Subterranean Termite Management Systems

Subterranean termites live in colonies within the ground or other suitable environments and can travel from their colony to buildings in search of timber and other cellulose-based materials.

Because termites may gain concealed access to a structure, termite management systems can form an important part of reducing the risk of subterranean termite entry and assisting with ongoing termite management.

Bees Knees Pest Management WA provides subterranean termite management solutions for properties across Perth and surrounding suburbs, with recommendations based on the construction of the building, existing termite protection, site conditions and individual requirements.

What Is a Subterranean Termite Management System?

A subterranean termite management system is designed to help manage the risk of termites gaining concealed access to a building.

Different systems and treatment options may be appropriate depending on whether the building is new or existing, its construction and the conditions around the property.

Termite management systems may include:

• Chemical soil treatments

• Physical termite management systems

• Termite monitoring and baiting systems

• Treatment around service penetrations and potential entry areas

• Perimeter termite management measures

• Existing termite system maintenance or replenishment

• A combination of suitable termite management measures

The appropriate system will depend on the individual building and circumstances.

Chemical Soil Termite Management

Chemical soil treatments can be used to establish a treated zone in the soil around or beneath relevant areas of a building, depending on the construction and treatment being undertaken.

The purpose of the treated zone is to help manage subterranean termites attempting to gain access to the structure through treated areas.

For existing buildings, establishing a suitable treated zone may require treatment around the external perimeter and, depending on construction, other accessible areas.

The treatment method, product and areas requiring treatment will depend on the individual property.

Termite Monitoring and Baiting Systems

Termite monitoring and baiting systems may be suitable for some properties and circumstances.

Monitoring stations are positioned in selected areas and inspected periodically for termite activity.

Where termites are detected, an appropriate termite bait may be introduced as part of the treatment program.

These systems require ongoing inspection and monitoring and should be maintained according to the requirements of the system being used.

Physical Termite Management Systems

Physical termite management systems are generally incorporated into a building during construction or renovation and are designed to help prevent concealed termite entry or direct termite activity into areas where it can be more readily detected.

Depending on the building, existing physical termite protection may include systems installed around:

• Building perimeters

• Concrete slab penetrations

• Plumbing and service penetrations

• Construction joints

• Other potential termite entry points

Existing physical systems should not be altered, covered or compromised without considering how this may affect the termite protection of the building.

Existing Homes and Buildings

Existing buildings may already have a termite management system, previous chemical treatment or other termite protection in place.

Where possible, information about previous termite treatments or installed systems can be useful when assessing the property.

Depending on the building and existing protection, recommendations may include:

• Inspection of the existing system

• Replenishment or retreatment where required

• Installation of additional termite management measures

• Monitoring or baiting

• Addressing areas where termite access may be concealed

• Regular termite inspections

A termite management system does not remove the need for ongoing professional termite inspections.

New Buildings and Renovations

Termite management should also be considered when constructing a new building, extending an existing building or carrying out renovations that may affect existing termite protection.

The appropriate system will depend on the building design, construction method, site conditions and applicable requirements.

Care should also be taken when landscaping, paving or modifying areas around an existing building so that termite inspection zones or installed systems are not unintentionally covered, damaged or compromised.

Maintaining Your Termite Management System

Some termite management systems require ongoing inspection, maintenance, monitoring or replenishment to continue functioning as intended.

Requirements can vary depending on the system and product installed.

Property owners should retain information relating to existing termite systems and follow any inspection and maintenance requirements associated with them.

Regular termite inspections remain important because no termite management system should be considered a substitute for ongoing inspection of the building.

Choosing the Appropriate Termite Management System

There is no single termite management system that is appropriate for every property.

The most suitable option can depend on:

• Building construction

• Age of the property

• Existing termite protection

• Previous termite activity or treatment

• Accessibility

• Soil and site conditions

• Landscaping

• Moisture and drainage

• Potential termite entry areas

• Future inspection and maintenance requirements

Bees Knees Pest Management WA can assess the property and discuss appropriate subterranean termite management options based on the individual circumstances.

Where a system is installed or treatment undertaken, we'll also explain any relevant inspection, monitoring and maintenance requirements to help you understand the ongoing termite protection for your property.