About Termite Management Systems. Termite Management Systems

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1 About Termite Management Systems Building design after 2001 ensured all homes were physically protected from undetected termite entry. The new design ensures termites can t enter through the slab, footing or attachments. This also means homes still need an annual termite inspection to detect termite entry and these inspections 6-12 monthly form part of an integrated approach to termite management. Its like getting a service on your car. If houses after 2001 installed with a physical termite barrier have undetected termite entry the system has failed and either needs repair or a new system. All houses built before 2001 would most probably have had a chemical treatment to the slab before it was poured. These chemicals have expired and homes built before 2001 are exposed and should have a termite management system Installed. If your home was built before 2001 and you have a termite infestation your technician will recommend the best suited Termite Management System for your home. A follow up inspection will be needed to ensure complete eradication. Termite Management Systems Termite Management Systems provide different modes of action by means of effectively managing termites. The majority of homes on The Gold Coast and Northern N.S.W will have these already installed. Termite management systems are broken down into 3 types. 1. Baiting And Monitoring 2. Chemically Treated Zones 3. Physical Barriers

2 1. Baiting and Monitoring There are many types of baiting systems available. However, they all work on the same principal. The baiting stations attract termites before they enter your home then termites feed on the bait that contains an active ingredient to eliminate the colony. Baiting stations are only effective if they are maintained. Stations need to be placed every 3-4 meters around your property and checked every 6-8 Weeks. The best systems are installed by a licensed technician and are in ground. Termites can take months to be eliminated from 1 station as to ensure the active ingredient is carried back to the nest. There is an ongoing cost to monitor and maintain stations even if you wish to check them yourself. You will have however have peace of mind as the bait used in the stations is as toxic as a tablespoon of salt. Vital Information Whilst These Stations Are Being Monitored Do Open, Inspect or Move the stations If this occurs please call If Stations Are Damaged Or Lost due to Landscaping If this occurs please call What Happens when the technician finds Termites? Our inspector will need to access the property to install termite bait into the active stations generally during routine inspection. This bait is very low toxicity to humans, animals and the environment. The bait consists of cellulose and a small percentage of the active constituent Chemical. As termites feed on the bait they are affected over a long period of time, and this is what destroys the colony. The Active Ingredient affects termites by inhibiting certain life cycles that stop the colony from expanding and this effectively obtains colony elimination. How long does It Take to Kill Termites From A Station? Depending on the size of the colony it can take up to 8 Months. We can identify elimination as the worker cast within the colony changes colour from the effects of the bait and eventually disappears and only the soldier cast is left. As there are no workers left to feed and support the colony, the nest effectively dies.

3 2.Chemically Treated Zone (Chemical Barrier) A chemical barrier can only be carried out by a licensed termite technician. It is installed to the perimeter of your slab edge to ensure no termites can enter your home. It is installed by trenching to the footing, treating the soil and back filling. These soiled areas can also have a reticulation system (perforated hose) installed to avoid re-digging in the future. The areas where concrete is abutting the structure holes are drilled every 200mm. We can also re seal the holes with grout to match the ground. The lifespan on a chemical barrier is 5-10 years depending on chemical and manufactures label. The types of chemicals used are repellents (repels termites away) and non-repellents (termites pick up the chemical and carry it back to the nest effecting more on the way). The most ideal and effective chemicals are non-repellants. Chemical is generally applied at a rate of 10 litres per lineal meter under concrete and 5 liters per lineal meter in soil or as per label. A chemical barrier is the most effective approach to ensuring complete termite prevention. Chemicals have come a long way since the 80s and 90s. These are now generally Low or Non Toxic. Most Effective Chemical Brands Altriset Non Repellent 7 Years Lifespan as Per Label Non Toxic Termidor Non Repellent 8 Year Lifespan as Per Label Low Toxicity Biflex Repellent 5-10 Years Depending on Rate as Per Label Low Toxic Installing a chemical barrier

4 3. Physical Barrier A pre-construction physical barrier must be installed to building types after 2001 as recommended in the Australian Building Code to stop undetected termite entry. This Termite Management system is designed to work integrated with termite inspections to detect early signs and reduce the cost of treatment and damage. If termites are breaching the barrier many factors can be involved. E.g. Bridging opportunities by adding attachments to houses; Failed Installation; Breach of recommendation by not ensuring regular inspections and possible faults in the barrier. These Physical barriers, such as Kordon, can only be installed to new buildings during the early construction stages. These systems have an inspection zone that is generally 7.5 cm at the base of the building. Vital Information If you have a Physical Barrier Installed 1) Do not store goods against external slab edge covering the inspection zone 2) If renovations are to be installed or attachments to the house, ensure further barrier is installed to avoid breaching warranty 3) If a barrier has failed contact the builder or the installer. 4) Ensure soil and gardens do not cover the zone. 5) Ensure you maintain 6-12 Month inspections as you would service your car. Kordon at pre-con Stage A Physical barrier working, exposing Termites

5 Choose Accredited WARNING! Ensure you choose an Accredited installer of these systems. The manufacturer recommends installation of an accredited Installer. This ensures all systems are Installed by a Qualified and Licensed Technician. Also you can rest assured you receive the complete warranty you are entitled to. We are Accredited Installers of Contact Us Call to obtain a free quote and advice admin@eastcoastbuildingandpest.com.au