Ant caps are just a point of detection, not a deterrent for termites.

The point was proven when we were called to inspect a house in Carina, Brisbane, recently. The homeowners noticed some external weatherboards had been damage by termites.

Termite damaged weatherboards

As this home had a suspended floor, we were able to crawl through the sub floor looking for any termite activity. It did’t take long to find the affected stump and the large termite leads.

Termite leads travelling over ant capping on a stump

When you have a structure that has original wooden stumps there is a high probability that there will be some termite activity. With wooden stumps, it is not uncommon for termites to eat through the middle and enter a house undetected. If there is a tin ant cap between the stump and bearer, then the termites need to build a mud lead over the edge of the capping to gain entry into the bearer.

Having ant capping on concrete house stumps is a legacy of this action and it is still a requirement under the Queensland Building Code. But it has no affective action in stopping termites.

If you are worried that your old wooden stumps are infested with termites or you just haven’t been under your sub floor for a while (we totally understand why!), then you really should arrange a full inspection to gain real peace of mind. Please call us on 1300 417 007

Check this short video showing how the termites built their leads over ant capping