Pest Control Problems | Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prevent termite infestation?

Debris removal

It goes without saying that prevention is better than cure. Dead or decaying timber in contact with the ground is a perfect breeding ground for termites. Be sure to clear any dead, decaying timber and plant debris from around your building, and be sure to check nearby trees, sleepers and wood stockpiles regularly for signs of infestation.

Pre-treatment for new constructions

For new constructions or additions to existing buildings, pre-treatment is a vital first line of defence against termite attack. Pre-treatment involves two main strategies: chemical deterrents and prysical barriers such as 'ant caps', termite-resistant parges and metallic barriers.

Expert inspection

Before purchasing a house, office or factory, be sure to have it inspected by a qualified termite expert. The cost of a full report is minimal compared with the expense and headaches of repairing termite damage. Protech technicians can carry out a visual inspection of potential termite access points and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your situation and budget. 

What do I do if I find termites?

Don't panic!

Do not disturb the damaged areas or attempt to use household insecticides yourself. The damage visible to you will almost certainly be peripheral and distant from the source of the problem - the main termite nest. In a nutshell, killing the termites you see externally is unlikely to affect the course of the infestation, and in fact may do more harm than good. It is best to leave things as they are, and definitely don't attempt to remove floor boards, wall panels or architraves yourself. Contact a pest control professional.

Disturbing the termites will simply cause them to re-group and attack a different part of the structure. While your anxiety is understandable, waiting another day or two for professional treatment will make little difference to the extent of the damage.

How are termite infestations treated?

Assessment

A detailed inspection of the building's structure is carried out, which may include the use of sophisticated tracking equipment. Termite damage is not always obvious - a timber beam may look intact when in fact it is a wafer-thin shell concealing a honeycomb of termite tunnels; an outwardly sturdy-looking wooden member may crumble to dust at a touch!

Eradication

After assessing the damage, the infestation must be traced to its source. The termite nest itself may be surprisingly remote from the infested property and must be destroyed for any treatment to be effective in the long term. A primary control method involves the use of poison baits: wood, cardboard or other 'termite-friendly' materials impregnated with a slow-acting poison. Foraging 'worker' termites take this material back to the nest, sharing it with other termites - and most importantly with the 'Queen' - the only member of a termite colony capable of producing offspring.

Prevention

In some situations, simply baiting may be the only treatment necessary. In other situations it may be necessary to installation a chemical or physical barrier to prevent further termite infestation.

Will I need to leave my property during treatment?

Yes

For health and safety reasons you will need to vacate and allow two hours prior to return. For women who are expecting, infants and children under 12 months of age, and people with asthma or other respiratory illnesses, we recommend at least 4 hours.