Pre-purchase inspections carried out
Some precautions you should take to reduce the risk of subterranean termite infestation.
Unnecessary moisture accumulation is the main contributing factor in subterranean termites nesting close to or within structures - leaking taps and pipes, hot water system overflow or any unsealed shower/bath/laundry tap flanges. Keep garden beds back away form the building, run the overflow from the hot water system away from the building, fix any leaks as soon as possible - moisture provides termites with ideal conditions.

Timber in direct contact with the ground provides termites with a source of food and sometimes, a concealed entry point into your home if the timber is also touching against the building. Any timber, such as gate and fence posts, timber garden surrounds or retainer walls, dead trees or stumps or stored timbers all should be attended to. Any posts, such as the gatepost bolted to the side of the unit can be cut off at the base leaving a clearance of at least 75mm between the base and the soil - forcing termites to show themselves and making them easier to find during regular inspections.

Fence posts, sleeper retainers and any garden surrounds should be treated regularly - a mixture of sump oil and creosote is a good economical preventative measure against termites. Dead trees and/or stumps are favoured nesting sites for subterranean termites and should be removed or treated as they pose an unnecessary risk to your structure.

Climbing plants in wall-side garden beds and any built up garden beds or overgrown gardens, especially with bark or wood chip all provides ideal conditions for termites dangerously close to your structure. Climbing plants and/thick vegetation growing against the side of your structure provide termites with both a bridge in which to cross and a well-concealed entry point.

Additionally the roots of some plants can grow into the foundations of a structure. These roots can later be excavated by termites and used as a way to penetrate the building. To make matters worse we water our gardens and plants regularly - which provides ideal conditions for termites - all plants and gardens should be kept back away from the building.

It is recommended to have regular, at least yearly inspections of the property. Also the chemical barrier put in place at the time of building should be upgraded - around the perimeter of the building and to help with drainage, replace soil with gravel.