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Everything you need to know about termite baiting systems

If you suspect that you have termites on your property or in the local area, it’s time to call your local termite inspection experts! We can provide you with termite protection options such as a termite baiting system that intercepts these dangerous pests and/or a chemical treated zone to prevent and protect your property. Some people, however, prefer a chemical treated zone rather than a baiting system. There are pros and cons to both of these measures, but at D-TEC Pest Solutions, we can provide you with the safety of a baiting system and the continuous protection of a chemical treated zone.

That’s because we have found this gives our clients the option to make sure that any termites are intercepted and reduce the risk of further ingress. Let’s take a look at both of these prevention measures so you can understand how these two methods can protect your home.

What is a termite baiting system?

Termite baiting systems are strategically placed stations that are placed in the ground. These stations are filled with non-toxic bait with the aim of simply acting as an alarm system to indicate that termites are in the vicinity (because they eat the bait). Once termites intercept these stations they feed on the bait and take it back to the nest.

The reason that some people prefer these systems to chemical barriers is because they believe that they are more environmentally friendly. However both systems are approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, it’s a moot point.

What is a chemical barrier system?

As mentioned above, a chemical barrier system uses safe chemicals that don’t pollute your ground but are still toxic to termites. These chemicals are put down around the perimeter of the house, preventing termites from gaining entry. It is applied to the soil below the surface of the ground, so you shouldn’t come into contact with these chemicals. If you do, however, they pose no immediate threats to you, your children or pets. That’s because they are based on chemicals that are similar to those used in flea treatments for pets.

What is the Sentricon AlwaysActive system?

The Sentricon AlwaysActive termite baiting system is a termite monitoring and a baiting station. It provides continuous protection from termites around your home and is an environmentally sensitive and effective way to protect your home from termites. Termite traps/stations are placed around your home. Each trap/station contains non toxic bait that is shared amongst the colony and effectively eradicates them.

These baits last up to five years but should be monitored every 3 to 6 months for the presence of termites and to assess if the bait has been consumed.

Discreet termite baiting system

The Sentricon AlwaysActive termite baiting system is very discrete and we don’t need to dig large holes or trenches to install the bait stations. You can monitor these stations yourself or we can come in and check them for you, every 3 to 6 months. This is a proven system that eradicates termites and prevents their ingress onto your property.

For more information on our Sentricon AlwaysActive termite baiting system or for the treatment of termites that have already invaded your home, call us on 1300 725 758 or send us an email enquiry.

How much does a Termite Treatment Cost

how much does a termite treatment cost

If you have found live Termites or you would like to a preventative Termite Treatment, then you are probably asking how much does a termite treatment cost. Unfortunately in Brisbane, Termites can cause damage to your property, no matter how expensive your home is. Termite control is essential to protect your home or property.

What causes Termites?

As Termites can cause a lot of damage to your house, it is important to know how they get in and what causes Termites. There are so many factors that can cause Termites to enter your property. These include:

  • Suburb or Location your house is built in, this is likely because when the property was developed, it was densely forest.
  • How the houses were built, the foundation, how it was structurally made, what type of termite protection was put down at the time of build, if slab edge exposure has been considered.
  • The environmental conditions that surrounds your house, how much timber in ground contact, leaf litter, trees, stumps, retaining walls, moisture, mulch, gardens and any other conducive areas.

You can reduce conditions but having a preventative termite treatment in place is the only way to ensure termite control.

Cheap Termite Treatments?

If you consider cheap termite treatments to protect your property, you are likely to not have the full termite protection required. Cheap termite treatment products that you can purchase from your local Hardware store, is a ‘repellent style’ product that the termites can smell. Professionals use non-repellent that are registered and comply with the APVMA.

Cheap termite treatments can lead to expensive repair bills if you don’t treat and protect your home properly.

cheap termite treatments

Can I Treat My Home for Termites?

Along with the product being important, applying and treating the area is essential to do correctly. One error and your diy termite treatment can cause you thousands of dollars in termite damage. You need to know exactly how and where to apply the treatment for it to be effectively.

Remember you are dealing with a sophisticated insect that has been here for over 200 million years. They are master Technicians and you don’t want them to find a weakness in your diy termite treatment.

