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Termite Pest Control

When it comes to termite inspection and treatment, you don’t have time to make mistakes. The speed and ferocity of a termite infestation is something that has to be seen to be believed and only an expert can perform the kind of inspection and treatment that will protect your home or business. At Exopest we are the termite control experts – we use a technological approach to dealing with termite infestations and treatments that protects you, your family, and your business. Unlike our competition, we have been studying termites for decades including their breeding patterns, propensity for infestation, and more. While we are not the cheapest, we are confident that we are the best. Our track record speaks for itself.

What are Termites?

Termite Pest Control

Termite Soldiers

Termites, often known as white ants, are wood eating insects. Termites are highly variable in size, colour, and shape, but have many similarities. All termites belong to the order Isoptera. Termites are highly modified cockroaches and although they are often referred to as ‘white ants’, they are not related to the ant family at all.

Termites are social insects and live in colonies. Some termites live in mounds above ground (e.g. magnetic termites), some live in nests up telephone poles (e.g., the Nasutitermes species), some in the base of trees and stumps (e.g., Coptotermes species), and some even live in the  timber walls of the home. Call us to find out more on 1800 686 299.

Termite Pest ControlTermites live in groups or colonies up to several million in number. In any colony there are various different forms called castes. Worker castes are for food supply and tunneling. Soldier castes defend the colony against intruders and reproductive castes are for future generations and colony survival. Reproductive termites are often referred to as alates. The worker and soldier castes are sterile. All termites consume cellulose (found in timber, paper, cardboard, grass etc.) as their food source.

Well you think you have termites, so why not inspect and do it yourself? Your friends down the road fixed it themselves, so why not you?
This approach will cost you more money in the long term!
Termites are a very clever insect and can be totally concealed so you will not know even where to look.
Exopest has been inspecting homes for termites in Melbourne for over 33 years so we know what to look for. Termite detection and control needs professionally trained and experienced technicians.
Exopest inspects your home and reports on the species of termite and the best control method.
There is an Australian Standard for termite inspections and only a qualified termite inspector using modern detection equipment will give you peace of mind.
Exopest’s insurance company (Rapid Solutions) requires individual termite accreditation for each one of our termite team. They are not just licensed pest control technicians but fully licensed termite inspectors.

Give us a call 1800 686 299 to book your termite inspection.

Termite Pest ControlTermites are often associated with mounds seen in Northern Australia or dense forest areas, but they also form subterranean nests in root systems of trees and timber stumps. In Melbourne termites nest in many interesting, unusual places such as soil fill, old building materials under premises, cavity walls and hidden voids under buildings. We have even found them nesting in timber false floors between concrete floors in commercial high-rise buildings. You might find them under concrete slabs in patios, verandas, and paths around your premises. They also nest in eucalyptus, peppercorns, and imported oak, elms etc.

Termites can nest in the trunk of a tree just above soil level or sometimes higher up in the fork of a branch where moisture has entered the tree causing decay. Termites can tunnel 50-80 m from their nest to a feed site, for example from a tree three house blocks away to a piece of skirting in a building. The worker termites, which have chewing mouth parts, are responsible for timber damage and form over 80 per cent of the individuals in a colony.

Coptotermes termite workers are 5-8 mm long with the soldiers slightly larger having a darker head and pincers or biting jaws called mandibles on their head. These mandibles are used for protection of the termite colony.

Termites fly in the warmer summer months, normally when the humidity is higher during the evening. This is when the flying caste members, known as alates take to the wing in a nuptial flight. They swarm into the air from infested timber in the building or from an infested tree. The alates pair up after a short mating display and tunnel into the soil to start a new colony. This process of release and pairing up is very hazardous with a high mortality rate from natural predators and exposure to the elements.

