Signs You Might Have Termites | Things to Notice For Termite Inspection

Do you suspect a termite infestation in your home? It’s better to be sure of it before you decide on your next steps. Let’s run a quick DIY inspection and estimate your risk. If it’s high, you can consider calling a professional termite inspection team for an even more thorough examination and looking for potential solutions.

The DIY inspection you’re about to begin has 8 steps. But first things first:

Understanding Termites:

Termites are called ‘silent destroyers’ as they operate quietly and inconspicuously. They feed on wood, paper, and fabric found abundantly in homes, causing great damage. That is why it’s crucial to take enough preventative care and take early action on warning signs.

While there are over 2,000 species of termites worldwide, the common types we see in Australia include:

Subterranean termites
Drywood termites
Dampwood termites
Formosan termites
Conehead termites

Each has distinct behaviour, habitat, and food preferences. For instance, dampwood termites prefer moist or decaying wood, while drywood ones infest dry wood. Thus, calling a professional for Pest control Maitland for a full-on inspection as soon as you suspect is a wise move.

Indicators of an Infestation:

1. Swarmers or Discarded Wings

Swarmers, or alates, are the first and biggest sign of termite infestation. Their presence indicates a mature colony, which means the damage can be extensive. Their goal is to emerge from their nests, reproduce, and form new colonies. Thus, homeowners must act fast when they spot swarmers.

Though they are often mistaken for flies or flying ants, their behaviour sets them apart. For example, swarmers tend to gather around light sources and shed their wings, unlike ants or flies.

2. Mud Tubes

Subterranean termites construct mud tubes along walls and other surfaces to travel to their food sources. These tubes are typically pencil-thin and made of soil, saliva, and wood particles. This protective passage is a critical sign of termite activity.

3. Hollow-Sounding Wood

Wood-eating termites hollow out timber, leaving a fragile shell. Press a badly infested board, and it might collapse at your touch or probe’s pressure. This invisible destruction often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. So, tap on the wooden structures in your home, such as floors and furniture, and see how they sound. If it’s hollow or papery, you can consider it an indication of termites.

4. Frass

Frass produced by termites—small, pellet-like droppings—is another clear sign. Resembling sawdust or coffee grounds, they are usually found near termite exit holes or along the baseboards. But you can distinguish them by their uniformity in shape and size.

5. Noise in the Walls

Though they are called silent destroyers, termites are not entirely silent. However, you need a keen ear to notice it. For instance:

Soldier termites make clicking or rattling noises by hitting their heads against the tunnel walls to signal danger to the colony.
Worker termites make soft rustling noises as they chew through wood.

Therefore, if you hear unusual noises coming from your walls, especially at night time, termites could be the cause.

6. Visible Damage to Wood and Walls

One of the more obvious signs of termites is visible damage to wooden structures. It often appears as maze-like patterns or grooves in the wood, which is a result of termites tunnelling through. You may also find cracks, splits, and sagging areas on surfaces when there’s pest activity.

7. Mounds in the Garden or Yard

Termites don’t only infest homes. They can also thrive in gardens and yards. Dead tree stumps, wood piles, or wooden fences are some of their common starting points. Subterranean termites, particularly, build small mounds or patches of soil near their colonies, resembling ant hills but less defined.

8. Unexplained Power Failures

Electrical woes may signal a termite invasion. These pests burrow through wiring, seeking sustenance and dampness. Short circuits, blackouts, or erratic lighting often result. Unexplained glitches? Inspect trouble spots for frass or mud tubes—telltale signs of these destructive insects at work. Swift action can prevent further damage to your home’s vital systems.

When to Call a Professional

Do not wait if you spot any of the signs mentioned above—swift action is crucial. The truth is that termites can wreak havoc on your home in no time if they are not stopped.

That’s why it is essential to call in a professional pest control company that will –

Inspect your property thoroughly
Confirm the termite infestation
Identify the termite type and damage extent
Devise a treatment plan that really works.

Not addressing termite signs can lead to costly repairs and severe damage. But, by being alert and dealing with infestations quickly, you can protect your property and feel secure.

Final Word:

Termites lurk, ready to destroy your home. But fear not—you can outsmart them. Learn to spot their signs: mud tubes snaking up walls, discarded wings littering floors, wood that sounds hollow, and frass scattered about. Armed with this knowledge, take action.

If you suspect termites, don’t delay—call our professionals at Oz Pest immediately.