Archicentre Limited, The Royal Australian Institute of Architects service of building advisory, conducted a careful analysis of damage by termites within Melbourne and Sydney. During 2003, as well as 2004, in order to create a highly extensive building inspection processes and improve on using data in the areas of reporting and collection, research was conducted by the company.



The results prompted the creation of the Pest Inspection Service, offered by Archicentre. Melbourne started receiving the services in 2005, while Sydney was next in the year 2006. This service was created in efforts to gain knowledge about just how impacted Australia is by termites.

After examining 80,000 inspection reports, it has been determined that there is a definite increase in termite attacks in Australian homes. It was also found that warmer regions are more likely to have termites than the colder regions, and would therefore need more termite protection.

Of the areas inspected and analyzed, it was found that Western Australia saw the smallest increase of just 5%, Victoria was the next highest at a termite increase of 8%, South Australia, ACT, and New South Wales came in second with a 9% increase, and the number one jump in termites belonged to Queensland with a jump of a whopping 11%.

In 2006 the average pest treatment costs of infected homes was approximately $2,500 which was a much better savings than the average repair bill of homes that had been infested which was approximately $4,500. However repair figures vary dramatically in some areas.

Therefore, is it important to know how to spot a termite problem. The first thing you can look at is stumps around the home or even concrete barriers. If you notice mud on these elements, you could be facing termites. At the same time, how about your sub floors. If the sub floors show any signs of damage, termites may be present. When you walk around the home, both inside, as well as outside, do you see any termite damage about a foot up?

Trees are a good harbor for termites. If you have a lot of trees surrounding your home, you might have an active nest of termites living there. Older homes are also more prone to having an infestation, particularly homes that are 30 years or older. You may have also inadvertently created an attractive spot for termites as well. These unwelcomed guests may take advantage of your landscape or any untreated wood you have used. At the same time, if you have fence posts made of wood that are untreated or wood logs that are very old, you might just be inviting the termites to visit. Also, mulch is great taking care of weeds around your home, but attract termites at the same time.

Sheds can also be your enemy, particularly if you store wood in your shed. You want to keep your wood dry, but if it is untreated, you may just be asking for the termites. You may have treated the wood or used concrete slabs instead, but termites are very adamant and can find wood when they want to.

Unless you have made arrangements for a pest control company to check the home on a regular basis, termites will more than likely enter your home.

One last thing, before you purchase a new home, make sure that you have an inspection done first. Make double sure that this inspection includes termite inspections. If you purchase a home without having this inspection, you may be looking at big costs to treat and repair the infestation, in addition to the money you just paid for your new home.