Terret creatures are sometimes dubbed as silent destroyers because they can literally eat away the walls of your house without you even noticing the presence of an issue. Repairs might be required when the damage is already widespread. Early warning signs can make homeowners aware of termite infestation and manage it before it leads to serious structural or financial losses.
The following are the most widely spread and important initial signs of termite damage that every homeowner must understand.
1. Holes in Timber or Damage to Timber
Timber that taps hollowly is one of the initial signals of termite presence. Termites eat the inside of the wood and leave the outer layer, which can be so thin that it can merely appear fine on the surface. This would make timber weaker and weaker as time goes on.
When you realize that your skirting boards, door frames, or the flooring seem to be unnaturally hollow or break easily, then it is time to hire a competent termite and pest control service to conduct an extensive check-up.
2. Tight-Fitting Doors and Windows
The moisture brought in by the termites may cause the wooden doors and windows to twist as they feed on the wooden structures. The result is hard-to-open windows or doors that start sticking out of the blue.
Though humidity or seasonal requirements could be implicated in the same problems, in case the problem is persistent or accompanied by other signs, it may indicate initial damage by termites beyond the walls.
3. Mud Tubes on Walls or Foundations
The most frequent occurrence in Australia is subterranean termites that construct mud tubes to negotiate safely between their colony and the source of food. These are typically pencil-like tubes that are located on external walls, foundations, crawl spaces, or even surrounding plumbing lines.
When you find these mud tunnels, do not remove them at once. They are good indications of termite presence. Rather, refer to a licensed termite and pest control specialist who will be able to examine the scope of the infestation and implement specific measures.
4. Cracked or Bubbling Paint
The damage caused by termites can be mistaken for more usual home problems, such as water leaks. Termites dig tunnels that leave air bubbles beneath surfaces, hence making the paint bubble or crack. These small blister spots may appear as water stains, but in reality, they may signify termites literally under the surface.
When this occurs in the absence of obvious water drippers, the safest bet is to call in an expert to eliminate the possibility of an infestation.
5. Abandoned Wings by Windows or Doors
Once the termites can reproduce (so-called swarmers), they shed their wings immediately after they land to build their own colony. A common indicator that could cause one to suspect the presence of a termite colony is a stack of minute discarded wings around a door or window or a light source.
Although you do not see the termites, the presence of these wings is one of the first signs that a colony is forming near your house.
6. Clacking of Noises within Walls
As unlikely as it sounds, termites are audible at times. Soldier termites have a method of alerting the colony about a possible threat by banging their heads or shaking their bodies when they are disturbed. This creates a slight clicking noise within the walls.
When you bring your ear near a piece of infested wood, you may also hear the faint sound of the worker termites chewing through the wood. These noises are very much felt in good places and at night.
Professional Termite/Pest Control of Your Home
Termite problems may remain unnoticed over a period of years, and despite their minuscule size, the presence of a small colony can cost thousands of dollars in damage even in its untreated state. There is no better method of protecting your property than regular checks and precautionary measures.
In the case of Jim’s Termite and Pest Control, the skilled technologists employ more sophisticated detection instruments and environmentally friendly degrading agents to detect and eradicate termites before they can permanently destroy. Be it a suspected infestation or simply to put your anxieties at rest, our staff can offer solutions of all-round dimensions depending on the requirements of your home.
Contact Jim‘s Termite and Pest Control and hire a professional team to inspect your home and safeguard it against these tiny interlopers.
