Pest Guide
- An excellent way to manage Subterranean Termite activity in the garden is to set up monitoring/bait boxes. Professionally manufactured bait stations can be installed by your local Timber Pest Management Technician.
- Alternatively you can quite easily set up a do it yourself system using polystyrene foam boxes (Broccoli box) and simply monitor it yourself. When you believe you have a considerable number of termites in the box (heavy mudding on the bait material), call and arrange for BuildandPest.com.au to treat the termites (it is important that you do not disturb the termites). This is done by capturing the termites, separating them from the bait material and mud, then dusting them and releasing them back into the box and allowing them to return to the nest completely contaminated.
- A step by step guide to setting up the Broccoli box system is available via the CSIRO’s web site here.
- But remember, this information should be used to assist in managing termites in the yard and not a replacement for any termite management system which may be in place around the base of the dwelling. Australian Standard AS 3660 recommends at least an annual timber pest inspection should be carried out. Inspections should be more often on high risk properties. All pest management is based on the integration of various techniques which collectively produce results.
- Regularly check the timber fencing on your property for signs of termite activity. Store all timber well clear of the ground, particularly firewood and old building materials. Even old newspapers and cardboard boxes make good food for termites and should be disposed of or suitably stored.
- Irrigation systems, hot water unit and air-conditioning unit overflows are excellent sources of water for termites. Subterranean termites need a source of water in order to operate. Divert overflows to suitable drainage. If you must have irrigated gardens, at least keep them well clear of the house. You must understand termites can transport this moisture to where they need it.
- It is also a good idea to involve neighbours in the program, as termites don’t stop at the fence.
Regular Inspection Would Prevent This!
Regular Inspection of this House would have prevented this. Contact a Licensed Timber Pest Technician to advise on how often your house needs Inspecting. Australian Standards recommend at least an annual inspection but higher risk building should be inspected more often.
