Are Brick Homes Safe From Termites?

Termite Myth: My house is safe! It’s brick and on a concrete slab.

Myth: Busted

Of course, termites don’t eat brick or concrete! However, termites can find cracks in brick and concrete to get to the wood in your home.

Termites are known as “unseen destroyers” because of their ability to chew through drywall, wood, flooring, and even wallpaper undetected. Anything containing cellulose can be a target for these pests. Unfortunately, living in a brick house doesn’t ensure your safety from this destructive pest. Homes on concrete slabs may be an easier target for termites than old Queenslanders homes built on piles. This is because the dark, wet conditions beneath the slab create the perfect environment for termites to thrive.

There are several ways termites can enter your home – through expansion joints in the concrete, penetration holes for plumbing, or spaces for electrical wiring and utilities. Although termites don’t eat brick or concrete, there are plenty of other materials in and around your house that termites can make a meal out of. This includes internal wooden frames, doors/window frames and skirting boards.

As a homeowner, there are things you can do to help prevent termites:

• Do not stack wood near your home – keep woodpiles at least 25 feet away.

• Keep mulch pulled back away from the foundation of your home.

• Repair all leaks and moisture issues right away, including Air condition condensate drain.

• Always use treated wood for building decks, gazebos, sheds, etc.

• Have an annual termite inspection.

• Ensure your termite protection is up to date.

Termites are not fussed about the types of building they target; as long as there is wood in your home, they will try to find a way to feast upon it, don’t let this happen to your home. The first step for protection is to get a professional termite inspection. Once you have the inspection results, you can decide what type of action to take to keep your home safe from the threat of termites.

Termite workings/mud tubbing on the external wall of a brick home leading towards the window frame.

Termites in the sublfloor via airconditioning piping

Termite workings over brick in subfloor leading to timbers

Results Home Services has been protecting Brisbane homes for over 30 years so we have the knowledge and experience to protect you and your home from not only termites but bed bugs, rodents, cockroaches and black ants. Our qualified technicians can help you with all your pest problems, and no problem is too big or too small. To talk to someone in our team Ph 3823 2500.