Have you ever encountered the term “conducive conditions” when reading a building or pre-purchase building inspection report and are unsure what the phrase means?
This phrase might sound intimidating, but it simply means there is an increased risk of having wood-destroying pests on your property. Unfortunately, these pesky bugs known as termites, are common in Perth and throughout Australia!
A termite is a tiny, swarming insect that loves moist, warm environments – especially those with dead plants and wood. If left unchecked, they can cause severe damage that will cost time & money, so be sure not to let conducive conditions get out of hand!
What does this mean for my property?
The good news is that you can take easy steps to reduce the risk of termites. One way is to look for conducive conditions and address them before they become an issue. To do so, inspect your property for any place with high humidity levels, large amounts of mulch or leaves near the foundation, wood piles, damaged gutters, and poor drainage. If you find any of these conditions, take steps to address them right away!
You should also keep an eye out for mud tubes or holes in the wood around your property, as this is often a sign that termites are present. You should never ignore signs of a possible infestation, so contact a pest control expert if you see anything suspicious. By inspecting your property and proactively addressing conducive conditions, you can minimise the risk of having an infestation. Be sure to do regular inspections and keep on top of any necessary maintenance to keep termites away!
If you’re buying a new property always make sure to get a qualified building inspector to conduct a building and pest inspection before you move in. This way, they can help identify any conducive conditions that could lead to a termite infestation, so you don’t have to worry about it later down the track. These precautions can go a long way to keeping your home safe from wood-destroying pests.
Things to look out for include:
- Areas of high soil lines, where the ground is above the foundation and in direct contact with the properties brickwork or wood.
- Vegetation: Areas with heavy foliage. There should be a certain amount of clearance between your foundation and any foliage. Grass, garden beds, mulch piles, wood stacks, etc., should be kept away from your foundations.
- When your land slopes toward your house, it is considered negative grading. Water can accumulate near the foundations if there is no proper drainage.
- Water leaking from plumbing or air conditioners attached to a home can provide a breeding ground for timber pests.
Prevention is key – taking steps to reduce the risk will save you time, money, and hassle in the long run!
For further information visit building and pest inspections or reach out to our team via [email protected], or call us 08 6184 5624 if you are unsure if you have any of these conditions.
