What Attracts Termites to Invade Structures?

Based on our years of experience, we have developed the following quick guide to avoiding termite problems.

Subterranean and Dampwood Termites

Subterranean termites usually tunnel underground and enter their food sources from below. They often travel great distances underground from tree root to tree root and, because there usually are small air gaps under tree roots, the termites don’t even have to dig very hard to travel. Therefore, timber waste that’s buried around buildings usually results in better termite food inside. Although termites sometimes fly in and begin fresh colonies, they usually prefer to arrive by “tunneling in.” Because termites are most likely to try to get through the soil, there are some simple things you can do to help keep them away:


Control moisture:

• All types of termites need moisture. Keep your structure dry and well ventilated.
• Ventilate all possible sub-floor areas and ensure the vents are kept free and clear. Make sure you wet areas inside, such as kitchens and bathrooms, have adequate ventilation.
• Fix all plumbing leaks, particularly in showers and baths. Leaks supply constant moisture that makes the wood “just right” for termites to eat.
• Check all gutters and down spouts to ensure that the water ends up far away from your structure. Down spouts that regularly splash near your structure supply irresistible sources of moisture for termites. Down spouts ideally should connect to storm-water drains. If your property doesn’t have these, then you should at least redirect the water away from your structure.
• Avoid planting gardens and placing mulch directly against walls because termites have been known to enter structures through lightly touching branches. If you must plant gardens or mulch near your walls, then make sure you leave enough space for air to move between the garden and the walls. Also, make sure you leave an inspection zone of at least 100 mm. Never allow sprinklers to wet the soil near a building or deck.
• Make sure that all your paving is angled to drain surface water away from your structure. Surprisingly, many people do this incorrectly and build outdoor paving that’s higher than the interior floor levels.

• Remove any timber or cellulose materials that are stored on the ground beneath a suspended floor. That includes cardboard boxes, old newspapers and cotton materials. Clean up any off cuts left during construction. The goal is to create the greatest possible distance between termites and their potential meals.
• Don't store any wood near the ground because this is a termite magnet. Make sure all wood is kept at least 100 mm above ground. An inexpensive solution for wood storage: a shelf of trench-mesh sitting on cinder blocks is a cheap solution.
• Make sure that any structural wood that has ground contact is either termite resistant or treated with a preservative. Better yet, cut it off and mount it on a metal stirrup mounted in concrete. Remember: High and dry is ideal.
• Don't provide hidden entry points, such as strong stucco, which can hide termite freeways. Rigid foam slab-edge insulation can be a nightmare because it provides termites with easy and secure tunnel space to enter your structure. Instead, provide an impervious inspection zone. Always use long-life physical barriers in all new construction.

Al-Flex uses an advanced combination of advanced termite-control systems to ensure the complete destruction of subterranean termite colonies.

We offer conventional liquid treatments as well as the Advance Bait System and foaming system to aggressively attack subterranean termite colonies in and around residential and commercial structures.

Our systems adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety, so you can rest assured your loved ones and pets are safe.

Click here to learn more about our proven treatments:

Advance Bait System

Foaming System

Conventional Liquid Treatments

Detection Tools

Powerful Treatments for Subterranean Termites