A Guide to Termite Treatment in Brisbane

Termites – also known as white ants, are a constant threat to Brisbane homeowners. Often, they will sneak into homes unnoticed and cause thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage before they’re detected. Here at Abolish Termite and Pest Management, we understand the worry and disruption a termite infestation can cause Brisbane homeowners. That’s why we created this guide to help equip you with the knowledge to tackle these silent destroyers, from understanding their behaviour to exploring treatment options and preventative measures you can take to ensure your home stays safe and termite-free.

Understanding termites

What are some common termite types found in Brisbane?

Subterranean termites
Subterranean termites are some of the most common termites we find in Brisbane homes. These soft-bodied insects are creamy white or light brown (hence the name White Ants), measuring around 3-5mm long. They crave moisture and will often sneak into your home through cracks in the foundation or through mud tunnels hidden beneath your house. Watch out for signs of these unwelcome pests, such as hollow-sounding wood when tapped, pinhole-sized openings in your drywall or discarded wings near windows or doors.

Schedorhinotermes termites
These subterranean termites are a little bigger than subterranean termites, measuring around 5mm long. They have light-coloured bodies and dark heads. While you may not see them directly, signs of their presence will be hollow-sounding timber when tapped, particularly near damp areas or around your foundations. Look out for pinhole-sized exit holes in walls or furniture and for piles of discarded frass (termite droppings) that resemble wood dust or really tiny peppercorns.

What attracts termites?

• Termites love moisture: Leaky pipes, poor drainage and damp foundations are termite magnets.
• Termites eat wood: Firewood piles, stumps and decaying wood near your home provide a food source so be sure to check these regularly.
• Termites also love cellulose: Cardboard boxes and other cellulose materials (newspapers, magazines, paper bags, etc) left around your home can attract them.

How quickly can termite damage occur to homes?

Termite damage often progresses rapidly, especially if undetected. Early intervention is crucial to minimise repair costs. It can take weeks or months for termites to cause damage to your home, however, it’s worth noting that if you find termites in your home, they could have already been there for several weeks or even months, causing damage.

If my property has termites, will it spread to my neighbours?

Most likely, yes. Unfortunately, termite infestations can spread from property to property through underground tunnels. Regular inspections are essential for both you and your neighbours if you find termites in or around your home.

What are the treatment options for termites?

Chemical barrier treatments
Chemical barrier treatments are a popular option for preventing termite infestations. They create a protection zone around your property, acting as a silent shield against these destructive pests.

For a perimeter treatment, a shallow trench is dug around the foundation of your house. In some cases, holes may be drilled through concrete slabs for better product penetration of termiticide that’s injected into the ground around your home, creating a barrier termites can't get past.

Termite baiting systems
This option involves strategically placing stations around your home containing a slow-acting bait that attracts termites. The bait disrupts their moulting process, ultimately eliminating the colony.

What termite treatment is right for you?

This will depend on a range of factors, including the type of home you have and how extensive the infestation is on your property. Our qualified technicians will come out and assess your property and recommend the most effective treatment based on the type of termite and the severity of the infestation.

Regular inspections can save you a lot of money

Schedule regular termite inspections with a termite pest control company like Abolish. This will help ensure continued protection for your home and catch any new activity early.

What are some preventative measures you can take:

• Get rid of any moisture around your foundation.
• Remove wood debris and stumps from your property.
• Store firewood well away from your house.
• Schedule regular termite inspections.

Here at Abolish Termite and Pest Control, our experienced technicians are licensed and use the latest termite control methods for homes in and around the Northside of Brisbane.

Don't let termites take a bite out of your peace of mind. Contact us today for a termite inspection and protect your home from these destructive underground pests.