Termites

The damage caused by termites sometimes can only be detected by professional home inspectors specifically looking for evidence of current or past termite infestation. Once detected, the damage can run to several thousands of dollars to be repaired.

As with most problems prevention can often be the best form of cure.

Termite attacks can be prevented by a number of means including physical barriers, chemical treatment and the use of termite-resistant building materials. These measures can be incorporated during construction or even later on. There are now a number of structural materials that are either naturally resistant or have been chemically treated. In addition there are also external and internal cladding materials that can be equally effective.

Steel frames are one of the options that offer excellent protection in termite-prone areas. Brick and stone are also excellent naturally termite-resistant materials. In addition, engineered wood products have been developed with additives that provide protection.

In some areas homes are required by law to be termite-resistant, so it's important to be aware of the different options available to you before you commence construction. It is equally important for your builder to also be aware of these requirements and/or options.

If you are unsure of what you can do about either an existing home with termite issues, a home on a termite-prone area with no apparent issues or are about to build, Safe Check Inspections can offer advice and help you seek out the right professionals.

Wildlife

Native wildlife is a special case. We are fortunate to live in a country that is abundant with healthy native animals that enjoy our protection. Australia's native species include possums, kangaroos, koalas, lizards and many species of birds and insects. Less attractive animals include snakes and spiders both of which top the lists of life-threatening wildlife around the world.

More often than not it is not advisable to share our home with them.

There are many trained experts that can assist you in relocating animals like possums and kangaroos that may have taken up residence in your home or garden. It is important to notes that venomous snakes and spiders should only be handled by trained experts.

Vermin

Depending on the area you live in, the condition of the house and garden, and that of the adjacent properties there is always the possibility that your home is under threat by pests. Some of the pests that can be hazardous to you and your family's health include Cockroaches and Rodents.

Cockroaches tend to congregate in in food areas where they can spread food-poisoning organisms. Their size and shape are instrumental in their ability to gain access to through the smallest of gaps and remain hidden from view.

The best form of defence is to obstruct all possible avenues of access by sealing all visible cracks and gaps in walls, ceilings and floors.

In addition, the use of trained professionals such as pest control companies on a regular basis, spraying residual insecticides and laying baits can go a long way towards keeping you and your family safe.

Pests such as Rats and Mice are potential Salmonella, typhus and ringworm carriers. They can spread disease when they feed and urinate on products and contaminate food with their droppings. Their natural habitat include any buildings that can provide a food source and can nest in wall cavities or under floors close to their food source.

They have sharp teeth than can gnaw through most building materials including wood and aluminium as well as lead and cardboard. This gives them the potential to cause thousands od dollars in damage to electrical wiring, cabling and other material.

As they are creatures of habit, traveling to and from nest and food source it is often easy to place baits in areas where they leave a clearly defined path.