Termite Treatment Options

With termite treatment protection for your property, there are many termite treatment options that you can consider. If your home has been build, you will be looking at post construction treatments or control. These include termite bait systems or a termite barrier. There is a difference between the two which we will explain further but you can also have the option of both.

Depending on your environmental conditions of your property, your Termite Technician will advise which is the best method to protect your home.

Termite Baiting System cost

There are different types of termite protection, one is a bait system but what is the termite baiting system cost? Firstly we will explain a Termite Bait System is strategically place termite bait systems that are placed around your property to intercept on termites foraging or feeding in the area.

Some termite bait systems have timber in place to attract then feed the termites. D-Tec uses a system scientifically designed termite protection system that is designed to eliminate the entire subterranean termite colony. It is the Number 1 brand in Termite Bait Systems called Sentricon.

Our Termite Sentricon cost between $1600 to $3500 depending on the size of your property. Our certified Sentricon Specialist will provide you with a free termite sentricon cost for your home.

Termite Barrier Cost

A termite barrier cost depends on the product you use, the quantity needed and the size of your property. To have an accurate termite prevention treatment cost, you are best to have our qualified Termite Technicians assess your property. If you have termites internally then this is another factor that may affect the cost.

We offer termite treatment options that depend on your needs of both your property and what you can afford. The best termite treatment barrier we offer is Termidor. Termites have an inability to detect Termidor therefore it can be transferred and ingested to wipe out the colony.

Our termidor treatment cost from $2000 to $4500 for a large lowset home. To have a termite prevention treatment cost done at your home, our Technician will measure, assess and advice. We are Termidor and Termidor HE accredited.

For a more accurate termite barrier cost done for your home, contact us for a free quote and consultation. Prices can range depending on your requirements and what protection is needed for your property.

termite barrier cost

How Long Does Termite Treatment Last?

Depending on the type of product used is how long does a termite treatment last. Each product has it’s own warranty, Termidor for example offers 8 years but each product has it’s terms which you must comply with. Breaching any of these can void the warranty and have affect on the protection.

With the different termite treatment options on the market, it is imperative to research a quality product that will last and protect your most valued asset.

Factors that Affect the Cost of a Termite Treatment Job

As mentioned, there are many factors that affect the cost of a termite treatment job. A preventative termite treatment is much better than having to also include the cost of repairs. Using a cheap termite treatment can result in you spending more money on reinfestations and damage if it goes wrong.

When a professional comes out to do a termite treatment quote, they will assess the construction, property size, location, climate conditions, environment conditions, infestation, type of termite infestation.

With 1 in 3 homes affected by termites, it is important to have both quality advice and use a quality product. Don’t risk your property, contact D-Tec Pest Solutions on 1300725758 for a free termite treatment quote to protect your property.

What to do if you find Termites in Garden or your Yard

Termites in Garden

A lot of our avid Gardeners ask what do you do if you find Termites in Garden or your yard? Before we advise what else to do, we need to explain why they are there. To effectively control Termites, you need to understand what is attracting them to your property. Below we list why you may have them in your Garden.

why are there termites in my garden

Why are there Termites in garden or yard

It is important to know why there are Termites in garden or on your property. As Termites have a highly organised infrastructure, they work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to search for food and moisture which is why you may find them in your garden. It is important to know what Termite susceptible materials and moisture are around your house and yard. Some of these areas include:

Termites in Trees and Stumps

Unfortunately Termites in trees and stumps are prime sites for subterranean termite nests. You should be aware of in particular any ‘dead’ trees or stumps and remove them as Termites feed on the dead timber. As they are natural forest recyclers, they will use this as a food source or a nest sight.

Finding Termites in Retaining Walls and Fences

Whenever possible, use non-susceptible materials such as formed concrete materials for retaining walls, metal support posts for timber fencing or construct with termite resistant components. Remember, any timber in ground contact is a potential food source and possible nest sites for Termites.

Termites in Gardens

If you want to reduce Termites in the garden, think about the position, make sure it is not abutting the house or covering the weep holes. Consider what its construction is going to be, anything made with timber is a risk where as concrete is a safer option. We recommend using non-conducive products such as pebbles or river rock as they drain well.

