Myths and Truths

Myth - The termites in my garden are happy there as there is plenty to eat!

Truth - Termites cannot be contained to one area. The queen can lay up to 2000 eggs a day.  They are always foraging for new food supplies.

Myth - We had a termite inspection over 12 months ago and they said we have no termites.

Truth - That may be the case on the day of the inspection.  Although termites may enter your home at anytime in which case Australian standard termite inspections should be carried out every 6-12 months even if you have some form of termite protection.

Myth - I can do my own termite inpections

Truth -  In accordance with the Australian Standards to thoroughly search a house for termites, an inspector must be licensed and use special equipment such as a moisture meter to check all accessible walls for termites.

Myth - Termites can't eat my house! It is steel framed.

Truth - Correct they won't eat steel but most steel framed houses still have timber window and door frames, timber skirtings and timber cupboards and furniture, which are all conducive to termite attacks.

Myth - Termites can't get into my home as I have termite protection

Truth - Termite protection around the house is better than having nothing at all, although there are many simple ways for the protection to be breached, an annual inspection is essential to keep your protection valid.

Myth - I coat my timber in my garden with sump oil.

Truth -  This is illegal and is an old farmer's method that will not STOP termite activity as termites will always find an untreated part of the timber to consume usually by searching from underneath the ground.

Myth - Termites don't eat hardwood

Truth - They love hardwood timber. They prefer softer wood if there is nothing else around. They will eat hardwood such as: Hardwood sleepers and house frames.