<![CDATA[Sniffer Dog Termite Detection

<![CDATA[Sniffer Dog Termite Detection - Blog]]>Sun, 25 Nov 2018 21:42:33 +1100Weebly<![CDATA[Termite Fly Pattern]]>Thu, 15 Feb 2018 02:32:55 GMThttp://www.termitesnifferdog.com.au/read-of-termites-and-dogs/termite-fly-patternThe general behaviour of termites which flutter into the water is as the image below. They spread their wings in a helicopter fashion.
Be the first to tie a termite pattern which doesn't look like an ant! It may not meet traditional fly tying techniques regarding hackle size but if these creatures haven't evolved in three million years then they deserve to be imitated as they are.
This fly will hook every trout it's presented to during a termite swarm. However predicting when a swarm/flight will occur is what counts to endure the pure pleasure of hooking fish after fish after fish.
Interestingly also to the disgust of any orthodox fly tyre, this fly still hooks trout when there is no termite flight present amongst a hatch of mayflies, caddis and midge! Enjoy.
Comments welcomed.

Termite trapped in water film

Huge thanks to YVFF. Their fly tying course was an inspiration into developing this fly. Something you cannot get from a book.

The pattern 'Trickster'

Name - Trickster
Hook - Kamasan B405 size 18
Body Thread - Uni-Thread 6/0 Rust Brown
Hackle Parachute - White neck hackle

Wrap thread in a lobe shape at the rear of the hook to 3/4 towards eye ready for post.
There is no need to build a head as the eye of the hook represents the head.

Note the size of the wings on the trapped termite.
Choose hackle that is just under 2x the length of body including the eye, to imitate the translucent wings.

Use stem of hackle feather as the post. it makes the fly more manageable and helps to pick the fly up as it's so small.

Wrap hackle around post 4 times, each turn under itself and securing it behind the eye of the hook.
Trim post leaving 4mm for handling.

]]><![CDATA[Is your home weatherboard?]]>Tue, 12 May 2015 11:07:45 GMThttp://www.termitesnifferdog.com.au/read-of-termites-and-dogs/is-your-home-weatherboard

100% Recycled Plastic base boards from Replas.com.au
It has been daunting me for years, the ongoing problem my customers have who have weather board homes.
The problems in question are usually associated with non structural timbers either as vermin or domestic animal/pet control or purely for cosmetic purposes.
Baseboards, these are the external timbers below the floor level that are attached to the outer stumps.
These baseboards are particularly vulnerable to decay or worst the most likely entry points to Termite infestations as many of my clients would know.
Yes, it does look spectacular to have yellow tulips against the backdrop of heritage blue baseboards and orange fungus extruding from the bottom board also, the home aesthetically pleasing as if it was growing itself.
However, its also a recipe for disaster.
Most clients inherited these problems. It may very well be that the associated beauty played some role in the initial purchase of the home. As a Timber Pest Inspector reporting on these problems, is necessary. It is also a burden on my clients behalf.
The good news is there is a solution in sight. I realised that Recycled Plastic like the ones used at my daughters playground would be ideal for the bottom base boards.
No longer will I be reporting that base boards need removing or garden moved away. You can keep your Tulips as long as timbers are replaced with Replas. Now everyone except for termites is happy including the environment.

]]><![CDATA[Guess Breed and Win!]]>Mon, 16 Mar 2015 13:23:39 GMThttp://www.termitesnifferdog.com.au/read-of-termites-and-dogs/guess-breed-and-win

Have a guess what breed Dakota is. If you guess right you will win a clicker along with a clicker training session on the next inspection visit. Good luck.
Enter your guess and details in the comments or contact me via email under contacts.

]]><![CDATA[Avoiding Separation Anxiety]]>Sun, 15 Mar 2015 13:03:19 GMThttp://www.termitesnifferdog.com.au/read-of-termites-and-dogs/avoiding-separation-anxiety

Bringing home a new pup is the beginning of exiting times for the family. Down the track it may not be so exciting for neighbours though, if the new pup is left at home alone and has trouble coping without the rest of the family pack.

The most important step to take in avoiding this problem is to view the parents of the pups. Personally, If both parents are not available for viewing, set all emotions aside and go else where. Ring first and ask the question up front to avoid emotions getting in the way.

Anxiety is genetic, if one of the parents is anxious then you have a really high chance that the pup will be anxious too. Unstable dogs should never be bred.

With parents around, study their behaviour before cuddling the pup. Are they stable happy go lucky pets? Expect a little growling from the mum at first only, after all you are getting close to her babies, that’s normal.

