Termite Inspections and Termite Treatments

Termite Inspections

Regular termite inspections is incredibly important for all homes and buildings with wooden structures. In Penrith and most of Western Sydney, new homes are constructed using timber frames which means the entire house is structurally supported by wood.

Termites love wood. Termites eat the cellulose which is the main component found in the cell walls of wood. Getting to this food source often means that they can eat through very solid wooden structures and they can do some serious damage.

Identifying potential termites is crucial. If they are not stopped early on they can work their way through an entire structure. Floors and walls are particularly vulnerable especially for subterranean termites as they can easily construct their tunnels to lead to the food source.

Wooden roof structures are not safe either as different species of termites have different feeding and nesting patterns.

All new wooden structures have the timber pre-treated by impregnating the wood with a liquid that makes the cellulose unattractive to termites. This treatment of the timber is a requirement for all new structures but it is not a guaranteed barrier.

Over time, wooden structures can get exposed to the elements which makes it more vulnerable to termites.

The best line of defense is regular termite inspections by a qualified pest control professional. Penrith Pest Control would be happy to assist you with all your termite inspection and treatment needs.

Termite Inspection Cost

The really scary part about termites is that they can infest an entire structure without you being able to see it. Since they make their way through the inside of a structural post or beam you will not even know they are there.

Weakening structures and even causing buildings to collapse can be incredibly costly. Termite inspection costs are off course a fraction of what structural damage will be.

If you live in an area where termites are prominent or if you’ve had termite problems in the past then we recommend a termite inspection at least once every 12 months. Ideally, every 6 months if the problems were severe in the past.

Termite inspection costs in Western Sydney vary between $250 and $350 for an average sized house. For a larger property it can be as high as $500.

Most professional pest control specialists will be able to give you a more accurate quote over the phone or after a quick assessment in person.

A pest control professional will know what signs to look for. They typically also employ the latest technology like infrared cameras and microwave treatment.

Termite Treatments

If your termite inspection confirmed the worst case scenario then you will need to resume with the appropriate termite treatment as soon as possible to limit any damage.

If the structural damage is severe – especially in older buildings you might have to get an engineer involved to make sure that the structure is still safe.

There are essentially 3 ways to treat termite infestations.

1.Bait Systems

Ideal for small and moderate infestations. A bait system will be placed around the colony with a control agent that acts as “food”. The termites will then take this agent back to the colony as food and in the process kill off the entire colony.

2.Liquid and Foam Sprays

Liquid and foam sprays kill termites on contact. This limits its use and is usually the most effective for subterranean termites around the house.

3.Fumigation

This is for serious termite infestations especially if drywood termites have invaded a structure. In more extreme cases your building might have to be “tented” for an effective fumigation.

Termite Treatment Cost

Termite treatment costs pale in comparison to the costs of structural damage. Identifying termite problems early is the key to preventing more serious damage.

A typical termite treatment will cost anything from $600 all the way up to $1200 for a home in Penrith and Western Sydney. Bigger buildings will off course be more expensive depending on the size and complexity of the problem.

Once you apply a termite treatment, regular inspections are recommended. An inspection every 3 months is recommended to ensure that they do not return. Most pest control professionals have a follow-up plan to make sure the treatment was successful.

termite treatment cost,termite inspection cost

How To Prevent a Termite Infestation

A home or a building that is already infested will need a professional intervention. There are however some basic steps you can follow to minimize the risk of termites in and around your home.

Moisture – prevent any excess moisture from getting into any structure. Any leaks in and around the home needs to be addressed to avoid structural wood from getting wet. Make sure your gutters work properly and divert water away from the building effectively.

Exposing Structures – make sure that no piece of structural wood gets exposed. If there are roof tiles or sheets that have holes they need to be replaced as this can provide an easy entrance for termites.

Keep your garden clean – do not let firewood or wood debri lie around in your garden. It acts as a great food source and can attract termite colonies. As a rule of thumb you want to prevent dry wood from being in contact with the soil.

Avoid cardboard – cardboard boxes contain the same cellulose that termites love. It can attract them so do not let cardboard boxes lie around in the garden with contact to the soil. Also avoid keeping cardboard boxes in basements and attic spaces.