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The best way to stop termites

The best way to stop termites Termites pose a major threat to the safety and integrity of your home. It for that reason you should be aware of the best way to stop termites. In short, the best way to stop termites is by contacting a professional. However, it is important to know what treatment options are available. The impact of Termites Termites are seen by some to be very minor pests. In truth, termites can do massive damage to your home – some years they do more damage than floods or storms. Termites seek out and feed on the wood in your property. They love wooden frames but even steel framed houses are not immune. Termites travel up steel to eat wooden roof trusses, furniture and fixtures. If left unchecked, they can even cause some houses to collapse! Know the signs There are several signs that indicate termites have infested your home. If you knock on a wooden wall and it sounds hollow, this can be a sign of termites. Do not wait until your foot goes through a skirting board. W...

5 DIY tips for keeping out termites

At Dedant, we make no secret of the dangers of termites . Given the dangers of these pests, we are sharing our DIY tips for keeping out termites. 1)     Fix leaky plumbing and gutters Termites rely on moist soil to survive and thrive. A leaky pipe can cause water to pool up under and around your house. Termites build colonies in the moist soil near your house and then begin to eat the wooden fixtures of your homes. Get a plumber to ensure your pipes do not leak. Even if you’re not a handyman yourself, keeping your gutters clean and free of leaves will also prevent moisture from building up. This will also stop mould from occurring. 2)     Store excess wood away from your property If you have a building project involving wood, it is not unusual to have excess planks of wood lying around afterward. Do not leave piles of wood near your house. Termites will seek these out and then move from the woodpile to the external walls of your home. Store your e...

Types of Termite Barriers

Termite barriers are your main defense against an infestation of these troublesome pests. However, there are many different types of termite barriers and it’s important to know the facts. Types of termite barriers There are two main types of termite barriers – physical and chemical barriers. Both prevent termites from invading your home but do so in very different ways. Physical Barriers Physical barriers are built into the design of the property to prevent termites from entering your home. This barrier generally consists of mesh webbing that is placed underneath the slab of the house. With a correctly built barrier, termites will be unable to get into your property without climbing out into an area of the property that is clearly visible. This gives you the opportunity to call an expert to exterminate them. For information on how to spot a termite infestation, see our previous blog . If you’re buying a home that is newly built, many homes will have a physical termite barrier. However,...

Annual Termite Inspection Cost

 Annual termite inspections are a necessary part of protecting your home. However, many people hold off on getting an inspection because they are concerned about the cost. In truth, the cost of an annual termite inspection is nothing compared to the dangers of a termite infestation. We have written this blog so you can better understand what goes into the cost and why it is necessary. Australian Standards recommends every Australian home should get a termite inspection a minimum of every 12 months. Termite inspection information Termite inspections are generally done once a year on the timber of your property. It is conducted in all accessible areas of the property. A report is compiled for you with our findings and if damage from termites is found, we will provide you with treatment options. What influences the annual termite inspection cost The cost of the service starts at $250. However, this cost can be influenced by the size of the property and how accessible the property is. ...

Termite Proof Wood

Everyone knows that termites eat wood. This is because termites need to ingest cellulose to live, which is found in wood. So is there any termite proof wood out there to keep your house safe? In truth, no wood is completely "termite proof". But there are some woods that are termite resistant, meaning that termites will stay away from these woods and avoid them. Still, it is important to know which woods can best resist termites. Treated wood Treating wood with chemicals is one of the most common ways people termite proof their homes. It is most important to have treated wood closest to the ground, as termites generally come from the ground and climb up into your home. Cedar Cedar is a type of wood that is naturally resistant to termites. This is because it has allelochemicals that act to repel termites. However, termites will eat cedar if they are hungry enough, particularly if it begins to rot. This is why you should always check your home and make sure your house is not exp...

What do termites sound like?

Knowing what termites sound like can be the difference between detecting an infestation early and letting it go unabated for years. This is because termites are often hard to spot visually. As such, one of the first signs termites are in your home is in the sounds coming from your walls. In this blog, we will break down the different sounds that termites make. Rustling Termites destroy wood by eating away at it using a powerful set of mandibles. As termites eat away at the wood of your home, they make a rustling noise. This is the result of an entire colony moving and chewing on the wood inside your walls. The closer termites tunnel to the surface of your wood, the louder this sound will be. Clicking Termites make a clicking sound to communicate with the rest of the colony. They do this by rapidly banging their heads against the timber. Generally, they do this in response to danger, to warn the rest of the colony. While they cannot hear audible sounds, termites respond to the vibration...

Getting a termite inspection for your garden

Termites or white ants in garden beds are a very real threat to your home. Before you know it, they move from your garden bed into your home. If you have a garden, you should get a termite inspection annually. In this blog, we look at the risks of termites in your garden and how to protect yourself. Termites and white ants – what is the difference? Many people wonder about the difference between white ants and termites. In truth, termites and white ants are the same thing. If someone points out white ants in garden areas around their home, those are actually termites. The name “white ant” is a misnomer. Termites are not ants at all and are more closely related to cockroaches. Many people often mistake termites for ants because of their similar appearance and small size. However, there are several characteristics you can use to identify termites. Recognising termites Termites do resemble ants, however, there are a few key differences. For one thing, termites are much lighter in appearan...