How to treat outdoor termites in North Qld?

[Aga]

We discovered active termite issue on our bridge.  It's well removed from the house, but I understand their networks can be far-ranging so don't want to risk upsetting them...  Also, we hope to avoid replacing the whole timber of the bridge, which seems to be only affected on the surface so far.  Are there any products that we can use to control further damage?  Would a spray be sufficient or do you recommend baits? Does it depend on the species?  We're in North Qld and I attach a photo if that helps.

Thanks

[JacobZ · Accepted solution]

Hi @Aga,

Thank you for your question about outdoor termite treatments.

There are products such as Hovex Ultra Lo-Odour Termite Concentrate that can be applied to the timber, but this will not stop the full network of termites.

If you choose to use this product, please ensure you follow the instructions carefully and wear gloves, a mask, eye protection and protective clothing to avoid any harm to yourself.

Have you been able to visually find any termites? If so, you might be able to track them back to their nest where termite treatments would be most effective.

If you're particularly concerned about the network, I'd suggest contacting a pest control specialist as they will have the knowledge of termite behaviour to track and handle the termites to prevent further damage to your home. 

In terms of the bridge, is the damage particularly widespread? Is it possible to get some wider photos of the bridge?

It's hard to tell, but the termite damage looks to be fairly superficial. If you take a screwdriver and push it into the timber above where it has obviously been eaten away, is it soft?

If the damage is fairly extensive, it might be worth getting a carpenter to assess the damage and make their recommendations.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Aga]

Thanks Jacob for the reply and advice.  Still have some questions.

I'm following up on this 2 months after spraying the  bridge with Hovex that you recommended.  It was very effective instantly killing the insects, after which I focused on waterproofing the wood with AltraLock (2 component paint).  But now I see the termites returned, making a fresh trail over the timber.  Maybe I missed some spots, or maybe covering the sprayed wood with some other product made it less effective.  I sprayed them yesterday, hopefully the light rain didn't wash the product away?  

I'm planning to paint the bridge with acrylic paint - should I spray it again before or after painting?

The good thing is I identified where these pesky things come out of the ground.  Do you think it's time to think of attacking the colony with baits?  

I see Bunnings is selling 4 or 12-pack bait stations with wood and then the bait powder.  I just want to clarify whether I need the bait stations if it seems like there is a lot of active termites under the bridge already or should I go straight to the 500g bait? 

Also, is there any seasonal recommendation for these products, given we'll soon have the wet season?

Thanks

Aga

[EricL]

Hello @Aga 

I suggest painting the bridge first and letting it cure until the paint is totally dry. Once it is you can then spray the surface. I suggest getting the 4-pack bait station along with the 500g Superway termite bait as you've already located where the termites are active. By having the bait stations close to the bridge you have a greater chance of eradicating the nest. During the wet season the termites are less active, so I suggest putting the bait stations out when you have a run of sunny days or wait for the rainy season to end. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric