This may come as a surprise to many, but barns are as popular in Australia as they are in America. Sometimes referred to as barn sheds, these outdoor structures are not only versatile but immensely practical.
You can use your barn shed as a housing solution or for more traditional purposes of housing animals. Either way, there is a considerable amount of care required to maintain them. One important factor to consider is the pest control Melbourne residents rely on to keep unwanted critters at bay.
Clever Ways to Keep Termites Away
Many modern barn sheds are constructed from metal and vinyl to make them more durable. However, some prefer the more traditional timber barns.
While timber still remains an immensely versatile option, they, like most other wood structures, have a risk of promoting termite infestations. As anyone who has ever had a termite infestation will tell you, it can be a very costly situation to sort out if left undetected or untreated. Find out what you can do to avoid these critters from moving in.
1. Opt for Termite-Resistant Wood During Construction
No matter what you’re storing in your barn, it’s important to understand that it’s not the contents that attract termites, but the timber the structure is made of.
That means you shouldn’t believe that your barn is safe from termites because you aren’t storing anything they want to eat. Therefore, opt for termite-resistant wood during construction. You can opt for wood that’s naturally termite resistant, such as:
- Cedar
- Redwood
- Cypress
Another option is pressure-treated pine wood which has been chemically treated to resist termites. Composite wood boards also offer an excellent level of termite resistance.
2. Schedule Annual Termite Inspections
It’s also important to invest in the annual termite inspection Melbourne residents opt for to keep termite infestations at bay. In addition to checking for current nests, your pest controller will also advise you of potential risk factors to be wary of.
3. Seal Access Points
No matter how old your barn shed is, or what it’s made of, regularly check the structure for holes or cracks. Be sure to check the areas between window frames and siding boards. A simple application of sealant will go a long way toward keeping any unwanted critters out.
4. Maintain Proper Sanitation
Barn sheds that are used to house animals such as pigs, donkeys or horses will require thorough sanitation to keep termites and other bugs out of the space. To do this you will need to do the following:
- Create efficient drainage in barn stalls
- Clean leftover feed from the space
- Remove manure and any other waste
5. Set Up Proper Ventilation
One of the key factors that attract termites to timber structures is the moisture that can build up in untreated wood. Wood that houses even the smallest amount of moisture is very attractive to termites.
Therefore, it’s important to ensure that your barn is adequately ventilated. Easy ways to achieve this include the following:
- Barn heating systems
- Ceiling fans
- Fitted barn fans
Whenever possible, leave the barn doors open for natural light to get in and fresh air to circulate. This is especially helpful where you have barn doors on both the front and back of the structure as this will increase airflow.
6. Trim Surrounding Vegetation
Vegetation such as trees and shrubs growing around the barn provides the perfect feeding ground for an assortment of insects, including termites. To prevent this, keep any shrubs and foliage around the area trimmed.
7. Check the Barn Shed for Dampness or Leaks
Termites, like all other creatures, need water to survive. One of their most common traits is to build their nests near a water source. So, if you have a roof leak or dripping tap, it’s the perfect place for a nest. Therefore, keep repairs up to date!
Keep in mind that the rainy season can make it easy for water to pool up quite quickly, creating the perfect breeding environment. When you’re checking for cracks and crevices, be sure to check for leaks as well.
8. Act Quick
Termites are like cockroaches. There’s never just one. If you see a lone critter scurrying around your structure, you can be sure that there are more not far behind.
When it comes to termites, it’s important to act immediately as it doesn’t take a colony long to entirely ravage a structure.
Final Thoughts
Termite damage can be very costly as it’s often necessary to replace a whole structure. With that in mind, it’s crucial to do routine checks to ensure that you aren’t unintentionally creating a breeding ground for termites.
Additionally, having an annual termite inspection will go a long way toward ensuring that your structure remains protected, saving you a considerable amount of money in the long run.
