03/11/2026
Had a absolute ripper today! 🐔
A customer confidently told me they’ll never need to worry about termites because they’ve got chickens in the backyard.
Now look, chickens are absolute legends for keeping garden pests down and they’ll eat up any exposed termite that happens to cross their path... but relying on them to protect your home? Not a great strategy.
Here’s why:
❌ Termites work underground & inside timber: Subterranean termites travel through hidden mud tubes beneath the surface. Chickens only scratch the topsoil—they can't reach the nest or the termites eating inside structural timber.
❌ Swarming season is night shift: Winged termites (alates) fly high to find entry points into roof voids and weep holes, usually at dusk when your hens are already tucked up roosting.
❌ Coop hazards: Timber coops, scrap wood, and damp bedding resting on soil often end up attracting termites closer to your yard in the first place.
By all means, enjoy the fresh eggs and let the chooks scratch around—just don't leave your biggest asset’s termite defence in their hands! 🔨
Got questions about actual termite barriers or due for your annual timber pest inspection? Give Pioneer Pest Mackay a buzz or send us a DM today.