Watering Systems and Moisture attract Termites

Moisture is one of the most contributing factors when a house has been attacked by Termites. Rain, watering systems, hosing, air-conditioning and hot water system overflows, faulty plumbing, faulty guttering and pipes are areas that must be monitored or maintained. Make sure you remove any pooling water, fix any leaky watering systems and reduce moisture in your yard.

What to do if you find Termites in your Garden or Yard?

If you find Termites in your Garden or Yard then don’t disturb them. To effectively treat and control them, you need to know what sort of species they are, what damaged they have done, exactly where are they located, what is the best method to treat them. The Technician also needs a certain amount of the colony to be able to treat them effectively, if they are underground there is a method to control them.

Our D-Tec Pest Solution Technician’s are highly trained and licenced to treat and control Termites in your Garden or Yard. We can provide you with the best effective method to help protect your property from Termites in Garden or Yard, call now on 1300725758.

 

 

What is the difference between Ants and Termites

A common question we receive is “what is the difference between Ants and Termites”. There are a few different characteristics to distinguish between these two insects. Many Clients are often confused between them, but there are some physical and behavioural differences.

Difference Between Ant & Termite

Termite vs Ants

To the untrained eye Termites and Ants can look very similar. People see them because they are the same size and look the same in shape that they don’t know the difference. So what is the differences between termite vs ants? Below we list the differences so you can distinguish between the two.

Physical Differences

Starting at the top of the insect, Ants have a elbowed antennae that is segmented and Termites have a straight, beaded antennae. With the abdomen you will find that an Ant has a pinched waste where as, a Termite has a thick waste.

The reproductive of both these insects both have wings, Ants have unequal length wings and Termites have equal length wings.

Termites are usually translucent in colour, they are normally white/cream (hence the nick name white ants) and Ants are darker in colour.

Behaviour Differences

The biggest behaviour difference is in terms of what they eat. Termites can digest cellulose so they eat wood, unfortunately for Homeowners, this can be a nightmare. Ants on the other hand eat sweet foods, plants, seeds, moss, fungus, other animals and insects.

The way they both search for food they also have different behaviours. Ants are usually above ground, foraging and in search of food, they leave pheromones for others to find a food source and go back to their colony. Most Termite species are subterranean and they eat the wood they travel through, they build galleries and mud tubes to protect themselves.

Termite vs Ants

Are White Ants and Termites the same thing?

The answer is YES, White Ants and Termites are the same thing. White Ants are not Ants, in fact White Ants are more closely related to Cockroaches than Ants. It is believed that Termites evolved from the Cockroach, in particular they are closely related to the Wood Feeding Cockroach.

Controlling Termites and Ants around your property

Knowing the differences and behaviours can help you spot the difference of both species but controlling them is where a Professional can help you. We have fully trained Technician’s that know the biology, ecology and how to control these pests around your home. You can learn more about how to treat for Ants and Termites on our Website or call our Office to protect your home on 1300 725 758.

Termites in a Steel Frame House

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Termite Prevention

Termite prevention is essential for any home or business to protect their property. With 1 in every 3 properties affected by Termites and the high cost of repairs it is worthwhile putting control and protection in place.

How to Stop Termites?

The biggest question is “how to stop termites” with Termites having the most highly organized infrastructure and working 24/7 there is no real quick way. Termites can have half a million to a million termites in a single colony! They can tunnel to find food and can build subnests under the ground or where you can’t see them. Any buildings within a radius of 50 m from a nest are at risk of a termite infestation. The best way to stop termites is prevention.

Termite Prevention DIY


These are simple Termite Prevention DIY that will help reduce the amount of Termite susceptible materials and moisture around your house and yard.

1. Remove any loose timbers

Any timber within ground contact has the potential to become food for termites. Especially untreated timber, this means offcuts of construction material, branches from cleared trees, firewood stacked on the ground .or logs that have been mulched for gardens.
 

2. Retaining Walls and Fences
Whenever possible, use non-susceptible materials such as formed concrete materials for retaining walls and metal support posts for timber fencing, remember any timber in ground contact is a potential food source and possible nest sites for Termites.
 
“Structures including retaining walls should be constructed using termite resistant components thus minimising the potential for termites to establish nests.”

