06/02/2026
Happy Friday everyone! The weekend is just around the corner, and to finish off your week, here’s a bit of termite education. 📚
I took this short video on-site today during a follow-up visit. We treated active termites about four weeks ago and were back to install a partial chemical soil treatment to unprotected areas of the house. If you’ve been following my stories, you’ll know my inspection with a borescope camera convinced me that termites had established themselves and eaten through some hardwood. That theory was correct. ✅
1. Termites Will Eat Hardwood 🌳 With 25 years of experience, I come across this occasionally, but it’s not overly common compared to pine frame homes. Termites usually need a moisture source to be drawn to hardwood, and they won’t eat through it as quickly as softer woods. In this case, the door above the area on the balcony used to leak—which likely attracted them. This highlights a crucial point: always fix moisture issues noted in your inspection reports! 💧 🔍
2. Termites Can Work Fast and They Are Sneaky 🕵️♂️ The house was painted and the architraves were solid in late November. The owner discovered termites in January. While they can work fast, termites have likely been munching on the hardwood frame long before making themselves visible. This shows they don’t always start with the soft, visible timbers. It also highlights the limitations of visual inspections and why preventative management is always recommended. 🎯
3. They Use Structures as Highways 🛣️ Even after treatment, termites may still use these hardwood frames to access other parts of the house. In this instance, further investigation revealed termites tracking along the wall behind the kitchen and into the patio extension roof space. They are persistent travellers in search of a favourable food source.
4. Termites Love to Return 🔄 Termites are highly likely to return—whether it’s weeks, months, or years later—unless further preventative measures are installed. A standalone foaming, liquid, or dusting treatment directly on active termites within in a structure is very unlikely to eradicate the entire colony, despite what you might be told. ❌ 🐜 Termite baiting can ensure this, but it’s not always required. Many variables dictate the best option. Stage 2 treatments, such as chemical soil treatment or an inground baiting system are essential to help prevent reinfestation. 🛡️
5. The Chemical Treated Zone is Critical ⚠️ The effectiveness of a treatment depends on its quality. A thorough chemical soil treatment must meet the highest industry standards with no shortcuts. As you can see in the video, pavers could have easily bridged the treatment zone, rendering it ineffective. A thorough job is critical.
Final Thoughts 🏡 Termites are persistent, but with the right knowledge and preventative measures, you can protect your home. If you have any questions or concerns about termites, don’t hesitate to reach out. Have a great weekend! ☀️
