Termite management can be challenging in any building, but schools can present additional complications due to their size, construction, surrounding vegetation and years of alterations and repairs.
At this Mornington school, the Pest Police inspection team identified several conditions that were increasing the risk of termite attack, along with live termite activity in one of the buildings.
What was creating the increased risk in termite activity?
The school is surrounded by established gum trees, providing a natural environment where termite colonies can thrive. However, one of the biggest concerns was underneath the buildings.
During our inspection, we discovered quite a lot of old timber stored throughout the subfloor. Over many years, builders carrying out repairs and alterations had left discarded timber beneath the building rather than removing it. Annoying, but it happens.
Timber lying under a building is a haven for termites! But it can also make it more difficult for a termite inspector to properly access and inspect the area.
The toilet block presented another challenge. Live termites were discovered within the building, despite an existing termite protection system being in place.
The construction incorporated an infill design that made the area particularly difficult to treat. The existing reticulation system around the building wasn’t considered suitable for this particular construction, demonstrating an important point: simply having termite protection installed doesn’t mean a property can be forgotten about.
How did our termite inspectors approach this?
Rather than simply treating the visible termite activity, Pest Police inspectors looked at the broader conditions contributing to the problem.
For one of the school’s main buildings, the first step was to remove the stored timber from the subfloor. Clearing the area allows better inspection and access and enables a comprehensive chemical termite treatment to be carried out.
For the toilet block, the immediate priority was the elimination of the active termites.
For longer-term protection, Pest Police recommended installing an “always active” Trelona baiting system. Given the construction of this building and the limitations of the existing system, ongoing baiting provides another approach to future termite management.
Why regular termite inspections are the best insurance for any property
This Mornington school is a good example of why termite management isn’t simply a matter of installing a system and assuming the building will remain protected indefinitely.
Buildings change, repairs are made, timber gets left behind, landscaping develops and existing termite systems may not adequately suit every part of a property’s construction.
Regular professional termite inspections help identify not only active termites, but also the conditions that could make future termite attack more likely.
For schools, commercial properties and homes across Mornington and the Mornington Peninsula, Pest Police can inspect, identify termite risks and develop a termite management strategy appropriate for the property.
If your school, commercial property or home is due for a termite inspection, don’t wait until there are visible signs of damage. Call Pest Police on 1800 737 876 to arrange a professional termite inspection and make sure your current termite protection is still doing its job.
To use anyone else would be a crime!