Approval of the parents however, is not all that is needed in order to avoid Separation Anxiety of the pup as it grows into an adult dog. Treat the pup as a dog and not a human! Anthropomorphism can drive a dog insane. This is the time to be an opportunist, by this I mean, refrain yourself from engulfing the pup in your arms for the sake of being smoochy. Cuddle/pat the pup only when it behaves appropriately, then you can give it all you have but keep it short. The best part about this is it becomes addictive, we all love a cuddle yeah? So you keep enticing the pup to give you a sit or a stay just so you can get a cuddle! Win, Win.

Before you know it you will have a confident little dog empowered by rewards whether it be affection or food or toys. How ever, if you continuously pick it up and talk to it like a baby (aside from learning to jump on you) it will become a confused disobedient dog that won’t know what to do without you, this is called “separation anxiety”

]]><![CDATA[Crate training your dog]]>Wed, 07 Aug 2013 12:16:05 GMThttp://www.termitesnifferdog.com.au/read-of-termites-and-dogs/crate-training-your-dogBeing able to crate your dog has endless applications and it's not something your dog will necessarily dislike, quite the contrary, the crate becomes a safe haven or a den if you like, similar to a kennel.
One great example that comes to mind is if you have a newborn. Even if you have a well socialised dog you may be reluctant to put the baby down while the dog is around so you can attend the phone or stove, how ever if you could command your dog to its crate temporarily you will diminish all anxiety in regard to your child's safety.
My preference of crate type (or should I say the dogs) is the enclosed type suitable for aircraft transport. They are heavier and don't fold up neatly like the wire crates. I do use both, however the dogs always run into the enclosed ones first. It's first in best dressed.
If you do decide to purchase the enclosed type ensure its airline standard approved, your pup may not like missing out on that interstate holiday to see the rely's.
Begin by introducing the crate into the home where it will generally reside ensuring it stays open. Don't say a word to the dog about it, allow him/her to discover the crate on his own. Initially watch your dog, if he enters the crate immediately reward him, this will mean you can fast track training. Begin by placing the dogs food bowl in the crate and leaving it there until its time to feed. At feed time give him special food something he'll do anything for and actually command him to do his special trick. On completion of command reward him with great enthusiasm instantly without any delay by offering him his food. He doesn't need to enter the crate to feed. He may even take some food out of the bowl to eat out side of the crate, that's ok.
The purpose behind this technique is to establish a positive association with the crate. Remember always that great things happen around that crate.
After repeating this technique a few times follow by pushing the bowl to the back of the crate. In addition whilst maintaining the positive reward aspects of it all, as he enters the crate to feed introduce the enter crate command what ever that may be. This helps considerably to keep the focus away from the crate and keeping with the pleasure aspects of it.
In between the feeding play with your dog around the crate, particularly if he likes to fetch toys by throwing toys into the crate to fetch, ONLY rewarding if he enters the crate to fetch.
By this point you are ready to command your dog to enter the crate. With the dogs tucker in one hand and your dog eager to feed, guide him with a slow open palm using the command clearly. When he enters reward instantly by placing bowl inside crate and praising. Repeating technique until he enters crate on command without food. With this technique your dog must be eager to feed. If not eager its possibly because he's being fed twice daily, if this is the case then feed once daily and increasing the quantity, only puppies need to eat twice daily.
]]><![CDATA[Hardy Termites species]]>Wed, 07 Aug 2013 12:15:36 GMThttp://www.termitesnifferdog.com.au/read-of-termites-and-dogs/hardy-termites-species

Nasutiterme Soldier

Our continued effort on harvesting and maintaining termites for the purpose of training and maintaining our dogs has led us to research specific species we found in Melbournian homes. From this research we have made some incredible discoveries which appear to be undocumented for this particular species.
Copteterme species of termites are the most widely spread and damaging to our assets or timbers in service. We understand their common habits as being subterrainean and using accessible moisture as an important means of survival. How ever we have encountered another well known species various times which are known to thrive in trees leaving our homes alone, "sometimes". Their habits are similar to all other subterrainean Termites and are thought to have the same needs. It's name is Nasuatermes. Without getting too technical, they are an interesting looking creature unique to all Termites! The soldier has a spike rather than two mandibules and also spits glue as the Copteterme does. What we didn't know is that they can survive being cut off from its food and moisture source for extremely long periods. So far we know they can survive 3.5 years!!! the reason we know is because the colony I am currently observing is still alive and kicking after all that time. The colony has been contained with no additional timber or water fed to them. They are probably harvesting their own fungus to feed on.
That may be the likely explanation as to why they carried on with their existence in an oregon roof beam of a home long after it was treated. If they some how become isolated and under pressure to survive and circumstance prevails then they may live to spread once again.

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