According to statistics, 1 in 4 Australian homes will suffer the damage of a termite infestation. Termites seem to be everywhere in this country, so learning how to prevent their attack is vital to maintaining a solid property. There are several indicators that your home or business property may be prone to a termite infestation. If you do have a termite problem, there are many solutions for you, but getting rid of these threats to your building can help prevent termites from taking hold in the first place.

Is Your Home Made Primarily of Wood?

Obviously structures constructed mostly of wood will be the most prone to termite threat. The more wood your home contains, the more preventative maintenance you will have to do the ensure these pests stay away. Even if your home is not fully made of wood, do you keep large piles of firewood nearby your home? These are a real breeding ground for termites, as these piles often stay very damp. Termites just love them. A good rule of thumb is to try and store large woodpiles as far from the home as possible. Keeping them as dry as you can is also a smart idea. Cover the pile with a tarp, and perhaps use a raised pallet as the base or utilise something to lift the pile somewhat off the ground. This helps rainwater run through naturally and easily, keeping the pile dryer overall.

Is Your Home or Business Constructed on Top of a Concrete Slab?

You may think this would be a helpful construction design for termite prevention, but the truth is it may not be. A concrete slab is generally still located on the ground, making it easier for termites to enter the structure. Homes built like this often have timber wall frames, to which the termites can still gain access. They enter through crevices in the concrete and through the openings of areas of wiring and drainage. Your concrete slab-based home may be at risk for termite attack. A visual termite inspection would be highly recommended in this instance.

Is Water Leaking from Your Home?

If water is leaking from any place on your property, due to faulty pipes, leaky air-conditioning systems, or even drippy hose valves, you must stop this immediately. Constantly leaking water creates a moisture-filled environment that termites will flock to. Making sure your home and the land around it maintains an appropriate level of dryness is paramount to keeping termites at bay.

Are Your Gardens Mulched with Woodchips?

As we know, termites love wood, so using woodchips as garden mulch is a big no-no. Even though your gardens may be outside of your home, they draw termites closer and closer to the home structure, making it more likely they’ll invade. There are other options for mulching that can be investigated, and these are a much better option for avoiding termite attack.