By Jessica Micallef
A Sunbury pest controller is urging locals to remain vigilant when it comes to termite activity in homes.
Pied Piper Pest Control owner Jesse Ramsay said he had noticed a spike in termite activity in Sunbury homes over the past two months.
He said while the spike could be attributed to more people staying at home due to the COVID-19 lockdown, termites were active all year round.
“There are a number of factors that can attract termites to a home,” he said.
“It may have something to do with people renovating which has been the case with a few of my jobs.
“Termites are attracted to large trees, such as large gum trees, homes that have poor drainage and they are attracted to excessive moisture around and in and under homes.”
Mr Ramsay said residents needed to have a proactive approach when it came to preventing termite activity and the potential consequences.
“Termite damage can range from … as far as skirting boards, architraves and door jams but on a much large scale, and I have seen it, it can be structural damage which can cost anywhere between $5000 and $15,000 in damages,” he said.
“Termites is not often on the forefront of the homeowner’s mind until it is too late. “Sunbury has been long renowned as a hotbed for termite activity and it’s industry recommendation that every homeowner gets an annual inspection before it’s too late.”
To prevent termites from attacking, Mr Ramsay encourages homeowners to clear the home of excessive materials and maintain a tidy garden.
“A golden rule is to not have high garden beds learning on the house, clear the house of excessive stored timbres, have no excessive mulch build up against the house and if the house is on stumps, good ventilation is vital.
“This is a good reminder for people to be vigilant about termites because they do exist.”
