Termites have become infamous for the damage they can do to a property, and their destructive capabilities haven’t been exaggerated. In fact, Termites are responsible for over $100 million of damage to homes each year in Australia, which is rarely covered by insurance. If you’re wanting to stop termites from entering your property, you’re going to need the help of an experienced pest manager and Learn the basics of termite control 101, and find out how we can help with your pest management needs
Sometimes, changes to the customer’s home or other premises is necessary to prevent the return of termites. Certain conditions are conducive to termites and where possible, should be eliminated to give better chances of eradicating the problem in the long term.
Termite Activity
This is not an exhaustive list, and each site will differ.
BODY CORPORATE MANAGEMENT | Helpful Guide
By PEST-NETT & STRATA MASTERY
Termite damage is destructive and rarely covered by insurance.
Changes to the landscape – improvements to the lot or common property, including major garden works, can compromise chemical or physical termite management systems and warranties. Before you get carried away, make a note to consult with your Pest Specialist to prevent the return of termites and observe likely changes or upgrades that are conducive to termites.
Important Note: The Body Corporate holds responsibilities to regularly inspect/treat all common (shared) areas. Lot Owners hold responsibilities to inspect/treat within the lot or specified exclusive use common areas.
HELPFUL TIPS
- Loose timber piles. Formwork timber that has been left lying around should be removed. Wood piles are best kept well away from the building structure.
- Trees greater than 200mm in diameter and tree stumps within 50 metres of the building present a termite risk. Detection is difficult as termite nests will be located in the root crown or heartwood of the tree and as a result, evidence is often concealed. Suspect trees can be test drilled by your Pest Specialist. AS3660.2-2017, Sec. 5, prohibits susceptible timber species, over 10 metres in height, from being planted within 5 metres of a building perimeter.
- Pay careful attention to faulty plumbing or leaking pipes resulting in damp, dark, moist conditions in toilets, showers, basements and where overflow from air conditioning systems can be found. Termites thrive in continuous moist environments. Constant watering of garden beds and mulching can also make for perfect termite food and undetected building entry.
- Check for any obstructed weep holes, ant capping and slab edges where termites may gain entry.
- Finally, ensure that your termite management systems are kept up to date. A Termite Treatment Notice(Durable Notice) usually in the electrical meter box will tell you if the termite treatment is current or out of date. The CSIRO recommends that a competent termite inspection is conducted at least annually and more frequently where schemes are at higher risk.
- This is not an exhaustive list, and each site will differ.
A sample body corporate motion is provided below:
ANNUAL TERMITE INSPECTION
THAT the Body Corporate (Insert Scheme Name & CTS Number), approves the appointment of a suitably qualified termite specialist, Pest Nett (ABMA Industry Accredited Practitioner), to inspect the common property at a total cost not exceeding $(Insert Amount) Inclusive of GST. Costs are to be met from the Body Corporate Administration Fund.
YES / NO / ABSTAIN
Contact us for more information on Termite Control 101 for Body Corporates.