothor – Call us Today
Following a professional pest inspection, the next best line of defence against flying termites is an appropriate flying insect control system. Vectothor are the market leader in flying insect control, and we would greatly appreciate the opportunity to develop a comprehensive defence strategy to protect your property against the risk of termite infestation.
Contact Vectothor today. We look forward to assisting you.
