Termites are every property owner’s nightmare, whereby these tiny, wood devouring insects causing extensive and costly damage if not detected early. They are not picky eaters and can infest anything from trees to building materials, often causing significant destruction before they are even noticed. Regular checks on your home can significantly reduce the risk of expensive repairs and future headaches, but there are some telltale signs that may indicate you’re sharing your home with these pests.
Know What to Look For
Understanding termite appearance is crucial for early detection, and there are 3 main types of termites which are dry wood, dampwood and subterranean. All 3 types are experts at remaining concealed, but their damage can be distinguished. Subterranean termites often cause swollen wood or water damage, while dry wood termites are harder to detect until severe damage occurs.
Termites are typically whitish in colour with non-segmented bodies. They thrive in dark, moist conditions, so you will rarely see them out in the open. Knowing their appearance and signs of their presence can help you identify an infestation early.
Know Where to Check
Termites can invade multiple areas of your home, so knowing where to check is essential. Here are key spots to inspect:
The Garden
Check tree stumps and any wood in contact with soil, such as fences or outhouses. Termites can tunnel up to 150 metres from their main nest, so thorough inspection is necessary.
Building Perimetres
Termites can bridge gaps over ant caps to access your home. Inspect the base of your home thoroughly, and if your house is built on stumps, use a torch to check underneath.
Verandahs and Skirtings
Any wood attached to your home should be checked, including verandahs and skirting boards.
The Interior
Termites often enter through cracks in concrete slabs, causing significant damage before detection. Look for indents in paint or soft, spongy wood, indicating termite activity.
The Roof
Inspect the roof, especially above bathrooms or other moist areas, as termites are attracted to these conditions.
Understand How to Easily Detect Them
Detecting termites can be straightforward if you know what signs to look for and what tools to use:
1. Blistering Paint
Look for blistering, indents, or a thin, papery appearance in paint. These are signs of termite activity.
2. Hollow Sounds
Use a screwdriver handle to tap on walls and wood panels. A hollow sound indicates possible termite presence.
3. Mud Leads
Termite bridges, called mud leads, appear as muddy squiggly tracks. These tracks allow termites to travel without exposure.
4. Noise
They can make a faint knocking or tapping noise when disturbed. This is the soldier termite’s head butting the wood to alert workers.
What to Do if You Find Termites
There are over 300 species of termites, making termite infestations a common issue no matter where you are. Regular inspections and awareness can help you detect termites early, but removing them should be left to the pest control professionals, as they will try to return to their nest if disturbed making it harder to treat them.