Q. My previous Inspector only looked under the house and did not find termites. Is that a thorough enough inspection?

A. No. Termites do not always have ground contact. As in our section on Termites, they need moisture to function. For e.g. A nest can be built in a bathroom cavity wall. Even with stethoscope, moisture meter, thermal-scanner and other equipment, they can be difficult to detect. So, a thorough Inspection of ALL parts of the building is necessary, as per the Australian Standards.

Q. My builder said that termites produce an “acid” from the head, which eats through metal including ant capping. Is this true?

A. No. Some builders have somehow received wrong information. They refer to a milky white substance called “latex”. The only way termites can get through ant capping or other metals, steel etc., is if there existing corrosion or a hole (such as a nail punch hole) in ant capping or if ant capping is not properly put together as per the Standards of Australia. Exception: Refer to “Termites” heading.

Q. Are Termites scared of the light?

A. No. Termites do not have eyes, they work in the dark. As long as they are not physically exposed to “drying out” factors s.a. heat, wind or sun, they will control their own environment. That is why they can even build a mud tunnel over a steel post in the middle of a paddock to reach timber rails.

Q. Do Termites only eat timber?

A. No. Cellulose, also found in cardboard, books, leather items, they will chew through items s.a. gyprock, plastic membrame and seem to be attracted to polystyrene.

Q. I have lots of “food” around my house (trees), that should keep my house safe shouldn’t it?

A. No. Depending on the termite species. The framing of your house (often pine) may prove more attractive to them.

Q. Can I bring Termites into the house with firewood and start a new colony?

A. Only some species. Subterranean Termites when disconnected from the main colony (s.a. a small piece of firewood) will die off. They are physically not able to start a new colony.

Q. Does my home Insurance cover me for Termite damage?

A. No. Heritage Pest Control hopes to be in a position soon to offer Termite Insurance to some home owners through our especially accredited staff.

Q. Can I see Termites?

A. Not usually, unless they are disturbed. They often will chew out timber, only to leave a layer of paint or varnish. They can usually only detected by the results of their work or other visual evidence.

Q. I have a new home, do I need to worry?

A. Often new homes are built on soil, which may contain an existing Termite colony (e.g. tree stump used for fill). Although disturbed, an existing colony can cause severe damage within a year to your home. This is why all property owners should have at least an annual Inspection carried out.

Q. Can you hear Termites?

A. Yes, some species, as we noted in our “Pest Identification Section”. However, it is not the chewing you hear but rather the communication of some soldiers, communicating by tapping their heads against their workings.

Have any specific termite questions that are not answered here? You can contact us ofr more information at anytime.