Geraldton's climate and termites
Bureau of Meteorology records for Geraldton Airport (1941 to 2014) show an average of about 444 mm of rain a year, and most of it falls from May to August. June and July are the wettest months, at a little over 90 mm each on average. Summers are hot and dry, with average maximums above 30°C.
That doesn't mean termites aren't a concern. WA's Building and Energy advice says termites need the right temperature and humidity, live in large colonies and can tunnel up to 100 m from the nest. In a dry town, the damp spots around a house matter most: a leaking tap or shower, garden sprinklers hitting the walls, air conditioner drains, and mulch or soil piled against the slab.
How termite risk changes across Australia
CSIRO says termite risk on the Australian mainland generally increases further north, with the highest risk in the subtropics and tropics, and most states have a moderate to very high risk of attack. Above the Tropic of Capricorn, the giant northern termite (Mastotermes darwiniensis) is a particularly destructive species. Tasmania is the only state CSIRO rates as negligible risk. CSIRO also notes that drywood termites, which live inside timber without needing contact with soil, are more common in humid areas such as tropical and subtropical Queensland and New South Wales.
Most damage in homes comes from subterranean termites. They usually need a connection to soil or a constant source of moisture, build mud shelter tubes to travel over things they can't eat, and generally forage within 30 m of their nest, though sometimes 100 m or more.
Geraldton is well south of the Tropic of Capricorn, outside the tropical north where WA advice says the giant northern termite is found. Which termite species are active around a particular house is something a licensed technician can identify.
Signs to look for
- Mud shelter tubes on stumps, ant caps, slab edges, brickwork or inside walls.
- Hollow-sounding timber in skirting boards, door and window frames, and posts set in the ground.
- Mud packed into joints and cracks in timber.
- Damp or stained areas, especially around bathrooms, laundries and places where paving sends water towards the house.
- Winged termites (alates) swarming, particularly from inside the house.
- Small piles of gritty pellets under tiny holes in timber, which can point to drywood termites.
If you find activity, don't spray it or break open the workings. Disturbing termites can make them move and harder to treat. Leave it for the technician.
Lowering the risk around a Geraldton home
In a dry climate, the main goal is not to give termites a damp, hidden spot next to the house. CSIRO's guidance includes:
- Keep garden beds, soil and mulch away from walls and below the slab edge and weep holes.
- Fix leaking taps, pipes, showers and air conditioner drains, and make sure ground and paving slope away from the house.
- Don't stack firewood or timber against the house or under a raised floor.
- Keep subfloor vents clear so the area stays dry and can be inspected.
- Make sure renovations, new paths and extensions don't bridge an existing termite barrier.
- Look in the meter box for the durable notice about the termite management system installed, and keep any paperwork from past treatments.
Treatment options a technician may suggest
Common approaches include chemical soil barriers around the slab, footings and stumps, physical barriers such as stainless steel mesh, graded stone and ant caps (usually installed during construction), baiting systems that are checked regularly and used to carry an insecticide back to the colony, and direct treatment of active termites with dusts or foams. Organochlorine chemicals were banned in Australia from 30 June 1995, so older treatments won't still be protecting a house. The technician should explain what they recommend, why, and how it will be maintained.
How often to inspect
WA's Building and Energy advice is to have a licensed pest controller inspect accessible timber and possible termite entry points every 6 to 12 months. CSIRO also recommends inspections at least once a year. Treatments don't give permanent protection against new colonies, so regular inspections matter even after a barrier has gone in. See what to expect from a termite inspection.
Get a quote
Choose "Termites: inspection" or "Termites: treatment or barrier" in the quote form. We pass it to one licensed local pest management operator who holds the licence for timber pest work, and they quote for your job. It's free and there's no obligation.
Where this information comes from
- Bureau of Meteorology: climate statistics, Geraldton Airport Comparison (008051)
- CSIRO: Managing termites (Building Technology Resources, PDF)
- WA Building and Energy (LGIRS): Termites and your home (PDF)
Licensing rules and government advice change. Check with the regulator before you rely on them.