Signs Of Termites In Your Home
Don't let termites destroy your home. Know the signs of termite activity.
Termites are highly active in Queensland due to the nature climate, humidity and large bushland areas. In fact, termites cause more damage to Australian homes than fire, floods and storms combined!
Common signs of termites
Termites are small insects that feed on wood and can cause significant damage to homes and buildings if left unchecked. They pose a major risk to your home and its important to be aware of the signs of termites in your home.
Here are some common signs of termites and termite damage:
- Hollow-sounding wood: If you tap on a piece of wood and it sounds hollow, it could be a sign that termites have been eating away at the inside of it.
- Crumbling or damaged wood: Termites can cause wood to become weak and brittle, which can lead to it breaking or crumbling easily.
- Mud tubes: Subterranean termites build mud tubes to travel between their colony and their food source, which can be visible on walls or foundation.
- Swollen floors or ceilings: If you notice a floor or ceiling that appears to be swollen or bulging, it could be a sign of water damage from termite activity.
- Visible termite swarmers: If you see winged termites around your home, it could be a sign of a termite swarm. This often indicates an established colony nearby.
- Clicking sounds in walls: When there is a large infestation or if you’re close enough to the wall, you may be able to hear clicking. Termites make this noise as they consume timber and mingle together.
Reduce the risks of termites in your home
The thought of termites invading your home can be scary. However, there are several things you can do to reduce the risk of a termite attack:
- Minimize moisture around the home: Termites are attracted to wet areas. Damp timber is easier for them to eat and they will go for it over dry timber, where possible. As such, its important to improve ventilation, keep gutter clear and fix poor drainage.
- Remove dead tree stumps: Decaying wood is attractive to termites. If you have a dead tree stump in your yard, remove it quickly.
- Reduce wood-to-ground contact: Remove any debris such as wood, mulch, paper and cardboard away from the foundation of your home.
- Make sure your termite management system is up to date: termite barriers can expire and need to be checked regularly.
- Have annual timber pest inspections: Regular inspections from a licensed inspector, ensure that any infestation is detected early. Helping you to avoid costly repairs.
Get your home checked annually for termites
Annual timber pest inspections are the best form of protection against termites. When performed by experienced pest inspectors, an annual timber pest inspection is extremely comprehensive. As they will inspect all accessible areas of the property, including the yard, house, subfloor and roof void (if it’s safe to do so).
A quality pest inspector will also use a thermal imaging camera and moisture meter. These tools help inspectors to detect anomalies that may not be visible to the human eye. The inspector will then collate their findings into a report.
Book with a licensed and experienced pest inspector
At Dedant, our inspectors are fully licensed and highly experienced at carrying out timber pest inspections and termite spot treatments. They have been checking homes for termites since 2009 and know what to look for, ensuring you receive a comprehensive inspection.
If would like to book or have any questions, contact us on 07 3807 0122 or via our website.
