How Often Should I Have A Termite Inspection?
Inspecting Your Property for Termites
Termites can be small little creatures that create big disasters. You can prevent that from happening starting with a regular inspection. The question you’re asking is: how often should I have a termite inspection?
Edward Ellis from a Brisbane pest control company will answer this question in a moment. What you need to understand is that termites will find a way inside your house. You may have so many entry points outside of your house and not know about them. It’s OK though, they’re too small and subtle to be noticed. You can do your part to prevent termites from damaging your home. At the same time, you’ll want to make sure if the termites themselves didn’t beat you to it.
To answer this question: A termite inspection should be done every 12 months. Especially if you live in an area of Australia where it’s known to be warm and humid.
Let’s further discuss termite inspections and how often they need to be done.
The answer is once every 12 months (with conditions)
So now that you know the answer, let’s talk about what it entails. The conditions are as follows for termite inspections:
- If you live in a warm, moist climate: Australia has plenty of warm, moist climate areas. Parts of Western Australia and Queensland are just examples of where you can find it. This is the climate where you will find plenty of termite activity.
- If your home is not so modern: Older homes will be more susceptible to termite damage. That’s because most (if not all) of them will be made from wood. Stating the obvious, termites love feeding on wood.
- If you have the budget: Granted, termite control services won’t be cheap. That’s why you want to consider setting aside money every year. On average, inspections will be around $50 to $250. This will depend on the size of your home and where it’s located.
When are termites in Australia most active?
Summer in Australia will be from November to February. That’s when the temperatures get warmer and you deal with more humidity. Thus, termites will be most active during this time period.
With that said, that’s when you want to consider the idea of getting a termite inspection done. Any other time may also be a good choice. Regardless, it’s your annual obligation if your home meets the conditions.
You’ll want to consider taking precautionary measures before the weather gets warmer as well. This means doing the following:
- Removing materials that attract termites: This includes wooden materials such as furniture and storing them properly. Proper storage includes anything BUT storing them near your home or against it.
- Seal off any water leaks: If you have water leaking anywhere under your home or around it, seal it off as soon as possible. Termites will use that water leak source as an access point. Speaking of that, check your pipes on a regular basis and clear off any debris.
- Improve the ventilation below your home: The more ventilated the bottom of your home is, the less likely termites will invade it. This includes adding more windows to your basement (if possible).
What if your neighbour’s home has termites?
Your home may not have termites. If your neighbour’s home does, that’s when you need to take the necessary precautions. This starts with getting an inspection done for your own home.
If your neighbours have termites, that means your house could be next on the termite’s hit list. Termites will travel anywhere from 50 to 80 meters away from their nest. If you hear of any word regarding termites in your neighborhood, you do not want to wait until it’s too late.
Termites can cause damage at such a rapid rate. It’s a race against the clock that you don’t want to lose. If you do, it will cost you money, time, and even some valuable things. Do not take your chances against a potential termite invasion.
Aside from getting an inspection done, you want to make sure that you follow the other precautions above. You’ll want to check your home for water leaks and seal off any potential entry points from the outside. The sooner you act, the better.
Conclusion
Australia’s climate is perfect for termites. Your home may also be next on the target list. The sooner you act on preventing any kind of termite infestation, the better off you’ll be in the future.
A termite inspection will become an annual thing if you’re in an area that is prime for an infestation. It’s a service that is worth investing in because your home is very important to you. Have peace of mind knowing that a termite infestation will not damage your home.
It takes a good pair of eyes, especially from a pest control expert. Do whatever it takes to stop termites from doing damage that will cost you time and money.
