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Termite Inspections in Maitland
Helping a Pest Free Environment in Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Hunter Valley
Termite Inspection Sequence
OzPest solutions inspection process starts when our technician is driving in to the neighbourhood and up to the house. Prevailing topography, plant life, age and style of the building which will begin to give a context from which a more detailed assessment will involve.
The inspection process will then commence with an introductory overview of the entire property; That is a brief walk through the whole of the building interior and a walk around the exterior and grounds while checking for informational labels (Durable notice) usually kept in the electrical meter box which will inform us of previous treatments and important information that could assist with the inspection.
The first area to be inspected in detail is the interior. The next area to be inspected is the roof void then proceeding to inspect the exterior of the property. This would include the inspection of the house exterior (including any slab edges), fences, sheds and/or garages (interior/exterior), trees, landscape timbers, gardens and anything within up to 25 to 50m within the property boundary.
Finally, the subfloor area would be inspected, if there is one. Observations in the subfloor area may prompt our Inspector to re-examine some part of the building interior or exterior due to key indications.
Many property owners recognize the importance of having regular timber pest inspections. The Australian Standards recommend a timber pest inspection at least on an annual basis.
Here’s what you can expect during your termite inspection, conducted by a professionally trained OzPest Solutions Inspector:
Not all termite control programs and inspections are the same. Get the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have the right termite protection for your home when using OzPest Solutions for your trusted pest defence.
Before the termites eat you out of home or business, call OzPest Solutions today for your termite inspection at 02 4932 8939
Our Services
What to expect during a termite inspection
You can expect a comprehensive and thorough 1 ½ hour to 2 ½ hour inspection of the exterior and interior of your home depending on the size of the property.
Interior
A detailed interior inspection on all accessible timber elements, This may include inspection of the roof void if accessible, skirting’s, walls, window timbers, door timbers and frames, built-in wardrobes, fireplace surrounds, picture rails, exposed floorboards, stair case timbers, exposed roof frame timbers and so on. Special attention will be given to bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms because plumbing penetrations through the slab are the more common entry points for subterranean termites.
Exterior
A complete inspection of the exterior of your home for signs of an infestation, previous activity and conducive conditions, avenues and sources that could lead to a termite infestation and or attack. This will include a thorough inspection of the perimeter of the property, subfloor of the property, exterior walls and eaves, slab edges of the home and a close examination of the foundation.
Surrounding Area
A thorough inspection of the surrounding property and yard including: fences, sheds and/or garages (interior/exterior), trees, landscape timbers, gardens, and anything within up to 25 to 50m within the property boundary and around your home to identify any activity or evidence of Termites
After your termite inspection
After your termite Inspector has thoroughly inspected your home inside, outside, over and under, they will review the following with you:
1
Inspection findings and observations related to any termite evidence and conditions conducive to infestation which increase the risk of termite attack
Inspection findings that includes any evidence of termites found non active or active and all related conditions, avenues and sources identified during the inspection that may be conducive to termite attack or lead to attack in the future
The susceptibility of the property to termite infestation (subfloor ventilation and drainage, obvious damp areas, etc.) and Possible recommendations on correcting conducive conditions that can reduce the risk of future infestations
Advise and Details of corrective or preventive treatment programs/ Monitoring programs and options that are best suited for you, your home and your budget.
If we discover termites, we’ll recommend the most effective treatment method, customized to your needs and cost of all options and the expected outcomes and limitations.
Finally, our inspector may recommend an ongoing termite monitoring and or management plan, to give you the peace of mind you deserve.
Not all termite control programs and inspections are the same. Get the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have the right termite protection for your home when using OzPest Solutions for your trusted pest defence.
Before the termites eat you out of home or business, call OzPest Solutions today for your termite inspection at 0431 622 919
Termite Prevention Tips
Termite Prevention Tips - REDUCING MOISTURE AROUND AND UNDER YOUR HOME
- Ensure ground water drainage flows away from / around your home. Ground level should slope away from house and / or soil drainage systems should be installed. If you have a moist sub-floor, installing fans may also be beneficial.
- Damp sub-floors are highly attractive to termites
- Don’t have a watering system or regularly water plants adjacent to the house. This really means you need to avoid substantial garden beds adjacent to the house.
- Watering systems and mulch can make the perimeter of your home very attractive to termites
- Ensure roof guttering and downpipes do not leak and they correctly discharge to the storm water drains.
- Make sure any external taps are not dripping and ideally have a drain underneath.
- Check for leaks in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry. (You may need a plumber or pest inspector to help here).
