Here is a quick checklist of things you can do around the house and yard to reduce the risks of unwanted visitors. By no means is this an exhaustive list, it’s probably only the tip of the iceberg. Even if you tick off all the boxes, there is no guarantee that they wont show up anyway. It just means that you arent as blatantly advertising for them as before. Every little bit helps….
TREATMENT STATUS
– Check your meter box, kitchen sink and subfloor entrance for treatment notices. What protection do you have? When was it done (all chemicals have a life expectancy)?
– Get a management system (treatment) if you dont have one
– Get regular termite inspections
GARDEN
– Remove all loose timbers
– Remove excess garden waste (if you have a mulch pile keep it as far from the house as possible, it’s ideal for termites)
– Remove all dead tree stumps, roots and all if possible
– Avoid excessive watering near the house
– Its best to avoid gardening next to external walls, keep vegetation trimmed back
– Remove any box gardens that abutt the house
– Timber retaining walls, its only a matter of time (this includes treated timber!)
MOISTURE
– Repair all leaks promptly (this includes external taps and water tanks)
– Keep your shower sealed (with damaged grout or tiles moisture will seep into the wall behing the shower)
– Repair damaged downpipes and guttering
– Improve the drainage in boggy areas around the yard
– Extend overflows from airconditioners and hotwater into a drain or at least well away from the house
– Drain grey water well away from the house
– Ensure that your subfloor (if you have one) is well ventilated and drained
SUBFLOOR
– Never store timber, cardboard or paper on soil areas in the subfloor
– Ensure ventilation and drainage (as above)
– If they exist, gain access to concealed voids and remove any conducive materials within
– Have a good look around regularly
– Remove those dodgy old partition walls from around that old storeroom, toilet, shower or laundry.
– Keep battens and any other timber framing free of soil contact
– Keep slab edges and termite shields clearly visible
HOUSE
– Any timber structures attached to the house should be mounted on metal stirrups so as to be free of soil contact (i.e. posts, lattices etc)
– Where fence posts are attached to external walls, cut them off above soil level
– Avoid storing items against external walls
– Check for slab joints where termite entry could be possible
– If something looks odd, take a closer look. If you’re really worried, contact a professional (like us)
– Keep all timber framing and timber external cladding well free of soil contact
– Keep slab edges exposed
I’m sure there are thousands of more little things you can do. Contact us for an inspection and see how you go!
