TOP TEN WAYS TO PREVENT TERMITE ATTACK.

Part four of ten part series.
Leaking pipes, washers and taps and how they attract termites / white ants.
Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Brisbane.
The previous post Part Three Vegetation and how it aids termite attack.

A proper Termite Inspection / White Ant Inspection involves careful investigation of the buildings and yard.
The owners need to be questioned about any leaking taps, pipes, hoses, flashing, cracked or broken tiles, blocked or broken gutters, roof damage or anything that may cause leaking water.

Leaking Roofs

An example of leaking flashing on a tiled roof causes extensive damage to the underside of the roof over hang [eaves]. The roof plumbing is crucial as many termite inspections of roof voids finds that the roof leaks badly. A number of roof tiles may have cracked or fallen or shingles become easily dislodged. When it rains the water has nowhere to go but to enter the roof void and drain down toward the ground. A recent inspection discovered thousands of dollars worth of almost new wall paper destroyed by mould from this very problem.

Mould on Walls

Termites / White Ants take full advantage of leaky roofs. The timber gets attacked by fungi, mould and or termites. Timber can not withstand water damage for a long period. Paint eventually breaks down allowing the timber to damage. Old and damaged timber attracts termites as it makes soft nesting material to breakdown into mud workings.

Downpipes

Leaking Taps

Leaky taps and pipes are especially dangerous as they are usually located in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry, attached to or inside cupboards. Cupboards are commonly made of particle board ( chip board ) the exterior of the board is water resistant but the edges and joins in the cupboards are damaged by water. The particle board when wet swells like a sponge. Over time rot sets in to the cupboard and the rot attracts termites / white ants.
Many termite nests have been found in cupboards in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Ipswich homes. Many homes keep pots and pans in a corner cupboard that never or rarely get used. Huge nests have been discovered in these circumstances. Like a huge octopus the nest has tentacles that reach most of the rooms in the home. Only the most destructive termites nest inside the home. The damage a large nest can cause is limited only if it is found.
Great News: An annual Termite Inspection will find them and stop them!.