As a homeowner, the last thing you want to think about is termites. You have a mortgage, bills to pay, maybe a family to look after, and hopes of a financially secure and fulfilling retirement. With so much going on in life, it’s easy to put things like pest control on the backburner.
However, termite management is not something you should neglect. Without any preventive measures in place, termites can easily sneak into your home and cause major damage. As a result, you could end up paying a fortune for urgent pest control and building repairs.
Fortunately, termite management is much easier than you think. Here’s some useful advice to help keep your home and family safe.
Stick to a Routine Annual Inspection
An annual termite inspection is the most effective way to reduce the chance of a termite attack. If you live in a high risk area, then an inspection every 6 – 12 months may be necessary.
On a convenient day and time, a licensed pest controller will inspect both the internal and external region of your home. They will search not just the main living areas but also hard-to-reach places like the sub-floor, roof void, wall cavities, and drainage pipes. So you can be confident that every nook and cranny will be thoroughly searched.
During the inspection, your pest controller will use non-invasive technology and methods to search for evidence of live termite activity. This way, there is no risk of causing the termites to panic and relocate.
After the inspection, you will get a detailed inspection report complete with photos and recommendations.
If evidence of live termite activity is found, your pest controller can set up a custom treatment plan. They will then monitor the treatment until the infestation is gone. On top of this, they can put in place preventive measures to reduce the risk of a future termite attack. Thus, you will save money and have peace of mind knowing that your home and family is safe.
Don’t Rely on Home Insurance for Cover
Most insurance providers don’t cover your home for damage caused by animals, vermin, and pests.
Why? Because termite damage is often a slow gradual process and therefore – through the eyes of the insurance provider – preventable with a routine termite inspection.
Some pest control and building companies do offer insurance if your home has complete termite treatment installed. However, the level of cover you get will depend on the provider. For example, you may be entitled to timber replacement up to a certain value if termites damage your home.
Even if your insurance provider does cover you an annual termite inspection is still a requirement.
Why Your Property Age Matters
Did you know the age of your home has a profound effect on a termite’s ability to enter your home? It’s true. This is because both newer and older homes were subject to different building standards at the time of their creation.
Homes built before 2001
Prior to a landmark decision in 2001, newly built homes were not required to have physical termite barriers.
While it was common for some buildings to have either physical or chemical treatments, there was no industry standard. Thus, the treatments were either unsafe, ineffective, or they had a short lifespan – which means they are no longer effective today.
Home built after 2001
Physical termite barriers are a great way to prevent termite attacks. However, they don’t offer guaranteed protection. Why? Because concrete slabs are prone to producing gaps and cracks. As a result, termites can bypass the physical barrier and gain entry through the exposed gap.
For this reason, it’s important to have your home regularly inspected, and put in place extra preventive measures to achieve the highest level of protection.
Book a Termite Inspection with All Bugs
For over 40 years, All Bugs has been helping home owners across Brisbane keep their homes and families safe from the threat of termites. Whether you suspect you have termites, or you’re overdue for an annual termite inspection; All Bugs is ready to assist you.
To book a comprehensive termite inspection with All Bugs, call (07) 3324 0111 or send your online enquiry.
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