Termite Inspection before Barrier Treatments
The one thing we get asked a lot is why we have to do a termite inspection before we install a barrier treatment.
The short answer is that its part of the Australian Standards an inspection always comes first. If a pest inspection isn’t completed then how do we know if there are termites or not?
The other reason an inspection must be done is so that an accurate price can be given to installing a barrier.
When quoting on a termite barrier we need to know the lineal metres of the property. How much digging and drilling is involved in installing the barrier. We also need to know the depth of the footings as this will determine how much-mixed product is to be used.
Carrying out a termite inspection
What customer’s need to understand
The main thing any customer needs to fully understand is that they are not experts in termites. This is why you employ the services of a professional termite company.
Licensed termite technicians know and understand the Australian Standards; it’s an inspector’s job to know.
Too many homeowners are getting things mixed up from things they hear and read online. There is a lot of information online but unfortunately, a lot of it is wrong.
Below is a quick case study from one of our customers, once you read this you will start to understand what I mean.
Case Study
So we started off with an email from a customer in Brisbane on the south side of town. The customer wanted a top up of their termite reticulation system.
So we explained the procedure of what needed to be done. We booked in a time to go around and complete the top up for the customer.
Once we had arrived it became apparent to us that there was no reticulation system installed. The customer was convinced he had a system installed, but we had to break the news to him that in fact, he didn’t.
This type of thing happens a lot where people think they are protected but they aren’t. Unfortunately, some homeowners find out when it’s too late and the termites have moved in.
What treatment Was Installed
So upon further inspection, we noticed that the house was built on an exposed slab. An exposed slab is when there is a clear inspection zone of 75mm all the way around the house. This is used during a termite inspection to look for concealed termite entry points.
Exposed 75mm concrete slab termite protection
Parts of the slab have been covered by concrete paths, so we suggested to the customer to have these areas drilled and injected with a Termiticide.
We were also then able to work out exactly how many lineal metres need to be treated. This is the importance of doing an inspection before any works are carried out.
Further to this, the customer thought that two plastic stations in the back garden where in fact the barrier system. But this is not the case; these have been put in by someone who has no clue about termites.
The two PVC pipes are about 150mm wide and they were filled with pieces of wood. This cannot be relied upon as a means of stopping termites entering a home. This just has a bad idea written all over it a typical DIY job.
DIY termite bait station
DIY termite bait station filled with wood
I’m hoping that this was not installed by a termite professional, but you just don’t know. Above are the photos we took during the inspection.
You see where I’m going with this right; untrained people have no idea about termites or the systems that help to prevent them.
This customer was ready to hand over his money to me, this could have been a disaster for him had I have been dishonest.
So at the end of the day, we help to save this customer a small fortune, some people would have taken the money and ran.
The Outcome
The following week we returned to the property and did the drilling and injection of the slab.
We applied a Termiticide called Termidor HE this is the best chemical treatment for termites at this point. The customer is happy and his house is protected from termites.
Important! Don’t Pay Till It’s Installed
I say this all the time to customers you shouldn’t pay any money until the barrier system is fully installed.
Another important point homeowners need to know is that you need the paperwork. Paperwork has to be completed by the pest control company installing a barrier.
The first thing that you will receive is the visual termite inspection report. Then following that will be the termite treatment proposal.
Once the proposal has been signed the barrier can be installed. Once the barrier is fully installed the remaining paperwork will be supplied by the termite company.
The first will be a durable notice this is placed in the metre box or kitchen cupboard. Along with the durable notice, a termite certificate will be emailed with all the relevant details about the job.
Without all the paperwork the homeowner has no leg to stand on if a problem arises.
Conclusion
Please if anyone gets anything from this article it must be that you use a licensed professional. Don’t waste your money on cheap termite barriers and inspections.
As a reminder listen to your termite professional the good ones have your best interest at heart. Also, remember all licensed technicians have to follow strict guidelines set out by the Australian Standards.
Before employing the services of a termite company do your homework and understand what’s best for you. Your home is your biggest asset; so don’t leave it to chance or to a cheap company.
Get it done right the first time and sleep easy at night knowing termites won’t destroy your home.
Quick Notes: The order in which the process starts when you need a termite barrier installed.
- Termite Inspection (Emailed)
- Termite Proposal (Emailed)
- Installed the barrier
- Termite Certificate (Emailed)
- Durable Notice Placed in the metre box.
If this article has been of some use please leave your comments below, and if you need any questions answered please don’t hesitate to send us an email.
