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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,...

How Termites Get Into Your House

Most people know the dangers of a termite infestation. However, many people still wonder how termites get into a house in the first place. We’re going to explore the many ways termites can enter your home. Piles of wood Piles of lumber or firewood can attract termites. If these piles of wood are close to your home, a termite can easily travel from a piece of wood to your home. Without food, termites cannot travel too far. Make sure to keep piles of wood away from your house, or stored safely somewhere termites cannot get to. Dead trees and foliage Termites love dead and decaying trees because they are easier for the termites to chew through. Leaving dead trees in your yard is a sure-fire way to invite termites into your home. This applies to stumps as well. You should remove any dead trees or stumps from your yard as soon as possible. Tree branches Even living trees pose a risk of housing termites. This is because termites go from tree branches to anything that the branch is touching. ...

How to recover from termite damage

We’ve written at length about the major risk that termites pose to your home and the best ways to keep termites out of your house. By the time a homeowner discovers an infestation, termite damage will have already occurred. As such, we’ve put together a helpful guide to help you address termite damage. Can my home recover from termite damage? In short, yes. It is rare that termites will cause enough damage that the house is completely beyond repair. It would take years and years for an infestation to cause a house to be uninhabitable. However, even a short termite infestation that's caught quickly can leave considerable damage – walls and floors can be left warped, doors and cupboards can fall off the hinges, and furniture can be damaged. 1) Make sure all termites have been treated first There is no point in fixing the damage done by termites unless the infestation is completely gone. Otherwise, termites will simply return and continue to eat away at your home. As such, you should...

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...

How can I get termite protection?

 Many homeowners understand the dangers of termites, but few know how to get termite protection for their properties. In this blog, we will examine DIY and professional solutions that you can use to protect your home from termites. DIY Termite Protection You can use DIY termite prevention methods around your property to ensure that your home is well protected against termites. Being proactive and taking these steps yourself is a great way to prevent termite infestations before they happen. Keep wood away from the ground It is no secret that termites feed on wood. But they also eat cardboard, paper and other substances that have cellulose. If your home has wooden posts or other structures that go into the ground, termites will eat away at the inside and create tunnels into your home. When building or renovating your home, make sure no wood is touching the ground. Even wood that's not attached to your dwelling can be a hazard. For example, piles of timber laying on the ground c...