Finding Termites....

Places to look for termite mud galleries or damage include building foundations, piers or stumps and sub floor-areas, skirting boards, architraves, cornices and mouldings, particularly those made of softwood. Where termites are working between timber walls or in painted timber bulging, staining and/or rippling of the surface is sometimes noticeable.

Inspections of the building, at three to four month intervals by the owner for signs of termite activity will reduce the danger of serious infestation occurring.

Termite attack is usually initiated from below the building. Poorly ventilated, poorly lit sub-floor areas increase the likelihood of infestation. Permanently damp areas in, under or beside a building also favor attack. Drainage should be improved and plumbing repaired to reduce the risk of termite infestation occurring.

Areas mentioned above which are conducive to termite infestation should to inspected extra carefully and more regularly.

Materials stored under buildings may promote termite entry by providing pathways around physical and chemical barriers, by reducing ventilation, or they may make inspection of the area more difficult. Removal or regular rearrangement of such materials is recommended.

Built-up gardens and shrubs close to the perimeter of the building may promote or conceal termite entry points. This is particularly so in slab-on-ground construction.

People interested in carrying out their own inspections for termites are very strongly advised to obtain a copy of the Australian Standard 3660 "Protection of buildings from subterranean termites - Prevention, detection and treatment of infestation".

You will find a link to Standards Australia in the More Info section of this site.