CSIRO data indicates that 1 in 3 houses will suffer some form of termite damage during their economic life.
As many as 14 subterranean termite colonies exist per acre. That means that an average home could have as many as four termite colonies either directly under it or adjacent to it.
As many as 1 million termites are living within each colony.
They are an equal opportunity destroyer-any kind of wood will do!
Termites are the cause of the greatest economic losses of timber in structures in Australia. They cause more damage than floods, fires and cyclones combined.
No property is safe from termites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all termite species harmful to houses? Of the 348 Australian species only about a dozen cause any significant damage to structures.
How do they attack the property? The most destructive species live in large underground nests containing several million timber destroying insects. A single colony may exploit food sources over as much as one hectare.
The average home offers a smorgasbord of timber to feast upon. They can enter through a variety of ways including cracks in the concrete slab, through cracks around pipes and ducts or by building their trademark mud tubes to gain access to above ground timbers.
How often should I have the property inspected? Australian Standard AS3600.2-2000 states that properties should be inspected at intervals not exceeding 12 months. The Standard further advises that properties at greater risk should be inspected every 3 to 6 months.
Does my insurance cover me for termite damage? No. Building insurance does NOT cover termite damage to timbers in a building.
What do I do if I find termites? Do not panic. Do not disturb them or attempt to treat them yourself with sprays or aerosols. Contact us immediately. Brisbane Termites.
Brisbane Termites
Termite Inspection and Reports
Termite Inspections are an important part of home maintenance. It is advisable to have your home checked for termites every 6 - 12 months as recommended in the Australian Standards 3660. Your Technician , Brisbane Termites,will conduct a thorough inspection of your property and surrounds. He will give you a detailed written report on areas inspected; evidence found of termite activity, high risk termite entry areas inaccessible to inspection as well as a choice of treatment options and their limitations. This will all be clearly explained to you in plain English.
Termite Control Methods
Termite Barriers Termite barriers are a chemical soil barrier and are used to retard or temporarily eliminate termite access to a building structure.
Basically, there are two ways in which a soil insecticide can be considered effective:
Toxicity – the termites are killed by the insecticide in the soil,
Repellency – the termites actively avoid the area containing the insecticide.
There are a number of products on the market which we use to achieve this. They are all environmentally safe when used in accordance with the product label.
The process basically involves treating the soil at the base of the building structure. Trenching, drilling and rod injection are performed to ensure the chemical barrier is positioned at the right depth. Total building perimeter coverage is required.
Termite Baiting Systems Involves the installation and monitoring of termite bait stations, such as Exterra and Nemesis systems.
This method relies heavily on the termites “finding” and consuming sufficient bait and then taking it back to the nest. The termites cannot detect that the bait is slowly affecting their ability to grow and develop.
The termite colony loses whole generations of replacement members and gradually declines and finally collapses. Active stations are generally inspected every three weeks.
Risk Factors Any structure can be attacked by termites. Here is a list of prevailing conditions which could increase the risk of termite attack if not identified and acted upon.
Current, recent or past termite activity or damage at either your property or neighboring properties within 100m.
High risk construction methods & materials
Sources of moisture & food
Presence of areas with limited access or visibility
No timber pest inspection carried out in the last 6 months
No termite treatments according to Australian Standards
Presence of timber set in, on or near to ground
Incorrectly stored timber or firewood
Presence of formwork which can promote or hide termite entry & attack
Presence of irrigation systems near structures
Presence of mulch, soil and garden beds near structures, in many cases blocking weep holes
Presence of built up paths, concrete or masonry near structures
Presence of wood decay fungi which preconditions timber for termite attack
Presence of trees & stumps which can harbor or feed termite colonies
Presence of tree roots which enter under or near foundations
Regular Follow-Up Inspections
Australian Standard AS3600.2-2000 states that properties should be inspected at intervals not exceeding 12 months. The Standard further advises that properties at greater risk should be inspected every 3 to 6 months.
Regular inspections DO NOT stop attack, but may limit the amount of damage by detecting problems early.
CSIRO data indicates that 1 in 3 houses will suffer some form of termite damage during their economic life. 
Involves the installation and monitoring of termite bait stations, such as Exterra and Nemesis systems.