Insect Pests - Don't Risk Your Home, Inspect For Termites Today!
Termite Control and Termite Inspection
In Australia there are over 300 different species of termite. Of these only six species are largely responsible for attacking timber in service such as our homes and commercial premises. The damage bill alone can amount to over $100 million each year. This damage bill is greater than that caused by fire, flood and cyclones combined.
Termite control can be referenced in the Australian Standard™ AS 3660 –
Termite Management for Subterranean Termites.
Termite Biology
Termites are social insects and live in colonies which can number many 100’s of thousands of termites. Each colony has a king and queen. The queen can produce up to 2,000 eggs a day. The workers and soldiers are castes most commonly encountered when termite activity is discovered which can be up to 50 metres from the nest. It is the workers that are responsible for all the damage to timber and other cellulose food sources. They work 24 hours a day, destroying your building from inside the wood. Chances are you’ll see no evidence of their work until something gives way. The soldiers are present to protect the colony from attack by predators such as spiders and ants.
In spring, termite colonies release winged reproductives (alates) which establish new colonies. The alates are very noticeable on warm, humid evenings and leave their wings as calling cards on window sills and around lights to warn homeowners of their presence.
If you find termite activity DO NOT DISTURBE IT!
DO NOT spray termites or their workings with household insecticides.
Call Raid Pest Management, a professional pest management company to investigate the extent of the activity and determine the best termite management solution for your property. In Queensland pest technicians must undergo additional training and have their QLD Health licence endorsed by QLD Health permitting them to carry out termite work. Additionally pest management companies performing termite inspections in Queensland must have a QLD Building Services Authority licence.
Gold Coast Termite Inspections
An annual termite inspection is one of the best investments you can make to give yourself peace-of-mind that your home is not the current “restaurant of the month” for termites.
A large termite colony can cause a significant amount of damage within 12 months and more regular inspections may be warranted in areas of higher termite risk. ie. bushland and/or large trees in close proximity to the house or a history of ongoing termite problems.
Termite inspections can be referenced in the Australian Standard™ AS 3660.2 – 2000 'Termite Management Part 2: In and around existing buildings and structures - guidelines.'
Termite Baiting and Monitoring
Termite baiting and monitoring is the latest technology available to control termites
by eliminating the termite colony.
 The Exterra Termite Interception and Baiting System is a systematic, multi-step termite management method. Australian field trials have clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of the system in controlling subterranean termites in Australia.
When termites are located in the building structure or in the purpose designed monitoring stations they are fed Requeim Bait, a food source they find particularly palatable. The termite workers feed on the bait and take it back to the colony to feed other colony members including the queen and developing young.
 The toxicant in the bait is an insect growth regulator which inhibits the termites ability to produce chitin (a skin substance) preventing them from moulting and consequently they die, leading to the elimination of the entire colony.
The monitoring stations are serviced regularly to detect further activity by other foraging termite colonies that may be in the area and in close proximity to the structure. |
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