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Concrete Slab Homes
Homes constructed on concrete slabs pose special problems with
respect to termite attack. If the edge of the slab is concealed by
garden beds, lawns or foliage then it is possible for termites to
effect concealed entry into the property. They can then cause
extensive damage to concealed framing timbers and even the most
experienced inspector may be unable to detect their presence due to
concealment by wall linings. Only when the termites attack timbers
in the roof void, which may in turn be concealed by insulation, can
their presence be detected. Where termite damage is located in the
roof void it would be expected that extensive damage to concealed
framing timbers may be present.
With a concrete slab home it is imperative that you expose the
edge of the slab and ensure that foliage and garden beds do not
cover the slab edge. Weep holes must be kept free of
obstructions.
Termite Leads
Termites are prone to desiccation. All the significant species that
attack buildings construct a system of sealed leads that connect
the nest to the food sources. Termites can move safely from the
nest to the food and back, in an environment that will protect them
against atmospheric conditions, predators and even pesticides.
Damage to Timber and Other Materials
Timber is the main source of cellulose sought by the commercially
important species. Sometimes other, non cellulose, materials are
damaged because they are close to feeding activity. Electrical
wiring, switches and plug fittings are often attacked and severely
damages by termites. When natural food supplies such as trees run
out, the termites will turn to timber in service. Using covered mud
tunnels to link the food supply to the nest, termites will work in
timbers that are hidden in floor, wall or ceiling spaces and the
damage is often not discovered until structural failure takes place
or the termites reveal themselves in some way. Termites can cause
extensive damage and more than one colony may attack a building at
eh same time.
Modern Termite Control
For the last forty years pest managers have used chemicals to
create barriers in the soil to prevent termites attacking
buildings. Although some of these products kill individual termites
which comes into contact with them and some are repellent, termites
will persevere in an attempt to find a path through or around the
barriers.
Bayer had developed a new method of termite control which offers
an alternative to the barrier concept. Premise is a new, low
toxicity, no odour formulation which is not repellent. When Premise
is used to protect a house a "Treated Zone" is created. Termite
workers which enter the "Treated Zone" become disorientated and
cease feeding and grooming. They are killed either by the
insecticidal action or, at low exposure levels, succumb to the
action of soil fungi - premise plus Nature. Worker numbers are
reduced making it harder for the termites to find a way into the
structure.
According to state forestry research 1 in every 4 homes in
Australia has evidence of timber pest activity and damage in its
lifetime, and this number is rising every day.
Further to a thorough timber pest inspection of your property there
are preventative as well as eradication procedures that can be
carried out to help lower the vulnerability of the structure of
termite attack.
- Applying a continuous subterranean termite
barrier around the structure
- Drilling susceptible trees to help locate possible
colonies
- Exposing slab edges of slab on ground homes
- Installing TermatrolPro monitor stations
SouthPest can tailor a package to suit your home.
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