Knock on Wood - IR Takes a Bite of Australian Termites: Thermographers in Australia have discovered that millions of dollars in termite damage could be prevented with the help of IR technology. FLIR cameras can locate termite infestations in commercial buildings and homes before they become catastrophic and expensive to repair. A small colony can form and cause extensive damage in as little as six weeks, so vigilance plays an important role in preventing infestations.

When termites invade buildings, their presence alters the normal heat patterns of floors, walls and roofs. They are cold-blooded creatures, but their metabolic processes produce heat. Termites also work to control their thermal environment by building moist mud structures, which appear as cool spots in the wall cavity during a thermal scan. IR imaging can detect them before they cause thousands of dollars in damage.

Thermal imaging is an environmentally friendly, limited chemical and radiation option. Using very specific information about the pests’ location, inspectors can determine the most effective places to put their chemicals. This protects the homeowner and the environment. After the initial fumigation is completed, imaging can be used to follow-up on eradication efforts, and help to ensure that termite infestation is nothing but a bad memory.

Courtesy of Ken James and David Rice, Termican Pty Ltd., in Inframation Proceedings 2002