Termites are also known as white ants and feed on wood, leaf litter and soil. Termites are pests as they cause serious structural damage to buildings, crops and plantations forests. Termites are a common housing problem in several Australian capital cities.
If you notice structural damage it is best to call a pest controller from your local directory, where they will be able to determine if you have termites.
For treating termites it is best to call a pest controller for major damage. However, termites can be avoided by using concrete, metal, or non-wood building products. Termites love dark and damp places so It's Important that the sub-floor areas of houses on stumps are light and dry (fix leaking gutters, have paths drain away from the house, don't block sub-floor vents). If you have soft wood furnishings there are some products available that allow protection from termites, such as LOSP products (Light Organic Solvent Preservative) such as linseed and kerosene.
CCA timber is a termite-prevention marketed timber, however it is injected with Copper Chromium Arsenic which has been found to be toxic to humans and cause several types of cancer and shouldn't be used for any structures that are in contact with humans.
If you do nothing and termites are infesting your house, they will eat through the structure until the house collapses and is demolished.
The best way of solving termites is to call a pest controller and have your house assessed and exterminated. Termites love dark and damp places so It's Important that the sub-floor areas of houses on stumps are light and dry (fix leaking gutters, have paths drain away from the house, don't block sub-floor vents). Combine this with regular inspection of the sub-floor (if possible) and you'll minimize your risk from termites.