3. Trees and Stumps
Unfortunately these are the prime sites for subterranean termite nests. This does not mean you should run out and cut every tree down; there are trees that are naturally resistant to termites. But you should be aware that large stumps and their root systems pose the greatest threat and should be removed when ever possible. Termites feed on the dead timber not the living part of the tree, so in the event that a tree dies or a stump remains after clearing, the termites do what nature designed them to do, they are the forests recyclers. They will use the stump as a food source, or a nest sight.

4. Landscaping Timbers
They may look attractive in gardens but they are attractive to termites as well. Even old driftwood can still feed a hungry termite.

5. Gardens
When deciding on a garden the most important thing, aside from the plants, is the position and the construction of these garden areas. Termites can use moist areas to their advantage, so a garden (which is watered most days of the week) abutting the external walls of a house or a garden flanked by large timber sleepers is asking for trouble. The preferred option is to have the gardens away from the house in the yard and preferably concrete should be used for garden edging.

6. Slab Edge Exposure
A very important factor to remember is that termites usually, will enter homes underground where the Brickwork meets the Slab or through a Weep hole that has been covered, so it is good practice to leave the slab edge and weep holes exposed for inspection and not cover them with soil for gardens.
 
“the purpose of slab edge exposure is to provide an inspection zone for detection of termite ingress”

7. Mulches and Bark
Termites will forage on any product that has cellulose content, this means products from trees or products made from trees. You can retain moisture just as effectively in your gardens by using non-conducive products such as pebbles or river rock

8. Watering Systems and Moisture

Experts agree that all other conditions conducive to Termite activity put aside, it is moisture that is the most contributing factor when a house has been attacked by Termites. You must be aware that even little drips of water are enough to sustain the termites. Moist areas are most commonly attributed to hot water system overflows, faulty plumbing, watering systems, guttering, moist subfloor areas, or greenhouse areas where moss has appeared. These moist areas must be monitored and investigated further. 
 
“The building owner should ensure that the ground levels around the building are maintained in such a way to minimize water entering under the building. Where necessary, sub-surface drains should be installed and maintained to assist with drainage around the building”

By incorporating these ideas into your plans for your garden you will help make your house and yard less attractive to termites.

Home Termite Protection

Home Termite Protection
Home Termite Protection

 
In addition, it is highly recommended that you have regular Professional Timber Pest Inspections carried out to your house and garden areas. Termites are very secretive in nature and it takes a trained eye to spot damage or a potential problem. 
 
We have many different options for both Business and Home Termite Protection to prevent Termites. See our Termite Treatment and Termite Baiting Systems.

Termite Prevention cost

Preventing Termites is a far better option than leaving it to chance, it is also cheaper too with repairs going into thousands. See our Termite Prevention Cost to protect your property.

 

Please contact us or our office for further information on Termite Prevention at1300 725 758.

7 Signs you have Termites

What are 7 Signs you have Termites in your Home? Early detection of Termites is important to reduce the severity of both damage and cost from the destruction they can cause. These are some to look out for in your home.

Paint rippling on skirting boards/window architraves.

If you have notice any paint rippling it may be because of Termites. Termites eat timber from the inside out and they can leave a thin veneer of paint.


Soft or hollow sounding timber.

As mentioned above, the Termites eat from the inside out and from this it leaves a very thin layer of timber that sounds hollow when you tap or soft when you touch.


Stains on walls or bulging of walls.

Moisture from Termites eating or tunneling through can cause stains on the walls to bulge out. You may also notice the walls warping or doors hard to open from the termite infestation.

Termites in walls


Mudding that appears through walls.

As Termites are sensitive to atmospheric temperatures they create galleries to protect themselves. In doing this there ‘mudding’ may become visible through the wall. Termite Inspectors are able to see the mudding inside the walls when doing an invasive inspection using a boroscope.


Mud termite tubes on surfaces.

Termite Tubes

Termites use mud tubes to protect them from the elements. As they are soft body insects they need to protect themselves and they create the galleries or mud termite tubes to create the right climate environment for their survival.

Termite Sounds

Another sign of termites in your house, is if you hear soft clicking sounds coming from the walls this could be Soldier Termites alerting their colony of danger. Learn more about Termite Sounds

Flying Termites

Flying Termites or Alates are the male and female reproductives of the Termite Colony. These Termites have an equal pair of wings and fly from the nest when the conditions are right. If you see them it means there is a nest close by.

