Termite checks - Tuesday 7 February 2006

They're called the silent white army - destructive critters that have been known to destroy entire homes. They are just everywhere and the house we visited in Paddington was literally eaten away.

"They have really made a mess of this. Every room, almost every door, every wall panel, and a lot of this is full-on nesting material," said termite expert Scott Kleinschmidt.

It's an extreme example - but shows what can happen if the telltale signs of termite activity are ignored. New owner Peter Lay is keen to ensure the colony is now killed off before he builds a new house on the block.

"I am absolutely amazed I did not realise it was so extensive as they have shown us," said Peter.

Chances are, these unwanted invaders are chomping their way through thousands of Queensland homes right now, because lethal chemicals that once killed them have been banned.

"Termites can get in very quickly once they start," warned DPI scientist Chris Fitzgerald.

But Chris says, there's no need to panic when it comes to fighting the termite war.

"It all depends a little bit on the style of housing you have got, on how hard or easy it can be," explained Chris.

He suggests a simple DIY check once a month, starting with household rubbish.

"Just doing some renos here and just concerned termites can get into this area," pointed out home owner Mara Whittaker.

"Well, certainly putting timber down on ground like that can be an issue as far as getting termites into it," stressed Chris.

Mara lives in the western suburbs area heavily infested with termites and she's keen to learn how to do a spot check, just in case.

Checking dark areas is also essential - under the house using a torch.

"Potential areas at the back here - obviously without lights on it remains pretty dark. Every now and again I would wander down with a torch and just check. Things you want to be checking for are what we call mud trails," explained Chris.

Storing wood and cardboard on the ground can certainly attract the wood eaters, so check for activity there too.

"A lot of houses have soil under them, but if you store things you run the risk of termites getting into it from beneath without you noticing it."

Next, head outside and look for potential entry points - this concrete mound of concern because it's been plonked on top of the ant capping.

"So termites could come up behind here and get into timber without you even knowing it."

You also need to check for the destructive ants in your backyard - leafy areas that often retain water.

"So this can be a nice area for termites to congregate or aggregate."

No sign of any today, but they could be nesting in a nearby tree sight unseen. So Chris suggests a do-it-yourself monitoring kit as well, made from plumbing pipe with pine and easy-to-chomp cardboard inside.

"So when you pull the cap off you can see if you've got termites or not. So this is a very simple thing that you can construct yourself for less than $5 or $10 dollars."

If termites have been on a feeding frenzy in your suburb, it may be worth installing a more sophisticated baiting system. Mara's trialling the Sentricon - an 8-trap DIY Kit that uses pine to attract termites and then a chemical to eliminate the colony.

"It is total peace of mind in many respects. It's similar to having an alarm system in your home," said Accord National Termite Services Manager Greg Skiathitis.

For modern low-level homes, checking weep holes for signs of mudding is also important.

"Keep your eyes out because this will be the time of year, if you are going to have problems, you will have them," stressed Chris.

Of course, a professional once-over is recommended once a year. Companies like Tudors Pest Control now using a sniffer dog to help win the termite war.

Despite her suburb's termite trauma, Mara's house has been given the all clear. But she says from now on she'll be more vigilant.

"I Don't want to jinx myself but certainly think I need to check my house more regularly!"

The DIY & Full Service versions of the Sentricon Advanced Termite Control System is available from, A.N.T.S. (Aust) Pty Ltd on 3341 1877. It is installed for only $982.80 and is available throughout Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and Bundaberg. Call us at any time for updated service areas.
Queensland callers can also call on 1300 788 134 for the cost of a local call!

Sentricon System Now Available with"Interest Free Terms!"