Termites are one of the most destructive pests you can encounter in your home. These silent invaders can cause extensive damage before you realise they are there.
You are here because you noticed some unusual signs in your home, especially with your furniture.
So without further ado, we will jump right into 8 solid signs that indicate you have a termite infestation.
1. Mud Tubes
Mud tubes are one of the most common signs of termites. These small tunnels are used by subterranean termites to travel between their nest and their food source. You may find mud tubes along the foundation of your home, in crawl spaces, or around pipes and utilities. These tubes protect termites from predators and maintain a humid environment essential for their survival. If you find these tubes in your house, or around your house, the next thing you should do is call us right away!
2. Discarded Wings
Another telltale sign of a termite infestation is the presence of discarded wings. Flying termites swarm to reproduce and establish new colonies, and after mating, they shed their wings. Finding piles of wings near windowsills, door frames, or other entry points can indicate a termite swarm has occurred and that termites are now inside your home.
3. Termite Droppings
Drywood termites leave behind small, pellet-like droppings called frass. These droppings are often found near the infested wood and resemble sawdust or coffee grounds. If you notice these droppings, it is a strong indication of a dry wood termite infestation in your home.
4. Sagging Ceilings, floors and Doors
Despite primarily consuming wood, termites can destroy anything in their path. Though small, their numbers allow them to inflict significant damage on essential structural elements of your home, such as floors, ceiling beams, and floorboards.
Blisters or cracks in these areas are clear indicators of termite damage. Another method to identify a termite infestation is to tap on the wooden structures around your property. A hollow sound is an indication that termites may have eaten away the interior surfaces.
5. Noise in the walls
Did you know these insects are terrible noisemakers? One evident sign of termites is the faint clicking sounds emanating from your walls. Soldier termites hit their heads against the wood or shake their bodies when the colony is disturbed to alert the others. The worker termites, responsible for consuming your woodwork, are noisy eaters. If you listen closely to any wood infested by termites or simply place your ear on the wall, you can hear them munching away.
Termites also have smart senses. They can detect vibrations and noises using several organs located at the base of their antennae and on the tibia (a segment of their leg). If you’ve been hearing these sounds, then there are termites in your home.
6. Hollow woods
One of the most telling signs of termite activity is the presence of hollow-sounding wood. When termites consume wood, they often leave the outer surface intact, creating a thin veneer over a hollow interior. This makes the damage difficult to detect visually, but tapping on the wood can reveal a hollow sound, indicating internal destruction.
Hollow wood is particularly dangerous because it compromises the integrity of the structure. Beams, floors, and support joists that have been hollowed out by termites can weaken and potentially lead to significant damage or even collapse. This is a very serious sign of a termite problem and you need to contact a pest control company immediately.
7. Cracked or Bubbling Paint
Cracked or bubbling paint can be an unexpected indicator of a termite infestation. While it may seem like a simple cosmetic issue, it often signifies a deeper problem within the walls of your home. Termites love moist environments, and as they tunnel through wood, they bring moisture to the surface, causing the paint to crack or bubble.
When termites feed on the wood beneath your paint, they compromise the structural integrity of the material, leading to uneven surfaces and air pockets. This trapped moisture and air push against the paint, creating bubbles or causing it to crack. These signs can often be found on walls, baseboards, and wooden trims.
If you notice cracked or bubbling paint, gently tap on the affected areas to listen for a hollow sound, indicating potential termite damage.
Addressing termite damage early can prevent extensive and costly repairs. Our pest control services can accurately diagnose the problem and implement effective termite treatments to eradicate the pests and protect your home. Don’t ignore these subtle signs; they could be a warning of a significant termite infestation lurking behind your walls.
8. Tight Doors and Stiff Windows
Tight doors and stiff windows are just annoying and they may indicate that you may have termites onboard. This is because termites consume wood from the inside out, often leading to subtle but significant structural changes that affect how doors and windows function.
As these boys eat away at the wooden frames and supports around doors and windows, they cause the wood to warp and swell. This deformation results in doors that are difficult to close properly and windows that become stiff or jammed when you try to open or close them. The moisture introduced by these tiny insects as they tunnel through wood exacerbates this problem, further distorting the affected areas.
