WITH new international research finding that termites’ appetite for wood increases as the temperature heats up with climate change, Logan experts say we could be facing a termite invasion.
The study done by the University of Miami with co-authors from UNSW Sydney found that termites’ wood eating activity increases when the weather heats up, more so than previously thought.
Co-author of the study, Associate Professor Will Cornwell said in addition to increased termite activity in existing habitats, termites may also spread to new areas as the tropics expand with warming temperatures.
“The tropical region is only going to expand as the climate gets warmer,” the termite expert said.
“While we don’t know whether that will impact more buildings and populated areas, we do know that termites like it hot, and it’s going to get hotter everywhere.”
Logan experts are already seeing signs of this change.
General Manager of DunRite Termites and Pest Control, Steve J Annells said termite colonisation seasons have expanded.
“The two seasons of colonisation each year are October to November and March to April. But, as weather patterns have been changing, we are finding colonisation starting from October and running all the way through to March,” he said.
“Our weather is in a LaNina pattern, and it has been for the past three years, and with so much moisture present we have been inundated with active termites in residential homes.”
Director of Organic Pest Control, Stuart Granger said Southeast Queensland including Logan, has a big termite problem.
“In the Logan area we have a lot of new estates being built, developers are constantly clearing the land – that of which was once bush, forest and even wetland – and building homes on it,” Mr Granger said.
“They (developers) are then wondering why there is a termite problem down the track. We are building on termite breeding ground,” he said.
“It’s not just predominantly wood homes we see infestations in either, we’ve seen them in steel frame homes, brick homes and even concrete factories.
“Anywhere there is moisture, like in downpipes, internal plumbing, guttering and grout, they will be attracted to it.”
Mr Annells said with the weather expected to warm up even more, it’s important to stay vigilant.
He offered the following tips:
Check your taps,
Check the skirting boards and window sills around your home
Look for little mud dots on the wall – they may be the beginning of a termite sub-nest being built
Listen: You may even hear them ticking in the wall.
“Be sure to check weep holes (small holes in between the bricks on brick homes) and maintain outside taps, you don’t want any moisture pooling against your house. Also don’t store timber against the house and install water tanks at least 500mm off the house.”
Mr Annells said if you find termites active in your house don’t spray them because you could cause more damage.
“The best defence is to have a termite management system installed (chemical barrier) around the house and have inspections every year,” he said.
