How to Prevent a Termite Infestation and Who to Call for a Building and Pest Inspection and Termite Control on Bribie Island

Knowing the best ways to prevent a termite infestation is essential for any homeowner. Termites can cause costly damage and avoiding them in the first place is by far the best course of action. Here are some ways you can be proactive about termite control on Bribie Island. 

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Before you build your house

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If you are starting from scratch, there are some things you can do before your home is even built to keep pests at bay. One way that builders accomplish this is with a termite barrier or termite mesh, which are constructed with holes so tiny that termites cannot pass through. Poured concrete foundations also keep termites out – but only if they aren’t cracked. You can also use pressure-treated wood, termite-resistant heartwood, or steel frames to prevent termites from entering. 

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Existing homes

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There are also many steps owners of existing homes can take to prevent pest problems. First, eliminate as much soil-to-wood contact as possible around your home. Remove wood, lumber, plants, mulch, cardboard, paper, and so on from around your home’s foundation, leaving at least a four-inch barrier. Ideally, no part of the house should touch the soil besides the concrete foundation. Keep all plants trimmed so that none of their leaves or branches touch your home and make sure that storm drains are emptying far enough away from your foundation. Also, repair leaky taps and other sources of excess moisture immediately. 

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What to look for

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Another important thing to do is inspect your home regularly for signs of termite presence. Professionals who offer building and pest inspection on Bribie Island are trained to know what to watch out for, such as the waste materials termites leave behind. They’ll also look for mud tunnels, “freeways” termites build to help them avoid sunlight and stay protected. Also, cracks in a home’s foundation and other structural problems need addressing, as these are easy access points for termites. 

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More tips

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In addition to the above tips, there are a few more things you can do to prevent a termite infestation. Choose pine needles over mulch – some termites dislike the taste of pine needles. If you can’t find pine needles, you can also use pea gravel or another non-organic material. Also, if you water your garden, keep the sprinkler heads pointed away from your house to avoid giving termites a free water supply. These are simple but effective termite control measures that anyone can take. 

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Who to call for a building inspection on Bribie Island

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Termite inspections can be difficult and time-consuming to carry out, and unless you are a trained professional, it’s highly likely you’ll miss some of the signs. A professional building inspector can not only give you the peace of mind of knowing that your home is free from pests, but they can also act fast to remedy the problem if they do discover an infestation. For reliable building and pest inspections, contact Complete Home Inspections QLD today.
 

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