Here are some tips to reduce the risk of termite attack.

1. Building alterations or additions can alter or render ineffective previous termite protection.
   
   Adding a pergola, new awnings or veranda, concrete slab extensions, or even new plumbing can provide a route of entry for termites into the property across the termite protection barrier previously applied.


2. Where a house is a concrete slab on ground construction, leave a minimum of 75mm of slab edge exposed.
   
   Weep holes in between brickwork, found immediately above the slab, should also be left exposed. If you construct gardens, allow soil to be deposited above the edge of the slab, or above pavers over the slab face, termites can gain entry undetected into your property and breach the previously applied termite barriers.


3. Remove stored timber, debris and cellulose materials from around the property and under the house.
   
   Storing timber against or under your house or property on a soil sub-floor, will provide an attractive food source and nesting site for subterranean termites. Remove any timber and/or debris and store it away from the house.


4. Ensure that termite shielding is not damaged or breached in any way.
   
   Metal strips or ant caps around the foundation of your home do not prevent termite entry but force termites out into the open where they can be detected with regular inspection.


5. Repair leaking taps and pipes under or around the property.
   
   These include leaking taps, pipes and hot water overflow pipes under or around your home. Repairing these will reduce moisture levels, which attract subterranean termites to nest close to or under your property.


6. Ensure that vents to sub-floor areas are never blocked.
   
   Substandard ventilation in the sub-floor areas of your property will result in high humidity, and high moisture levels. Good ventilation and extraction fans where necessary are essential to reduce the risk from subterranean termites.


7. Use only timbers treated for termites in garden beds or retaining walls.
   
   Do not use untreated timbers to form garden beds or retaining walls, as these will attract termites around your property.


8. Construct timber fences and support posts with a 50mm clearance between the timbers and the soil.
   
   Often the bases of timber fence palings and/or sub-floor timbers breach the soil surface. This allows termites access without detection.


9. Don’t allow climbing plants or bushy gardens to grow against the structure.
   
   Climbing plants growing against the side of the structure of your property provide termites with entry undetected.
   
   The roots of some plants can also penetrate the foundations of your property allowing termites access that is very difficult to locate. Allow at least a 30cm clearance. Plant trees notorious for sending roots under slabs well away from your home.


10. Remove dead trees or stumps. Dead trees and stumps are ideal sites for termites to nest in. Remove these or have them treated to reduce the risk to your property.

For more information on protecting your property from termites visit timber.org.au