Often the termite flight occurs when the occupants of the house are out. On their return, they find a house full of winged insects and have no idea where they came from or what they are. Most alates are found around the edge of carpets, trying to escape towards the light. They are naturally attracted to light, however, they do not live for long inside the building and quickly die. Always keep a few termite alates samples as your Exopest technician will be able to identify the exact species. Correct identification of the species is very important in making the right treatment recommendations.

Termite alates are sexually mature males and females whereas the other termite castes are sterile. There is normally one queen termite per nest and she can measure up to 4 cm in length and live up to 40 years. The queen is very productive in her lifetime and can produce as many as 40,000 eggs per day. The king and queen are entombed in the egg-laying chamber in the centre of the colony and coordinate the daily activities of the worker and soldier termites.

Termite colonies only fly when the colony is mature, anything up to 5 years after the original nuptial flight.

EXTERRA, the world’s most effective termite colony elimination system.
EXTERRA
Large Termite mudpack nest inside home
Termite Alates External Window Frame
Termite Damaged Flooring
Termites flight cuts in timber wall lining
Live Termites In Exterra Inground Station
Live Termites In Exterra Above Ground Station
Live Termites in Exterra Above Ground Station In Garage
Alates are mature reproductive male females with wings allowing colony dispersal.
Termite Alate Swarm
Exterra inground station - live termites
Exterra in ground station with live termites
Exterra In Ground Station - Requeim bait

The Exopest philosophy is to help and advise people how to protect their property from termite infestation and timber damage. Our commitment led us to devise termEsafe, our own Termite Management Program. The program consists of the following:

  • Termite Inspection Report complying with AS 3660.2-2017 – Existing homes
  • Pre – Purchase Timber Pest Inspection Report complying with AS 4349.3
  • Termite Soil Treatment under and around the building, or
  • Termite Monitoring, Interception and Baiting System
  • Naturally Building Out Termites

Exopest Termite Inspection Report

  1. Termite Pest ControlInspect and report on termite-damaged timber and live termites in and around the building. Termite detection equipment using Termatrac T3i, Tramex moisture meter and tap sounding techniques.
  2. Inspection is limited to physically accessible areas and does not cover inaccessible areas in and around the building.
  3. Areas inspected include exterior, interior, roof space, and subfloor.
  4. With concrete slab on ground buildings and no under-floor crawl space more time is spent internally checking exposed accessible timbers – skirtings, architraves, door frames, window frames, and finished timbers etc.
  5. Visual inspection of trees and stumps for possible live termites.
  6. Temperature check of trees by using a drill and monitoring probe up to 50 m from your building. Additional cost if trees need drilling.
  7. Identify conditions conducive to termite infestation.
  8. Discuss and advise on the various treatment options available for termite treatment, including termEsafe termite baiting and chemical soil treatments.
  9. All inspections are carried out to the Australian Standards AS 3660.2- 2017 or AS 4349.3.

  • In line with AS 3660 Termite Management Standards, termiticide (Premise 200SC, Altriset, Termidor or Biflex) is applied by Exopest to the soil under and around the walls of the building.
  • Treated zones allow termite entry through the treated soil around the structure of the building. Termites unknowingly pick up the chemical in the soil as they enter the structure to feed on above-ground timbers. As termites groom and clean each other the chemical is transferred.
  • Exopest recommends the use of environmentally friendly products for termite control, such as Premise, Altriset, and Termidor for existing timber floor houses and Biflex for new homes.
  • Altriset is the newest termiticide in Australia with a totally new active from Syngenta. Altriset is exempt from poison scheduling.
  • Premise is a water-solvent based (no odour) formulation of imidacloprid. Termidor is based on the active ingredient fipronil, also non-solvent based with no odours. Biflex is a synthetic pyrethrin product with long-term residual protection, based on bifenthrin as the active.

