It is a requirement of AS3660.1-1995
and each manufacturer that annual pest inspections
be undertaken. The manufacturers also require this
for the warranties to apply. Our office can be contacted
for your annual pest inspection on 02 9418 7750.
Common mistakes.
The most common mistake made by builders, concreters,
landscapers and homeowners is that the ground level
next to the house is raised too high and voids any
warranty. The raised level substantially increases
the risk of termite entry in concealed areas, particularly
if wood chips have been used in landscaping near the
house. The wood chips are a material food source for
termites and you just invite them to enter your home.
Prior to installing any landscaping,
turf, concrete, paving or surface finishes against a
house, then the clearance required must be observed
to reduce the risk of termite entry. Our pest reports
will recommend lowering of external surfaces that do
not comply with the systems installed in an existing
house.
The next common mistake is to
not have annual pest inspections. Most systems installed
will not stop termite activity, but make life more
difficult for termites. Early detection and additional
pest management is required to reduce the structural
damage.
The last common mistake is the
belief that a termite system will last the life of
a building. In many cases it will not and will provide
little or no protection against infestation, even
if the correct procedures are followed. For example,
a chemical handspray around a building complies, but
has an expected lifespan of 5 years. After that the
chemical has deteriorated to the stage that it is
ineffective. These systems are difficult to later
provide adequate protection as concrete paths and
driveways have been poured and pavers fitted. Also,
landscaping is usually a feature and expense. Reticulation
systems can be initially or later fitted, but rely
on chemicals and require recharging (for a fee) every
3-5 years.
So the type of termite system
fitted to a building will have substantial later impact
on the building, as well as maintenance costs. It
is important to consider the termite system when building
or buying a property. Most systems comply with Australian
Standard if installed properly and later trades keep
the external finishes to the correct levels. Basically,
you get what you pay for. The cheap systems to install
will later provide little or no protection and will
incur considerable cost in installing what will be
an attempt to reduce infestation. The more expensive
(around $1,500 to install) will not require top up
or recharging and will be more economical in the long
term.
Remember that whatever system
you have, you must have annual pest reinspections
to reduce the risk of termite damage to building.
Contact our office TODAY on 02 9418 7750.
