About Termites

Termites are small, soft-bodied, social insects who feed on wood, grass, dead leaves, bark and fungi (amongst other things). Termites are also commonly known as white ants (but are not related to true ants).

Termites serve an important function in nature by feeding on wood and converting it into organic matter. Unfortunately, the wood used in buildings and structures like pergolas are equally as appertising to termites, causing severe damage- this can be expensive to repair.

There are 350 different species of termites in Australia. 20 of these can eat solid wood.

These types of termites require ideal tempreture and humidity levels to survive and live in colonies up to 7 meters below the soil surface. The colony will breed up to 200,00 termites who build an extensive tunnel network extending up tp meters from the nest.

What's the ideal environment for termites? Any timbers in your garden and throughout your home.

The best solution to termites is detection and prevention.

Have regular inspections of all accessible wood as potential termite entry points. Termites are often detected after they have built a wafer-thin mud tunnel on the timber (this protects them from the environment and maintains their humidity levels).

For Perth homes, the first indicator of termites may be a slight discolouration of the surface wall, followed by warping of any wood panels. Found termites? Don't disturb them by using household sprays- take time to investigate the size and nature of your termite problem. Jetset can help you with this.

Treatment of termite infestation in an existing structure requires an integrated approach including:

• Destruction of termites within the timber/wood
• Measures to locate and destroy the termite nest
• Re-establishment of a chemical or physical barrier
• Regular inspections to detect any ongoing or new termite activity

Jetset will strategically place bait stations to lure termites to a food source. A typical Perth home requires about 30 bait stations- and these need to be inspected regularly to assess termite activity.

Once the termite is attracted to the bait station, a termicide sticks to the termite. This is quickly spread throughout the termite colony until, ultimately, the Queen is reached and killed.

This external bait and treat approach is possible in areas where there is enough space around the building to place the bait stations.

Whichever system you and Jetset decide is best for your termite trouble, it is important to conduct regular inspections. We reccomend your property is checked evry 6-12 months.

The Western Australian department of Consumer Protection recommends you arrange an annual inspection of your property by a licensed pest control operator. Jetset is happy to conduct this service for you.

Jetset recommends these commercial, residential and garden tips to help you reduce the size of termite damage:

• Plumbling leaks, drainage problems and roof leaks should be dealt with quickly. Damp conditions attract termites.
• Garden beds and plants should be kept away from direct contact with exterior walls. Substitute with paving where possible.
• Do not allow soil from garden beds to block drainage or ventilation opening in walls.
• Nothing should be stowed against outside walls. This can allow termites to gain easy access to the wall cavity (without early etection).
• Looking to extend or renovate? Be careful not to remove any existing termite barriers.
• Spaces under the floor must be kept ventilated. Make sure airflow through any vents is not obstructed.
• Keep an eye out for termite infestation warning signs in piles of firewood or stacks of stored timber. It's best to keep these away from the house, raised above the ground and covered to keep them dry.
• Consider termite resistant timber.
• Remove dead trees and stumps as soon as possible.
• Use metal stirrups when setting a pergola, gate or verandah posts in the ground.
• Avoid using untreated timber sleepers for retaining walls and garden beds.
• Timber decking around verandahs and swimming pools should be cleaned and inspected regularly.

Building a new home and want specific advice about termite/ white ant protection?

Jetset is available for consultation at any time best suited to you.

Contact us on (08)92012240 or 0406864134 (after hours).