Termite Prevention Tips - REDUCE POTENTIAL TERMITE FOOD AROUND AND UNDER YOUR HOME
- Do not use wood mulch immediately adjacent to the house. If you must use wood mulch, make sure it has been treated with an appropriate insecticide or it is classed as termite resistant timber. Keep in mind, termite resistant does not mean termite proof!
- Using pebbles as mulch and plants in pots are a termite smart option
- Make sure any waste timber or cardboard boxes (also great termite food) are thrown out or stored above ground level, ideally away from the building.
- Make sure any firewood is stored off the ground away from the building. Firewood needs to be stored off the ground (on a metal framework)
- Firewood should be stored away from the house on a metal stand
Termite Prevention Tips - KEEP AREAS AROUND AND UNDER YOUR HOME CLEAR
- Keep the perimeter of your home clear of plants and stored items. If you can’t see the edge of the building you won’t be able to see any termite ‘break-ins’!
- If you have a sub-floor, avoid the temptation to store your excess / unwanted items in this inviting area. Stored goods prevent your ability to see any termite activity and also reduce ventilation. If the stored goods include wood or cardboard boxes, you are also providing some nice termite food!
- Remove stored timber and cardboard boxes from the sub-floor
When you do your annual Spring clean, work through this list… it could save you from a very expensive termite attack! If you get your annual termite inspection at the same time – it will reinforce these general termite prevention tips and provide some specific actions for your property. Hopefully, your house will get the termite “all clear”.
All about termites
If there’s one word homeowners hate to hear, it’s probably “termites”. While we will give you personalised advice and options, understanding these pests, how they behave, and how to spot them, can help give you a head start.
Subterranean termites
About the size of a matchhead and cream or white-ish coloured, they are mistakenly called “white ants”. Although they nest underground, they're responsible for most home damage.
Drywood Termites
2 to 6 mm long and usually pale brown. They eat dry wood and are usually found in homes, dead trees, utility poles, and stored lumber.
Dampwood Termites
12 to 15 mm and brown. These pests eat moist wood and can be attracted by dilapidated buildings, leaking taps and showers, and timber close to the ground.
Identifying Specific Termites
TERMITE BEHAVIOUR
Unfortunately for us, termites are very social pests. They live together in massive colonies, as big as several million. When it comes to humans though, they’ll avoid you at all costs, so you probably won’t see them unless they swarm. Depending on the species, termites will live underground, in the home, or in trees. But all kinds feast on wood, eating timber from the inside out.TERMITE BEHAVIOUR
Unfortunately for us, termites are very social pests. They live together in massive colonies, as big as several million. When it comes to humans though, they’ll avoid you at all costs, so you probably won’t see them unless they swarm. Depending on the species, termites will live underground, in the home, or in trees. But all kinds feast on wood, eating timber from the inside out.TERMITE CONTROL – PROBLEMS CAUSED BY TERMITES
When it comes to destructive pests, termites are number one – causing over $100 million dollars of damage to Australian homes every year. But eating away at the timber in your house isn’t the only problem they cause. There are other concerns around termites, including:- Allergies and asthma
- Increase and spreading of mould
- Damage to electrical wiring
PROBLEMS CAUSED BY TERMITES
When it comes to destructive pests, termites are number one – causing over $100 million dollars of damage to Australian homes every year. But eating away at the timber in your house isn’t the only problem they cause. There are other concerns around termites, including:- Allergies and asthma
- Increase and spreading of mould
- Damage to electrical wiring
Tips to prevent termites
Nobody wants to lose their home to termites. Luckily, there are some precautions you can take to make your home less attractive to these pests.
Inspections
Nothing beats a professional inspection with the right tools. But you can have a look around your home for signs of termites, like:
- Hollow sounding wood (particularly skirting birds, window frames and doorframes)
- Cracked paint and wallpaper
- Hard to open windows and stuck doors
- Tunnels through wood
- Termite frass
- Mud tunnels inside and outside
Home maintenance
Keep your home safe from all kinds of pests, including termites, by:
- Promptly fix leaking taps, sinks, showers, etc
- Checking and removing any items stored in roofs and subfloors
- Finding and sealing any cracks, gaps, or holes in outer walls
- Repairing damaged flyscreens
Garden maintenance
Another way to prevent all kinds of pests, particularly termites, is by making a few changes in the garden. This includes:
- Reducing and removing any mulch or weeds against the home
- Not watering plants or grass up against the home’s foundation
- Avoiding wooden landscaping elements
- Cleaning and repairing gutters and drainage
- Not storing timber against the house or directly on the ground