  • Insect Growth Regulators (IGR’s) have long been used in the agricultural industry and are now available for termite control. Basically, IGRs regulate the growth of the target insect by interfering with maturity and growth. Termites grow by shedding their skin, called moulting. If this process can be interfered with then we have a biological way of eradicating termite nests. Exopest feeds the termites a cellulose food base containing an IGR.
  • termEsafe is our termite baiting system and Exopest has installed over 2000 sites since 2004.
  • termEsafe starts with a termite inspection at the property. Where live termites are found we attach small feed stations containing the hormone bait. Only one or two stations are needed to control the whole termite nest.
  • Bait stations are serviced every 3 to 5 weeks and normally after 3 to 4 follow-up visits feeding has stopped and the termite colony is declared dead.
  • Exopest has often found that when termites start feeding on the bait in the above-ground station they stop attacking timbers in the building. This is a real advantage in minimizing timber damage.
  • In-ground termite monitoring stations are also positioned around the building to intercept termites before they enter your home. These in-ground stations have a patented attractant actively encouraging termites to come and feed. Once feeding has started in the station the hormone bait is added. Bait is only used when live termites are in the station. In-ground stations, properly serviced and maintained, protect the building from termite attack year after year.
  • Termite baiting, unlike chemical spraying, does not use thousands of litres of water and is very sustainable.
  • Baiting has very low impact on the environment, is very safe and extremely effective at eradicating termites.
Termite Pest Control

Termite Feed Station

Termite Pest Control

In-ground Station

Termite Pest Control

Termite Presence

Termite Pest Control

Termite Pathways

 

  • Exopest recommends good under-floor clearance and crawl space—essential to help naturally protect your home from termites.
  • A general guideline is under-floor clearance should be greater than 400 mm under the floor bearer which allows physical access for a visual inspection and treatment.
  • Ducted under-floor heating should be well insulated and ducts not touching the ground. Ducts should be strapped to the floor bearer.
  • Exopest also recommends that during construction slab penetrations are protected with termite collars. A penetration is where plumbing pipes go through the concrete slab under the bath, shower, vanity etc.
  • Exopest uses and recommends HomeGuard Termite Barriers for new buildings/extensions.
  • Particular areas to watch for termite damage are around shower bases or baths. These are often hidden termite entry points. Any moisture from water seepage or leaking tiles naturally attracts foraging termites.
  • Garden sleepers and in-ground timber should be well away from the house or removed entirely.
  • Timber sleeper retaining walls should be replaced with non susceptible products, like masonry or treated pine.
  • Well ventilated subfloor under the building. Old terracotta vents should be replaced with more efficient Aleta high-flow vents or Solar Envirofans. (See subfloor ventilation pages on the Exopest website). Moisture is the number one attractant for termites. Improve under-floor ventilation to maximize protection.
  • Soil and paving levels should be below the slab edge and not covering the weep hole in the brick work.
  • Soil levels around homes with timber suspended floors should also be kept well below the floor level allowing adequate air flow to the subfloor.
  • Timber off-cuts, building material, and other items should all be removed from under the home. Termites eat any item containing cellulose (cardboard, paper, plastic, timber, etc.).
  • Down pipes, spouting, and drainage should all be in good repair and working efficiently. ‘AGI’ pipes and extra drainage may be needed for damp areas around the home.
  • Regular termite inspections (every 12 mths) will greatly reduce timber damage and expensive repair costs by catching the termites early on in their feeding.
  • Remove all timber form work used during the building process and leave no concealed timbers hidden under the soil.
  • If timber stumps are used for an extension or for a new building ensure HomeGuard termite shields (300 mm x 300 mm) are installed between the floor bearer and the stump to prevent concealed termite entry and assist in termite inspection. HomeGuard is a registered termite barrier.

