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Q.
When a chemical Barrier is applied around a house by trenching
and injection, I am advised that it has an effective life
of five to ten years. Is this so and what action is taken
at the end of that time?
A. The chemical barrier can be disturbed by the servicing
of house facilities, landscaping, rodents and tree roots.
The chemical also degenerates (some degenerate at different
rates than others.) The barrier may be re-applied at the end
of a five year period. However annual inspections by a licensed
pest control technician are strongly recommended particularly
if the colony has not been located.
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Q.
Are moisture meters reliable in detecting termite presence
in inaccessible places such as behind plaster sheeting walls?
A. Termites require a higher humidity in their workings than
that of the atmosphere. Moisture meters detect this, but leaks
from water systems, air conditioning equipment and guttering
are also detected and therefore must be investigated before
attributing these readings to termite presence. Drywood termites
are not detected by this method.
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This
photo shows the remains of a sub-nest in
a wall cavity. The
inhabitants of this home had no idea what was happening
to the inside of this wall.
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Q.
A warranty of only 6 or 12 months is given after a chemical
barrier has been applied. Why is it only for this long, and
not for five years?
A. Usually when a chemical barrier is applied, annual inspections
are part of the contract. It is therefore important that annual
inspections are made, for the colony or colonies may still
exist outside the building. The chemical also slowly degenerates
in the soil.
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This
shows wall studs completely eaten by
termites. There were no annual inspections
made on the property, and maintenance was
not carried out – such as the leaking downpipe was not
repaired. Subsequently termites were attracted to this area
of constant moisture.
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Q.
Are physical barriers of stainless steel mesh or finely divided
granite stone completely effective?
A. Physical barriers can be disturbed by electrical &
plumbing servicing and landscaping. Annual inspections are
recommended to complement physical barriers.
Q.
Are there termite species which do not damage timber in buildings?
A. Yes. It is essential to have accurate identification so
that control options can be evaluated.
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Q.
Is soil contact necessary for termites attacking timber?
A.
Most infestations in buildings occur from nests in trees,
stumps and landscape materials, but if moisture is present
soil contact is not essential. Colonies have been found in
boats, multi-storeyed buildings and mooring posts in harbours,
where soil contact does not exist.
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Q.
Is the arsenic trioxide dust eradication treatment always
successful?
A. No. The technique depends on many factors. The most significant
being the skill of the applicator. Each infestation must be
evaluated carefully. In certain cases it is not appropriate
to use this method of eradication.
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The
Coptotermes species of termites,
which are one of the more aggressive
species that will attack your home!
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Please Note:
Information for this newsletter was compiled from "Termites
and Borers - A Homeowners Guide to Detection and Control"
by Phillip Hadlington & Christine Marsden. Phillip is
a consultant on pest control and is recognised as one of
Australia's foremost Termite experts. The photos depicting
the Termite damage are from work carried out by Childs Pest
Services Pty Ltd.
(Back
to website)
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