Frequently Asked Questions About Termites

1. Is a termite the same as a white ant ?
   Yes, they are the same insect. Termite is the correct name, but they are often called white ants because they look like an ant and they are milky white.

2. How do I know if I have termites?
   Termites eat timber and paper products. They eat the timber from the inside out and create a paper-thin veneer on the surface, causing the timber to appear crinkled, wrinkled and often spotted with mud. In a home termites can be found infesting finished timbers (skirting boards, door frames, architraves etc), framing and subfloor timbers. A professional timber pest inspection report done by an accredited termite technician is recommended.

3. What do I do if I find live termites?
   Do not disturb the termites or spray with insecticide. Termites need to be identified for proper treatment by the termite technician and we do not want to chase them away to another area. You cannot control termites by pulling out the effected timber and spraying the area. Call a qualified termite technician who has the experience and training to complete a termite inspection report; using the Australian Standards AS 3660.2- 2000 as a minimum guide line. Once the report is done a written Termite Management Proposal can be completed outlining all the treatment recommendations and the cost.

4. How do I know the Company is reputable and doing the right Thing?
   The Company should be members of the AEPMA (Australian Environmental Pest Management Association), hold necessary State Pest Control Licence to use pesticides and ID card, have Public and Professional Liability Insurance and provide references of satisfied customers. Helpful literature and brochures explaining the termite treatment, termite biology, conditions conducive to termites should all be left with you by the Company. Ask lots of questions and see if the technician has all the answers. How long has the Company been in business? Does the Company employ casuals or sub contract out the work? On going training and development in termite management is crucial for effective termite control and therefore full time employees are strongly recommended.
   Contact the Dept of Human Services for any further information on 03 9637 4156. Human Services have a checklist of questions to ask when selecting a Pest Control service.

5. How long does the termite treatment take?
   One day for an average size home.

6. Do I need to vacate my house overnight ?
   No. There is no need to vacate the home overnight with the new termite treatment chemicals like Premise, Termidor and Altriset. They have no solvents, no vapours, and no odours. For further information please refer to the web sites of the manufacturer. Premise is made by Bayer www.bayernopests.com and Termidor by BASF www.basf.com.au Altriset by DuPont.

7. How do I know if the chemical is safe?
   In Victoria all chemicals have to be registered and have an approved label. Chemical registrations are done by the APVMA (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medical Authority). A good web site for information on chemicals used for termite treatment is www.dpi.vic.gov.au All our termite technicians are fully trained in handling and applying chemicals as per the label.

8. How often do I need to re-apply the termite treatment?
   Treatment lasts for many years depending on the chemical used. Soil residual life also depends on soil types and moisture in the ground. Premise 200SC will last 5 years or longer in most practical situations. Re-treatment may not be economically justified within 5 years. Inspections, at least annually should be done.

9. How often should my home be inspected for termites?
   The Australian Standards for termite management AS 3660 recommends the structure be inspected at least annually. Regular inspections pick up life termites and therefore reduce timber damage and replacement costs.

10. What if the termites are still there in a month?
    This is quite normal. After the treatment has been completed some termites may still be alive in the damaged timber for several weeks, as the chemical gradually takes effect through the termite colony. We do a follow up inspection 4 to 6 weeks after the treatment to monitor the situation. Termites can become cut off from the main colony and remain alive for several months. During this time they do very little timber damage. Premise and Termidor works differently from other chemical treatments. It allows termites to enter the treated zone (soil) where they unknowingly pick up the chemical and pass it amongst each other during the grooming cleaning process. Transfer or domino effect. Soon, as the termites weaken the soil fungi and microorganisms spread through the colony. The termites become sick and fatally diseased. Colony control is acheived if enough termites are exposed to enough chemical active.

11. When can I replace the damaged timbers?
    We recommend the damaged timber is only replaced when termite activity has stopped. We will tell you when feeding has stopped on our follow up visit. In buildings, which have been heavily infested, we recommend 6 to 12 months before you start timber replacement.

12. What is termite baiting and trapping?
    Termite baiting is our termEsafe system using Exterra for termite interception, monitoring and colony control. Termites are encouraged to feed on the bait (an insect growth regulator substance) in specially designed feed stations. There are above ground stations and in ground stations. Above ground stations are placed in the home only where termites are feeding, in  skirting timber, door frames etc. Termites consume the bait and the nest dies off over a couple of months. Bait contains insect growth regulators that interfere with insect moulting,causing death. In ground stations are installed in the soil around the home at regular intervals and intercept foraging worker termites. Please refer to the Exterra web site: www.ensystex.com for more detail.

13. How much is a termite inspection report?
    There is no set cost for a termite inspection report, because every property is different. As a guideline an average three-bedroom home with garage, rumpus room and study costs $350 + GST. Please phone the office 03 8696 9000 for an accurate quote.

14. Can I have a Termite inspection report done on a home I am looking at buying?
    Yes. It is called a pre purchase timber pest inspection report .We inspect the property for termites, borers and fungi. The inspection is arranged with the estate agent before the auction and a typed report of recommendations and findings is mailed or emailed to you. Often we can prevent an unwise investment due to the presence of termites.