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  • Recommend good under-floor clearance and crawl space—ssential to help naturally protect your home from termites.
  • General guideline is subfloor clearance should be greater than 400 mm under the floor bearer which allows physical access for a visual inspection and treatment.
  • Ducted under-floor heating should be well insulated and ducts not touching the ground. Ducts should be strapped to the floor bearer.
  • Exopest also recommends during construction slab penetrations are protected with termite collars. A penetration is where plumbing pipes go through the concrete slab under the bath, shower, vanity etc.
  • Exopest uses and recommend HomeGuard Termite Barriers for new buildings/extensions.
  • Particular areas to watch for termite damage are around shower base or bath. These are often hidden termite entry points. Any moisture from water seepage or leaking tiles naturally attracts foraging termites.
  • Garden sleepers and in ground timber should be well away from the house or removed entirely.
  • Timber sleeper retaining walls should be replaced with non-susceptible products, like masonry or treated pine.
  • Well ventilated subfloor under the building. Old terracotta vents should be replaced with more efficient Aleta high-flow vents or low voltage Envirofans. (See subfloor ventilation pages on Exopest we site). Moisture is the number one attractant for termites. Improve under-floor ventilation to maximise termite protection.
  • Soil and paving levels should be below the slab edge and not covering the weep hole in the brick work – ideally a 75 mm gap to allow a clearly visible termite inspection zone.
  • Soil levels around homes with timber suspended floors should also be kept well below the floor level allowing adequate subfloor ventilation.
  • Timber offcuts, building material, and other items should all be removed from under the home. Termites eat any item containing cellulose (cardboard, paper, plastic, timber, etc.). The subfloor space should not be one large dumpy bin!
  • Downpipes, spouting, and drainage should all be in good repair and working efficiently. ‘AGI’ pipes and extra drainage may be needed for damp areas around the home.
  • Regular termite inspections (every 12 mths) will greatly reduce timber damage and expensive repair costs by catching the termite infestation early.
  • Remove all timber form work used during the building process and leave no concealed timbers hidden under the soil.
  • If timber stumps are used for an extension or for a new building ensure HomeGuard termite shields (300 mm x 300 mm) are installed between the floor bearer and the stump to prevent concealed termite entry and assist in termite inspection. HomeGuard is a registered termite barrier.
Termite Pest Control

Floor Bearer Damage

Termite Pest Control

Floor Bearer Damage

Termite Pest Control

Termite Flight Cuts

Termite Pest Control

Collapsed Bearer

Termite Pest Control

Termite Mud Pack

Termite Pest Control

Termite Mud Tunnel

Termite Pest Control

Winged Termites

Termite Pest Control

Heavy Termite Damage

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.

Termites eat cellulose in 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.

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 affected 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 guideline. Once the report is done, a written Termite Management Proposal can be completed outlining all the treatment recommendations and the cost.

The company should be a member of the AEPMA (Australian Environmental Pest Management Association), hold the necessary State Pest Control License Cert III 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 or available on its website. 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? Ongoing 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.

One day for an average size home.

No. There is no need to vacate the home overnight with new termite treatments like Premise, Termidor, Altriset or Exterra baiting. They have no solvents, no vapours, and no odours. For further information please refer to the websites of the manufacturer. Premise is made by Bayer www.bayernopests.com and Termidor by BASF www.basf.com.au Altriset by DuPont. Ensystex makes Exterra termite baiting.

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 website 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.

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. With Exterra termite baiting systems all that is required is annual servicing of the in ground stations and inspecting the home. Exterra lasts year after year after year.

The Australian Standard for termite management (AS 3660) recommends the structure be inspected at least annually. Regular inspections pick up live termites and therefore reduce timber damage and replacement costs.

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 work differently to other chemical treatments. They allow termites to enter the treated zone (soil) where they unknowingly pick up the chemical and pass it to each other during the grooming cleaning process: it’s a 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 achieved if enough termites are exposed to enough of the chemical active ingredient.

We recommend the damaged timber is only replaced when termite activity has stopped and the colony declared dead. 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.

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 or IGR) 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, on skirting boards, 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.

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-$400 + GST. Please phone the office 03 8696 9000 for an accurate quote.

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.

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Call today to arrange a termite inspection on 1800 686 299