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| Termite Damage |
| In a house that's been devestated by termites, Rebecca looks at how the infestation is dealt with. |
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With a taste for timber, termites will make a meal of homes. They nest underground and if left unchecked, can hollow out timber frames, floorboards and even frames supporting the house. Rebecca provides some tips on dealing with termite damage as we watch a wall and floor being stripped to reveal damaged timbers and two large termite nests.
John Worthington runs a Building Consultancy business in Carlingford and recently treated a house in Castle Hill which was riddled with termites.
The first step is to identify the problem and locate conclusive signs of termite occupation. A building consultant carries out a visual inspection when clients are purchasing a house and uses a moisture metre on the wall to detect any moisture. This can signify the presence of termites but is not always conclusive. In John's home, two termite nests have been identified under the floor using this method.
An invasive inspection can also be carried out by a building consultant which involves the use of a borer scope allowing the consultant to see inside the wall. The most conclusive way is to cut a hole in the wall or strip the lining. Sounding the wall, or knocking the wall can also give an indication that there are termites. Crackling or falling timber or a hollow sound could indicate termite activity in this case.
Once activity is determined, the next step is to identify termite mud tubes, thin trails that climb walls or house stumps. These mud tubes will be evident when the floor and wall are pulled back to expose the damage. The mud tubes can also be apparent in ceiling cavities.
Damp areas are hot spots for termites as they thrive on moisture. In the corner of the entry hall, a pot plant was placed. The plant was regularly watered and excess water leaked through the carpet and timber floors to underneath the house. The constant stream of water provided the termites with ideal conditions for a nest.
If you discover that you have termites it's important not to disturb them. They may move to another site and will make more difficult for the pest controller to remove.
Once the infested timber has been removed, new timbers in John's house are treated with a chemical called Twenty Plus. The house must also be inspected annually.
TIPS FROM THE MINISTRY OF FAIR TRADING
Termites nest underground and their entry into your home can often go unnoticed. For this reason, the Ministry recommends that you arrange for a licensed pest control technician to inspect your home at least once a year. Look upon inspections as essential insurance for your home.
Termite protection measures do NOT guarantee "no termites", they simply reduce the risk.
The following housekeeping and gardening tips are designed to help reduce the risk of damage:
Plumbing leaks, drainage problems and roof leaks should all be dealt with promptly, as damp conditions attract termites.
Garden beds and plants should not contact outside walls. Substitute with hard paving.
Do not allow soil from garden beds to block drainage or ventilation openings in walls.
Nothing should be stored against outside walls. This practice may allow termites to gain easy access to the wall cavity without early detection.
Proposed extensions or alterations to the building must not result in the removal of existing termite barriers or access for inspections.
Spaces under the floor must be kept well ventilated. Make certain that the air flow through vents is not obstructed.
Watch for termite infestation in piles of fire wood or stacks of stored timber. These must be kept well away from the house, raised above the ground and covered to keep dry.
Consider using termite resistant timber for work on your home.
Remove dead trees and stumps as soon as possible.
Metal stirrups should be used for setting pergola, gate and verandah posts in the ground.
Where possible, the use of untreated timber sleepers for retaining walls and garden beds should be avoided.
Timber decking around verandahs and swimming pools should be cleaned and inspected regularly. |
More Info
Building Consultant
John Worthington & Associates Pty Ltd
774 Pennant Hills Road
Carlingford NSW 2118
Tel: 02 9871 4133
Mobile: 0418 222 243
Pest Inpsector
Bob Parkin
Relm Enterprises
Victor Street
Revesby NSW
Tel: 0418 248 588
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