5 Things You Should Know About Termites

This article looks at 5 things you should know when dealing with termites, and understanding the necessity of termite inspection, treatment, and prevention measures.

1. Just like Ninjas, termites are the silent destroyers
2. Termites love darkness & moisture
3. Their favourite food is cellulose, AKA plant material
4. Termites love warmth, but winter doesn’t scare them off
5. Gardens beside your home are a “welcome” sign to termites

#1 | Just Like Ninjas, Termites are the Silent Destroyers

With secrecy and stealth, termites can enter your home without being noticed. But how exactly do they get in?

• Underground | they can come in from under your house, through any opening (such as plumbing) or small crack they can find
• Cracks & Crevices | any cracks or crevices on the side of your home can be used as an entry point, even as small as 2mm! 
• Exposed Vents | some species of termites can gain entry through attic vents, or other openings in the house exterior

And unfortunately, once the termites are inside your walls, they can wreak absolute havoc in a short space of time! Without realising it, termites could be eating your house from the inside out, causing expensive structural damage – which is also a hazard for you and your family. And, just like a ninja, by the time you actually see the termites, you’re in trouble – widespread damage has most likely already occurred.

That Sounds Like a Nightmare! What Can I Do? 

It’s no secret that prevention is the best medicine around. Regular, routine termite inspections are essential if you want to ensure that your home remains free from termites. If you do have an infestation, an inspection will help to catch the problem before it escalates into a full-scale disaster! With the proper treatment and prevention measures, you can keep termites out of your home for good. 

#2 | Termites Love Darkness & Moisture 

Why Are Termites Attracted to Dark Spaces?

Did you know that most termites are blind? They certainly don’t need light to find their way around, and the darkness is also a great way to avoid predators!

Why Is Moisture So Important? 

Termites need moisture to survive – they even have a pair of salivary reservoirs to store water! But what do they do with it? 

1. Moisture prevents their bodies from drying out
2. The water is used to increase humidity in theirs nests
3. They also use it to keep their mud tunnels moist 
4. They need moisture to eat and digest dry food sources

They can get this moisture from condensation, and any other source available close by – including leaking pipes or air conditioner units beside the house. Having understood the important role of moisture, it’s easy to see why effective termite treatment and prevention involves keeping the areas in and around your house as dry as possible.  

#3 | Their Favourite Food is Cellulose, AKA Plant Material

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not wood that termites love most of all – it’s cellulose. What exactly is cellulose? In short, it’s plant matter. As well as wood, cellulose can be found in clothes, books, paper, newspapers, and many other similar items. However, wood is often more readily available to termites, and they especially like decayed wood as it’s easier to digest. 

#4 | Termites Love the Warmth, But Winter Doesn’t Scare Them Off 

Queenslanders love the almost year-round warmth and pleasant climate that the state is renowned for. Unfortunately, so do termites! The warm, humid months are extremely conducive to the termite way of life, and this is when they are most active and on the move.

However, don’t think that winter means no more termites. While they can’t survive when exposed to cold temperatures, termites can easily weather a winter living in a cosy spot inside the walls of your house. All the while, they’ll still be happily snacking away on the wooden structures and interior, so make sure you’ve had your house inspected, and appropriate termite treatment actioned if these unwanted tenants are discovered. 

#5 | Gardens Beside Your Home are a “Welcome” Sign to Termites

As mentioned, termites thrive on moisture. They can also get into your home by going underground, or through cracks and other small openings. With this in mind, imagine how thrilling it is for termites to discover a lovely, moist entry point that leads directly into your home. Garden beds, mulch, and plants placed close or next to your house are a dream come true for termites!

The good news is, you can take steps to mitigate moisture near your house, including:

• Shift your garden beds away from the walls of the house
• Keep mulch & compost piles a good distance from the house
• Check for cracks in the foundations of the house 
• Conduct regular checks for leaks in plumbing & air conditioner units

To learn more about termite prevention and treatment for your Brisbane home and property, Sunshine Pest Management offer comprehensive advice and pest control solutions.