Termite Awareness
This information is provided to customers of Rankine Timber & Truss for informative purposes. The information from this page has been referenced from the Department Of Primary Industries.

The entire standard range of timber from Rankine Timber & Truss is treated for optimal termite protection.

How termite infestation occurs in buildings

Attack on buildings is usually initiated from a nest in the ground from which the termites build galleries over piers or walls to attack the structure from below. Usually, the nest is outside the building perimeter, but occasionally a nest may be buried beneath the building in soil or fill. Termites inside the building usually maintain contact with the soil (for moisture) and with the central nest (the communications centre). Chemicals produced by the queen in the central nest are distributed throughout the colony and control its behaviour and structure.

In rare cases, a nest may be established inside the building as an offshoot from an existing colony, or by mated pairs following a swarming flight. Such nest establishment can occur where a source of permanent moisture is available to the termites within the building (for example, leaking plumbing) and in this situation there may be no contact between nest and soil. In most cases invasion of a building by winged subterranean termites does not result in colony establishment because moist, partially-decayed timber is not available. Subterranean termites cannot establish a nest in a house from infested firewood or other material brought into the house because connection with the central nest has been broken.

The reason so much damage is caused by subterranean termites is that the insects usually gain entry to the timbers without being seen and are only noticed after they have been present for some time. Termite infestation is more likely to remain undetected in buildings with slab-on-ground floors than in those with suspended floors. Termite entry may occur at the slab edge, through cracks, joints and imperfections in the concrete or around service pipes. Awareness of the termite risk and regular inspections of the building by the owner (at three to four month intervals) for signs of termite activity will reduce the danger of serious infestation occurring.

A competent inspector should have access to a range of devices to assist in the detection of termite activity. Such devices include a screwdriver, small knife, moisture meter, borescope and microwave technology instruments (which can detect movement within timber). For many situations, a bright light is essential, and where necessary, overalls, respirators and other protective equipment should be used. The parts of the building in contact with or close to the soil should be inspected first. Locations where dampness or humid conditions prevail, such as bathrooms, laundries or places where there are leaky pipes or drains, are likely places of infestation. The presence of galleries is a common indicator of a termite infestation. Termite damage in timber may be detected by the presence of mud 'plastering' along joints and cracks in the surface. Where termites are working between timber walls or in timber that has been painted, there may be noticeable bulging, staining or rippling of the surface. Similarly, infestation in the wall cavity of a brick veneer house may result in an area of stained plaster veneer. Damaged wood, when lightly tapped, often has a 'papery' sound. Timbers with a large cross section, such as house stumps, may have to be drilled or probed to determine their condition. Note that drilling and treatment with termiticidal emulsion of timber which is not infested with termites will not prevent attack. Places to look for termite mud galleries or damage include building foundations, piers or stumps and sub-floor area, skirting boards, architraves, cornices, mouldings and roof timbers, particularly those made of softwood.

After the discovery of an active infestation, it is important that the termite workings are not further disturbed until the management approach has been determined. Premature attempts to repair or replace infested timber may cause the termites to withdraw temporarily from the area and hinder effective treatment. Where possible, soldier termites should be collected during the inspection, preserved in alcohol (methylated spirit is suitable) and submitted to a specialist for identification. Knowledge of the species of termite involved may affect the choice of treatment.

Termite attack is usually initiated from below the building. Poorly ventilated, poorly lit sub-floor areas increase the likelihood of successful infestation. Clearance from the ground provides an important physical barrier and also provides access for inspection. A minimum of 400 mm clearance in all subfloor areas between finished ground level and any structural component is recommended. Permanently damp areas in or beneath a building favour attack and drainage or plumbing repairs should be effected to eliminate this source of risk.

Materials stored under buildings may promote termite entry by providing pathways around physical or chemical barriers, by reducing ventilation or by making inspection of parts of the subfloor areas difficult. Similarly, materials such as firewood should not be stored against the building for long periods. Removal or rearrangement of such materials is recommended.

Built-up gardens and shrubs close to the perimeter of the building may promote or conceal termite entry points. This is particularly so in slab-on-ground constructions. If removal or modification of these features is not possible, then careful attention should be given to these areas during inspections for termites.