Termites (also call white ants) are highly destructive insects that can cause significant damage to the commercial premises. Densely populated areas with a lot of large buildings are certain to face a greater risk from this pest. To help manage or control the outbreak, it is beneficial to have a full commercial termite inspection on an annual basis to detect the early signs of termite activity. Termite damage has the potential to lower the market value of the property by nearly 25%.
Signs of termites
Termites are difficult for the naked eye to detect because the preferred environment is well-protected, humid, and dark. The most common way termites are detected is from noticing signs of their damage. These insects leave behind several different signs of their existence, including:
Hollow sounding wood – termites attack flooring, skirting boards, doors, or other timber from the inside which leaves the area with a hollow sound when knocked. Termites are extremely destructive and will eat away at most of the timber content and leave only a thin layer of paint or timber.
Cracks – cracks can start to form when the termites start to devour timber around the door jams or walls, which will have an impact on the building’s structural integrity. While it might be the termites causing the cracks it is still worth inspecting the area carefully for other reasons the cracks might be appearing, such as movement in the building.
Mud – termites create mud tunnels to travel along for a safer environment. Most of the time these tunnels of mud are difficult to detect, but can sometimes be noticeable in the buildings architraves or brick foundations.
Termite treatment
There are a variety of techniques that can be used by the professionals in the process of stopping the termite attack. The preferred remedy is certain to relate to the specific situation and extent of damage in place. A common method to destroy the termite population is to use bait stations which are filled with highly palatable, but toxic bait that is consumed by these insects and taken back to their main base which destroys their colony.
Termite bait stations can be placed in-ground or above ground to suit the situation. The in-ground stations are useful for prevention and to spot the first signs of termites in attendance. Above ground stations are more practical for the existing outbreaks and placed in any area that has a noticeable population of termites. A further option is to apply a chemical-based liquid barrier around the building or other structure to prevent future threats.
