Termites are pretty much everywhere in Australia – it has been estimated that 80% of all homes are within 25 m of a termite nest! So, whether you're aware of it or not, there are probably termites trying to get into your house right now! Making the area around the perimeter of your house less attractive to termites is vital to prevent a termite attack…. which means you need to have a termite smart garden.
Gardens around the home perimeter may look good but with their high levels of moisture and apply food, they are a termite magnet!
Plant roots (they don't have to be big like this one!) can provide a highway into your home for termites
Do use…
A termite smart garden would use pebbles as mulch and plants in pots
Don't…
The termite inspection zone around the perimeter of a building is essentially the lower level of bricks. It is important that this is kept clear to allow a termite inspector to inspect the area during the annual termite inspection (yes, you need one of these!).
Blocking an easy view of the perimeter wall with vegetation is bad enough, but actually building over these lower levels of bricks provides termites with a concealed entry point. The termites will get in without being noticed and can cause significant damage before their presence is detected.
Garden beds that obscure the edge of buildings let termites enter the building without being noticed
The nice looking lawn is blocking a weephole and giving termites an easy entry to the home
Of course, if there are establish gardens around the perimeter of the home, we accept these won't get changed overnight. So, if you do have gardens that prevent easy inspection of the perimeter walls, the use of Weepa Termite Protectors will at least protect the weep holes from termite entry.
As always, don't forget the annual professional termite inspection by a licensed termite inspector, as recommended by governments and building authorities.