Termite Treatment: Termites are active all year round.

It's a common myth that termites become inactive during the cooler months—but it’s simply not true. In Australia’s coastal regions, the climate remains mild and humid even in winter. Termites are always active; they stay active throughout the year, especially under houses and in roof voids. While they may be less visible on the surface, subterranean termites continue to feed, breed, and tunnel beneath homes. This activity can cause thousands of dollars in damage without being noticed.

Understanding Termite activity in Winter months

• Less visible activity: Termites retreat deeper underground into warmer areas or structures (such as inside the timber or roof voids), making them less noticeable during colder months.

• No swarming: Termite swarms are common signs of infestation, but swarming mainly occurs in warmer seasons (typically spring). The absence of swarms in winter creates a false sense of security.

• Misconception from other insects: Many pests, such as ants and mosquitoes, do become dormant or significantly less active during winter. People often mistakenly assume that termites behave in the same way.

• Cooler weather slows them down: Cold temperatures can indeed slow termite metabolism, but they don't stop feeding and causing damage. Yet, the slower pace may lead to assumptions that they've stopped altogether.

• Lack of visible damage signs: Termite damage is often not immediately visible, especially in winter when their activity is hidden, leading homeowners to believe there's no current threat.

  
  

What you can do

• Schedule a professional inspection. Termite activity can be hidden, especially during the winter months. Regular inspections (at least annually) help detect early signs of infestation.

• Check for moisture and leaks. Termites thrive in humid environments. Fix leaking taps, pipes, gutters and ensure good ventilation under the house.

• Reduce soil-to-wood contact. Keep garden beds, mulch or firewood away from house foundations. Use concrete or metal barriers where possible.

• Seal entry points. Block cracks in concrete slabs, foundations and walls. Pay attention to gaps around pipes and cables.

• Keep your surroundings dry and clear. Clear the area around the home of leaf litter and debris. Make sure drainage flows away from the house.

• Avoid DIY treatments. Surface sprays won't reach the hidden colony. Only licensed pest professionals can apply effective treatments that target termites at the source.

• Monitor wooden structures. Tap or probe timber for hollow sounds. Be alert for blistering paint, sagging floors or unexplained cracks.

Why Termite treatment takes a little longer in Winter

Professional termite treatment remains effective year-round, even during the colder winter months. While termite activity slows in winter due to cooler temperatures and reduced surface movement, licensed pest professionals are trained to adjust their strategies accordingly, targeting hidden colonies with precise baiting. In summer, treatment may take as little as 4-8 weeks due to increased feeding and movement. In contrast, winter treatments can take 10-16 weeks or even longer, as termites feed more slowly and remain deeper in structures. However, with regular monitoring and expert application, professional treatment can still successfully eliminate colonies, albeit at a slower pace.

Termites are always active - Coastal Homes at Risk

Living by the ocean is a dream for many. However, with sea breezes, salty air, and moisture-rich soil, it comes with a higher risk of termite infestation. Termites are drawn to:

• Moist conditions: Rain, poor drainage, and rising damp create perfect nesting environments.

• Older homes, particularly those with timber frames, decks, or stumps, become prime targets.

• Leaf litter and garden mulch: Common in coastal gardens, these provide cover and food for termites.

  
  

Even during winter, the consistent humidity and warm pockets within your home—like wall cavities and hot water systems—allow termites to remain active.

The Advantage of Winter Termite Treatments

Most people schedule pest inspections during spring or summer. Yet, winter is a strategic time for several key reasons:

• Get Ahead of Spring Swarming: In spring, termites swarm and form new colonies. Damage may already be done by then. Winter inspections catch early signs before termites multiply.

• Less Competition, Faster Response: Pest control services tend to be less busy during the winter months. This means quicker appointments and more time for a thorough assessment.

• Better Access to Hidden Areas: With fewer landscaping demands and cooler weather, inspectors can access roof voids, subfloors, and garden areas more easily.

• Prepare for Renovations or Property Sales: Winter is a popular time for planning home improvements. A termite inspection provides peace of mind. It can also add value before you start renovations or list your home for sale.

  
  

How Termite Inspections are Conducted

A licensed pest inspector will take several steps during an inspection:

1. Examine your home's interior, exterior, roof space, and subfloor.

2. Check for mud tubes, hollow-sounding timber, moisture levels, and drainage issues.

3. Provide a detailed report and, if needed, recommend a treatment or prevention plan.

   
   

A termite inspection prevents minor problems from becoming major disasters.

Interesting Facts About Termite Inspections

• Most home insurance policies do not cover termite damage. Despite the risk, termite damage is rarely included in standard home insurance in Australia. Regular inspections are your best protection against costly repairs.

• Inspections can detect problems before you see termites: By the time you spot termites, they may have fed inside your walls for months. A licensed inspector can detect early signs, like hollow-sounding timber or mud tubes.

• Thermal imaging and moisture meters are often used. Modern inspectors may utilise infrared cameras and moisture meters to detect termite activity behind walls or under floors without causing damage.

• It's not just about termites: Inspections also identify conditions that attract termites, such as poor drainage and leaking pipes. This helps you make changes that prevent future infestations.

• A thorough inspection can take over an hour. A licensed professional will examine your roof void, subfloor, interior, exterior, garden areas, fences, and outbuildings.

• Some species can enter through gaps as narrow as a credit card. Subterranean termites only need a gap of 2-3mm to enter your home, often through weep holes, cracks, or plumbing entry points.

• Regular inspections can save you tens of thousands of dollars: A pre-purchase pest inspection is essential for buyers. For sellers, a clean inspection report increases buyer confidence and can expedite the sale.

  
  

Conclusion

Whether you're in a beach shack or a weatherboard classic, termites don’t take holidays, and neither should your prevention strategy. Regular inspections are crucial for mitigating risks and protecting your investment in your coastal home.

Don't wait for the termites to show up. By being proactive, you can protect your home and prevent it from termite infestation. Early detection is key to preventing costly damage. Also, check your insurance coverage for termite damage. Regular inspections (at least annual) provide peace of mind and help you avoid nasty surprises.