Protecting your home from termites before they can become destructive, requires a pro-active approach. Termites that have been nesting in your home for years can cause thousands of dollars in damage. But unfortunately, this type of damage is not be covered homeowners’ insurance.
So, it’s best to search for termite signs in your home on a regular basis and maintain a termite protection plan along with an annual termite inspection. This will give you peace of mind, removing the worry of having to repair new termite damage in your home.
Blisters in wood flooring
This can indicate termites feeding within or below. Subterranean termites can cause damage to the subfloor, which can make your wood flooring appear as if it has water damage.
Hollowed or damaged wood
Examine wood surfaces like walls and floors. Termites chew through wood leaving behind long grooves. Over time, these grooves weaken the wood and create structural damage. Hollowed wood usually has a honeycomb interior and when tapped gives an empty sound.
Evidence of termite wings
Look out for discarded termite wings which can be found near closed windows, doors and other home-entry points. This is caused when termites swarm out of their nest to mate and find a place to start a new colony. When they land, termites intentionally twist their wings off because they will never need them again.
Outside mud tubes
Pencil-sized mud tubes can be found wherever the ground meets your house or shed. Subterranean termites will nest underground and forage up to their food source, which is often a house structure. These termites require certain temperature and humidity levels to survive. Their tunnels help block out cool, dry air.
Termite droppings
Drywood termites nest inside of wood. While tunneling and eating the wood they’re infesting, they create spaces that they like to keep clean. To do so, they create kick out holes where they remove their excrement. And since drywood termites eat wood, their excrement is wood, which essentially creates mounds of pellets. These pellets, resemble sawdust or coffee grounds
Call in the professionals
Unfortunately, even if you don’t see signs of termites, that doesn’t mean they’re not there. Termite damage can go unnoticed and by the time damage is done, it’s too late. That’s why it’s essential you have a licensed pest controller inspect and treat your home on yearly basis.
Serving residential and commercial customers throughout South East Queensland, you can trust our experienced team at Auspect to safeguard your home from the scourge of a termite infestation. Call us on 07 5668 2279 to arrange a free quote.