Timber sleeper retaining walls are extremely popular and can be found in most Australian yards, as can termites.
However nice and neat they look when first installed, timber retaining walls eventually break down and can become buffets for termites.
Even treated timber loses its protection over time when exposed to sun and rain. Timber in direct contact with soil often carries high moisture, creating the perfect environment for a termite nest.
If building timber retaining walls, we suggest thinking ahead and allowing sufficient drainage behind and below the wall.
What should you look for?
Many Building and Pest Inspections we conduct will find active termites in the yard, and a termite nest will often be found in a tree stump or timber retaining wall.
When purchasing a property, take the time to walk around the gardens and examine the condition of the retaining walls.
If the area carries a lot of moisture and the timber is more than five years old, you may have the perfect area conducive to termite activity.
If termites are found
It’s not always a massive issue. If termites are found, we can discuss the appropriate treatment options for the property.
After treatment, we strongly recommend that damaged timbers are replaced and a termite barrier system is installed.