The Ultimate Guide to Termite Inspections and Termite Treatment in Perth

Do not wait for an infestation before you think of ways how to prevent and control termites. Putting a termite management system in place is a necessary step that can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. However, there are many variables to consider to ensure that the pest control is effective and best suited to your property, and these include the following:

• types of soil and accessibility
• types of termites
• time of year and weather conditions
• cause and characteristics of the damage
• overall size and construction type of your property
• termite control goal
• local and state regulations
• benefits and risks of your approach
• preventative treatment if termites are found

There are several types or species of termites in Perth WA, and these are the most common ones encountered by many homeowners.

Subterranean

Subterranean termites are the most destructive type of termites and infest wood from underground. They are the most difficult to eliminate too. They get into your home through cracks and build distinctive mud tubes to gain access to food sources found in your home.

Drywood

Drywood termite species are also difficult to detect. They can live in a wide range of habitats but are more commonly known for thriving in hard, dry wood materials or structures such as your walls and furniture.

Dampwood Termites

Dampwood termites are always associated with damp, decaying wood, which means they infest wood with high moisture content. If you have an old home that's been damaged by poor plumbing, your property could be at risk of infestation.

Just the thought of seeing termites around your home and knowing how they can destroy various areas and cause costly damage is daunting, so it is crucial to learn the behaviour of these pests and the steps you need to take when you spot them on your property. When these pests begin to destroy the roofs and walls of your property, it could be hard to control and treat the damage on your own. This guide aims to help you better understand the value of termite control and the importance of seeking help from a local, trusted pest controller.

The most effective way to prevent termite infestation is to seek help from a professional pest control team in Perth. Many homeowners in Perth now consider termite control as one of the best decisions they make for the safety of their families and the future of their homes, and it's about time that you do too.

If you’re looking to speak with an expert team to give you the knowledge and confidence regarding termites, 5 Star Termite & Pest Control is the company to call. We’re the professional termite exterminators that Perth locals trust because of our industry-leading solutions and personalised approach to dealing with pests, particularly termites.

Termite Inspections Perth - The ultimate goal of termite control is to keep your property safe from destructive termites. Without a professional termite inspection on your property, an infestation can go unnoticed for too long.

As a trusted local partner, 5 Star Termite & Pest Control is committed to helping more Perth residents defend their homes and businesses from termites and save money from ineffective prevention treatments. Our comprehensive Termite Inspections can range from $199 or higher (*conditions apply) inclusive of the services below.

• Site Visit
• Perimeter Check
• Internal & External Wall Check
• Flooring Check
• Roof Check
• Visual Inspection of All Areas
• Surrounding Garden Areas Check
• Detailed Written Inspection Report
• Detailed Proposal Recommendation to Treat Termites

Now you already know that termites infest houses for a variety of reasons. In addition to geographic location and timber structures inside your home, termites are also drawn by other factors.

Wood and Timbers

Termites like wood because they see it as a source of food and shelter. If the walls and foundations in your home are made of wood, you have to check for cracks and holes—even the wood that serves as a bridge between the ground and your home may create a point of entry for termites too. If some parts of your home are rotten or decayed, they may already have termites too.

Moisture

Areas in your home with proven moisture are more hospitable to subterranean termites. Leaky pipes, inclement weather and poor gutter drainage can cause excess moisture and create an opportunity for termite infestation. With our professional termite inspection, we can check all areas that may contribute to the accumulation of moisture in your house.

Openings in Your Home

Your home's foundation, roofs, walls and floors are common areas in your home that are susceptible to cracks and holes, which create an opening for termites to make their way and infest your property. We will meticulously inspect these areas, and if we see signs of any opening, we'll recommend appropriate solutions to help you defend your home against a termite infestation.

Upon completion of the termite inspection, our team will explain our findings by submitting a comprehensive report. If we find any signs of termite activity, we will recommend personalized control management systems, termite prevention services and termite treatments that best suit the degree of infestation on your property.

Termite Prevention Services can cost $199, while Termite Treatments can range from $999 - $2500 or higher depending upon the severity of the infestation. *Conditions apply

We at 5 Star Termite & Pest Control know that every situation is different, so we help you choose the best termite treatment available. We guarantee that our treatments are safe for the immunocompromised, children, pets and the environment.

Exterra termite baiting system is done with closed and locked monitoring stations and a bait less toxic than table salt. When termites discover and consume Exterra’s bait as a natural food source, they will spread the bait back to the colony, eliminating the entire nest.

Trelona is an advanced bait system designed to encourage termite interception and quick feeding. It utilises industry-leading technology and termite psychology that provides year-round protection. Once termites feed on the bait, they will transfer the treatment to the rest of their colony until termite activity is eliminated.

Altis Reticulation System is a pre-and post-construction solution to termite control that offers whole-home protection against infestation by subterranean termites. This reticulation system effectively treats soil under slabs, creating a treated perimeter to deter termites.

Why should my home get a termite inspection?

It is no secret that termites are some of the most destructive pests in Perth, and in many cases, the damage isn't covered by your home insurance. To protect and keep your home away from termites, you need a reliable and effective pest control system, particularly a termite inspection.

How often do I need a termite inspection?

The Australian Standards and CSIRO recommend that homes should have an annual termite inspection—even for homes with termite barriers. When termite infestation goes unnoticed for too long, it can cause costly damage and risk your family's safety. After your first inspection, we can assess your home’s risk level and determine if annual inspections are suitable. For some homes, we may recommend more frequent inspections.

Why do I need professional pest controllers?

You need licensed pest controllers like 5 Star Termite & Pest Control to do the annual inspection to help you act quickly against all pests, specifically termites. Professional pest controllers like us perform the job using industry-leading inspection tools and technologies, and we can also tell you what to look for during the inspection.

Should I get a termite inspection even if I have a termite barrier?

Termite damage is often prevalent in older homes where previous owners have not kept up with inspections, and pre-construction termite barriers were not required. However, regardless if your house is old or new, with or without a termite management system, it is still crucial to have a professional check to ensure that infestation will not take place and gets controlled. The Australian Standards and CSIRO also recommend annual termite inspection at least once a year, even for homes with termite barriers.

How much does a termite inspection cost?

The cost of a comprehensive termite inspection can cost $199 (conditions apply). However, it can be different for larger properties that require complex inspections. Termite extermination is a different story too. To get a quote for personalised inspection, contact us today and get a quote for FREE.

Can termites eat hardwood?

Termites like to chew on hardwood too. If you think your home is safe because it's made of hardwood materials, you might consider speaking with our professional pest controllers to arrange a termite inspection. Termites can even cause severe damage to your electrical wiring, even if it takes them a little longer to eat.

Are termites easy to spot?

Termites are not easy to spot. Due to their small size and secretive behaviour, most homeowners won’t notice termites until they have caused extensive damage to their properties. If you want to detect possible termite infestation on your property, it's best to consult 5 Star Termite & Pest Control. Our professional pest controllers use proven tools and techniques to locate hidden termites.

Are there signs of a termite infestation?

While the only way to check for termites is with the help of licensed pest controllers, there are a couple of things you can watch out for before the infestation eats half of your home.

• Termite frass
• Mud tunnels against outer walls
• Flying termites and piles of wings
• Hollow sound when knocking on wood, particularly door frames, skirting boards, and window frames