With Termites being discreet and the damage they can do, it is best to make sure your house is inspected by a licenced Termite Inspector annually and have protection. The cost to have a termite treatment done is minimal to the several thousands of damage it cost to repair.


If you have any concerns you have signs of Termites, we offer an immediate 24-hour Termite response to any live Termites plus offer free Termite Quotes and Consultations. D-Tec also offers Termite solutions to suit your budget.  Contact us on 1300 725 758 or 0433420011.

What do Termites sound like?

What Termites Sound Like

You may be wondering what do Termites sound like? Before we go into the details, we will explain who makes the sounds.

In the termite caste, you have the termite queen, termite king, supplementary queens, termite soldiers, termite workers, termite reproductives and nymphs. It is the soldier termite that actually makes the sound.

You can tell a soldier termite as they have larger darker heads than the other and long mandibles too. They are also wingless, blind and sterile.

It is the Soldiers job to defend and alert the colony against any danger. They do this by banging their head against the wood to send out vibration warnings to the Colony.

If you listen to the audible Termite sounds on our Video above it is done by the T3i Termite detection device and you can hear the soldier termite alerting the colony.

Unfortunately, if you think you can hear termites in your walls than we suggest you contact us immediately to see if you have an infestation. The only way to confirm is to have a Professional Termite Technician to do an inspection.

D-Tec Pest Solutions can carry out a Termite Inspection using special Technology called a T3i Termatrac device. It detects moisture, has radar technology for movement and can scan the wall for thermal temperature changes.

If you have live Termites we have an immediate response to live Termites plus offer free Termite Quotations. We have different options to treat your property such as a Termite Bait System or Termite Treatment. We use quality products that suit your budget and offer a payment plan to help.

If you think you can hear Termite Sounds, contact us for a free quote or to book in your Termite Inspection call 1300 725 758 or 0433420011.


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Flying Termites

Flying Termites

Termites with wings are known as ‘Alates’ which can be confused as Moths. These flying Termites are the winged male and female reproductive of termites.  They are the potential kings and queens of new colonies.  They have reproductive systems and wings and usually fly away from their colony due to lack of food or overcrowding.

There are two risks with having these close to your home or property, one is that it means there is a nest close by and the other that the new reproductives can start a new colony.

Termites with Wings

flying termites

Flying Termites

Flying Termites in Brisbane usually swarm between November and April. These winged Termites (White Ants) usually have their colonizing flight when we have ideal conditions such as moderate temperatures and high humidity.

These Subterranean Termites swarm depending on the age of the nest, size and what species they are.

Flying Ants

Flying Ants are different to flying Termites (Alates). Alates have an equal pair of wings. The difference between flying termites and flying ants is the ant’s wings are larger at the front and smaller at the back.

Difference Between Flying Ant & Flying Termite

When do Termites Fly?

Termites fly or swarm at dusk and following swarming they usually shed their wings and the mated pair finds a suitable place to establish a new colony.

Once the male and females find a suitable place, they excavate a chamber and begin to mate.

If you find the reproductives around your home, you may see them around your porch light or window sill as they are attracted to the light. You may even see signs of their ‘dropped’ wings outside your front door, window sill or near any lights.

Why should I be concerned about Flying Termites?

Firstly if you are seeing Alates it means there is a nest very close by. Secondly, it can mean that you could have a potential problem especially if a new Colony does evolve.

With a mature Termite Queen living for as long as 50 years and being able to produce 2000 eggs a day, it is highly recommended that you have your place inspected and/or have a termite treatment.

What to do if you find them around your home?

If you find Alates around your home contact don’t panic. These reproductives have no chewing mouth parts but as the colonising flight originates from the main nest close by we recommend in the least having a termite inspection.

You can collect a few samples for the Technician to see an analyse the type of termite colony when he arrives. You can also contact our Termite Expert directly on 0433420011.

We offer an immediate 24-hour Termite response to any live Termites plus offer free Termite Quotes and Consultations. D-Tec also offers Termite solutions to suit your budget.  Contact us on 1300 725 758 or 0433420011.

D-Tec Pest Solutions - **FOOTER TEMPLATE**


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ABN: 24 112 454 592
Pest Licence No: 12115
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D-Tec Pest Solutions
PO Box 3525
Loganholme Q 4128
PH: 1300 725 758
Live Termites: 0433 420 011