Termite inspection vs treatment: What’s the difference?
If you own a home in Bundaberg, you’ve probably heard the terms termite inspections and treatments used interchangeably. While closely related, they serve very different purposes.
What is a termite inspection?
A Termite inspection is a thorough inspection to your property in accordance to 3600.2 to check for:
- Termite activity
- Conducive conditions that may attract termites
- Property damage from termites
- Identify high risk areas
- Offer clear advice and solutions to manage termites
Areas inspected
- Subfloors
- Roof voids
- Internal walls and skirting boards
- External of your home and surrounding areas.
In Bundaberg we experience a warm subtropical climate which in return creates the ideal conditions for termites to thrive. Annual termite inspections are a first step in protecting your home from termites.
When do you need a termite inspection?
- Annually as part of your termite management plan
- Before buying or selling a property
- Evidence of termites if found or suspected
Signs of termites
- Mud leads on walls, piers or foundations
- Hollow or soft timber
- Blistering paint or bubbling plasterboard
- “Clicking noises” coming from internal walls
- Termite nests to gardens or trees
What is a termite treatment?
Stage 1: Initial treatment & inspection
Active termite have been found on the property and require a localised treatment and inspection to the affected area. Once the initial localised treatment has been carried out a follow up inspection to the treated area 21 days later to verify termites have been eliminated from the affected area.
Stage 2: Long term protections
Installing a termite management system formerly known as barrier, is the best way to protect your from termites long term, every home is different and requires their own detailed treatment plan. At Reli-Ant we offer both a chemical and termite baiting system offering up 8 years protections to your home.
The simple break down
Termite inspections
- Finds termites and risks
- identifies damage
- provides prevention advice
- should be done annually
Termite treatment
- Eliminates active termites
- Protects your home long term
- installed after termites are found or as preventative protections
The bottom line
Regular termite inspections help catch activity early, but treatments are what actually protect your home from termites long term. Our recommendations to Bundaberg home owners is to combine both as part of a structured termite management plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do termite management systems last?
This depends on the system installed. At Reli-Ant Pest Management our standard lifetime for a chemical termite management system is 8 years and 5 years for termite baiting.
How much do termite managements systems cost
For a standard home in Bundaberg our termite management system typical average between $2500-3500
What's the difference between termite baiting and chemical systems?
Chemical systems create a treated zone around your home that impregnates the soil that eliminates termites that come in contact. Termites baits are installed around the external perimeter intercepting foraging termites that feed on the bait before taking it back to the nest and wiping out the colony.
Do termite bait stations need maintenance?
Yes all termite bait stations require frequent inspection, depending on the system installed inspections intervals could vary between every 6 weeks to 6 months.