The security and longevity of one’s residence are essential to Australian homeowners. It is a widely held assumption that specific construction methods inherently offer more excellent protection against common household risks.
However, a prevalent misconception regarding the resilience of a particular building material may lead some property owners into a potentially costly oversight, with consequences that can manifest unexpectedly and substantially.
As Australians, we take pride in our homes, often seeing them as a sanctuary and a significant investment.
However, many Aussie homeowners fall for a costly myth that could lead to thousands of dollars in damage and repair bills. The worst part? Most people don’t realise the danger until it’s far too late.
The myth in question is that brick homes are immune to termite damage. This misconception is widespread and can give homeowners a false sense of security.
Termites are a serious risk to any home, regardless of their construction materials, and typical home insurance policies in Australia do not cover the damage they cause.
A pest control company in Ipswich, Queensland, recently highlighted this issue, sharing alarming photos of termite tracks burrowing through a brick home.
The images are a stark reminder that brick walls do not deter termites. ‘I can’t get termites; mine is a brick house…’ is a statement pest controllers hear all too often, followed by the regret of homeowners who believe this myth.
Christopher James, a Sydney-based pest controller, spoke to Yahoo News about the pervasive threat of termites. ‘Nobody’s immune to termite damage,’ he said.
‘When you’ve got a brick home, a double brick home, it doesn’t really matter too much. A brick home still has a timber structure roof. It’ll still have doorways, windowsills, eaves that can still be eaten.’
Termites are subterranean creatures that can infiltrate a home undetected and cause extensive damage quickly.
The Australian Museum notes that termite colonies thrive in warm, humid weather, typically during spring and autumn. Although there are over 200 species of termites in Australia, only a few pose a significant threat to human structures.
However, recent wet weather patterns have increased termite activity in some regions, leading to more frequent calls to pest control services.
The damage termites can inflict is often hidden from view, allowing them to compromise the integrity of a home before the owner even realises there’s a problem. A termite colony can cause enough damage to destroy a house in less than a year.
To combat this hidden menace, exterminators and pest control experts are taking to social media to share their disturbing finds and offer tips for homeowners.
The industry consensus is clear: homeowners should schedule termite inspections every one to two years. While an inspection costs only a few hundred dollars, treatments for termite infestations can range from $2,000 to $8,000.
Prevention is key when it comes to termites. Jhy Carroll from EBS Queensland outlines two main preventative measures: chemical barrier treatments and in-ground baiting systems. Chemical barriers involve treating the soil around the home’s perimeter while baiting systems use bait to eliminate termite colonies.
As a homeowner, staying informed and proactive about termite prevention is crucial. Regular inspections and appropriate preventative measures can save you from the heartache and financial strain of termite damage. Don’t let this expensive myth eat away at your peace of mind and your wallet.
Have you had a close call with termites, or maybe you’ve learned a lesson the hard way? Share your experiences in the comments below. Your story could help others avoid a similar fate.
Remember, if you suspect termite activity or want to learn more about protecting your home, don’t hesitate to contact a professional pest controller.
