Termite Dog (K9) Detection & Inspections in Geraldton and Midwest
Termite Inspection dogs have been used extensively in the Eastern States since the early 1990’s
WA now has its first termite inspection dog and its right here in Geraldton. Molly is a Cocker Spaniel and has been in training since she was 4 weeks old. Arriving in Geraldton from Sydney in September 2017 at 13 weeks old Molly and her handler Garry have completed many hours of training. She is an expert addition to our Pest Control Services.
Molly’s training consists of a purpose-built training wall which is undertaken twice a day. The training wall is built with 8 detection holes and an automated ball drop system. The Dogwall training system was developed to create autonomous detection dogs that work without direction or clues from the handler.
The handler places 8 different odours in to plastic containers, odours range from dog food, dead birds, bones, cat faeces and various other odours with 1 container containing live termites or termite mudding. The handler stands away from the wall and Molly is let in to the enclosure and sniffs along the outside of the wall. Once Molly has detected the Termite scent and takes up a sphynx position she is reward with a tennis ball which automatically drops from the source of the odour, once the handler has pushed the button on his iPad. Another one of Molly’s training exercises is what her handler likes to call Termite Soccer, once again scents are placed in the containers and Molly runs smelling the containers until she identifies the termites, then her handler throws the ball for her reward.
Successfully Locating Termite’s from their Odour in Residential and Commercial Properties
With a termite detection dog working alongside a technician you have the best tool there is, when conducting any type of termite inspection. Termites can cause a massive amount of damage in some instances before they are visually detected. With her training Molly can detect termites through walls under floor boards and can pin point the exact location of the entry point. No other termite detection tool can do what Molly can do.
Termite inspections should be done on at least a yearly basis no matter how old or new your house is. Inspections are only one part of keeping your house safe from termite destruction, your chemical barrier should be up to date. Chemical barriers break down after a certain period, usually between 5 and 10 years depending on the termiticide used. In fact if the soil is disturbed by animals or breached by the roots of plants or bridged with untreated material a day after treatment, termites can infest the property causing catastrophic damage. The more often you have an inspection the less damage termites will cause in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is a termite detection dog compared to traditional inspection methods?
A dog’s nose is one of the most powerful termite detection tools available, and unlike traditional inspection methods that rely on visual signs of termite activity, they can detect termites through walls, under floorboards and in places where they might not yet be visible. Our dogs, Molly and Charlie, can pinpoint the exact location of live termite activity, making her an invaluable asset in early detection and prevention.
Will their presence disturb my pets?
How often should I have a termite inspection?
What happens if termites are detected in my home?
What other steps can I take to protect my home from termites?
How do I know if I have termites in my home?
Termites are often hard to detect because they live inside walls and under floors. However, some common signs include, but not limited to the following:
- Hollow sounding wood when tapped
- Small mud tubes along walls or foundations
- Discarded wings near windows or doors
- Warped or blistered paint on wood surfaces
- Doors and windows suddenly becoming hard to close
If you suspect termites, it’s important to act quickly, so be sure to contact us as soon as possible before any visible damage occurs.
What’s the difference between termites and ants?
It’s easy to mistake termites for ants because they can look quite similar, but there are some clear differences once you know what to look for. Termites have a more uniform, straight sided body shape, whereas ants have that distinct narrow waist, almost like their body is pinched in the middle. Another giveaway is the wings. Termites have four wings that are all the same size, while ants have two larger front wings and two smaller ones at the back. And in terms of colour, termites are usually pale or even see through, while ants tend to be darker shades like black, brown or red. If you’re ever in doubt, we’re happy to help and our termite detection service can quickly tell you exactly what you’re dealing with.