PROPERTY Residential
Damp conditions from all the recent rains are boosting termite activity, and some homeowners could be literally being eaten out of house and home by these silent and hungry pests, Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects, warns.
he termites leave Australian home owners with an estimated bill of $1 billion a year. And Archicentre says the drought and floods, resulting in unusually wet and warm weather, are likely to cause a significant increase in damage to houses by termites and timber rot.
Widespread flooding and heavy rains have left many homes, especially those with poor drainage and poor ventilation in the sub-floor area, damp and vulnerable.
Ian Agnew, Archicentre’s Queensland state manager said: “Pre-purchase home inspection statistics compiled by Archicentre have found that 35 per cent of all homes sold have some form of borer, termite, dry rot, or timber fungus problem.
“Borers can be a silent destroyer with the first indication of a problem being when the vacuum cleaner head hits the skirting board which turns into dust.
“Termites and timber rot, which is actually a fungus, both flourish in warm moist conditions.
“Home buyers should be particularly wary of termite problems and timber rot to structural elements and windows. Any property purchases should be subject to an independent inspection as termites do not distinguish between the type or value of homes.”
Mr Agnew said that Archicentre’s pest inspectors had seen homes with up to $100,000 in damage that would not be evident without a comprehensive inspection.
“It is critical that home buyers and home owners seek independent professional advice.”
Mr Agnew said that home owners should take action to dry out sub-floors by increasing ventilation, removing debris and generally allowing more air to circulate.
“Termite activity slows down in the winter, but new nests may be being established now which will lead to problems during late spring and summer.
“Inspect timber framing and floors generally for rot, mould and evidence of borers. Borer attack in some species of pine may be due to Anobiid borers. These will eventually destroy the timber and should be treated immediately.
“Check to see that the earth is not excessively wet. Dampness problems accompanied by inadequate ventilation encourage rot, borer and termite attack. Look carefully for termite 'shelter tubes'.
“Termites build mud shelter tubes, between 5mm and 50mm up stumps or piers and brick walls to connect their nests in the ground to the timber on which they are feeding. If you are in any way unsure about borers or termites, the house should be checked by an independent expert.
“Home owners with concrete floor slabs should now be looking for early signs of termite attack such as mud tubes on the edges of concrete slabs and damaged skirtings and architraves.”