When you encounter tight doors or stiff windows, it’s essential to consider the possibility of termite activity.
Types of Termites
Now that you’ve taken note of these warning signs, it’s important to know the different types of termite colonies disturbing your peace of mind for effective control. Each species has unique characteristics and behaviours, requiring different treatment approaches.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are the most common termite species and are responsible for the majority of termite damage to homes. These termites live in colonies underground and build mud tubes to access above-ground food sources. They prefer moist environments and are often found near foundations, plumbing leaks, and other sources of moisture.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites infest dry wood and do not require contact with soil. They are typically found in attics, furniture, and other wooden structures. Drywood termites can be challenging to detect because they do not build mud tubes. Instead, they leave behind frass near infested wood, which is a key indicator of their presence.
Formosan Termites
Formosan termites are an aggressive and destructive species. They form large colonies and can cause significant damage in a short period of time. Formosan termites build intricate mud nests inside walls and other structures, making them difficult to eradicate. These termites are most commonly found in warm, humid climates.
Effective Termite Control Methods
Once you have identified a termite infestation, you need to take immediate action to prevent further damage. There are several termite control methods available, ranging from chemical treatments to natural solutions.
Chemical Treatments
Chemical treatments are the most common method of termite control. These treatments involve applying termiticides to the soil around your home, creating a barrier that termites cannot cross. Liquid termiticides and baiting systems are two popular options that we use.
Liquid Termiticides
Liquid termiticides are applied to the soil around your home’s foundation. This creates a continuous barrier that kills termites on contact. This method is effective for both preventing and treating termite infestations. It is essential to hire a professional to apply liquid termiticides, as incorrect application can reduce their effectiveness.
Baiting Systems
Baiting systems involve placing bait stations around your home. These stations contain a slow-acting insecticide that termites carry back to their colony, effectively eliminating the entire colony over time. Baiting systems are a more environmentally friendly option compared to liquid termiticides and can be used as a preventative measure or to treat an existing infestation.
Natural Termite Control
For homeowners who prefer a non-chemical approach, there are natural methods to control termites. These methods may not be as effective as chemical treatments but can help reduce termite activity.
Nematodes
Nematodes are microscopic worms that feed on termites. They can be introduced to the soil around your home, where they will seek out and kill termites. Nematodes are a natural and safe option for termite control, but they may require multiple applications to be effective.
Essential Oils
Essential oils such as orange oil and neem oil can be used to repel termites. These oils are applied directly to infested wood or mixed with water and sprayed around your home. While essential oils can deter termites, they are not a guaranteed solution for eliminating a termite infestation.
Preventing Termite Infestations
Prevention is key to protecting your home from termites. With proactive measures, you can reduce the risk of a termite infestation and avoid costly damage.
Reduce Moisture
Since termites are attracted to moisture, it is important to address any sources of excess moisture around your home. Fix leaky pipes, ensure proper drainage, and use dehumidifiers in damp areas such as basements and crawl spaces.
Remove Wood Debris
Wood debris, such as fallen branches, firewood, and old tree stumps, can attract termites. Keep your yard clean, and remove any wood debris promptly. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and elevate it off the ground to prevent termites from accessing it.
Seal Cracks and Gaps
Seal any cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation, walls, and roof. Termites can enter through even the smallest openings, so it is important to maintain a well-sealed home. Regularly inspect and repair any damage to ensure termites cannot find their way inside.
Conclusion
Termites are a serious threat to your home, but with vigilance and proper termite control measures, you can protect your property from these destructive pests.
For professional termite control, termite inspection, and prevention, contact us today. Our experienced team will provide a thorough inspection and a customised treatment plan to keep your home termite-free. Don’t wait until termites eat up your property; take action today.
FAQS
Q: What are some early warning signs of a termite infestation?
A: Some early warning signs of a termite infestation include hollow-sounding wood, discarded wings from flying termites, mud tubes on exterior walls, and small piles of termite droppings.
Q: How can I check for termites in my house?
A: To check for termites in your house, inspect areas where wood meets the ground, look for mud tubes on exterior walls, tap on wood to listen for hollow sounds, and keep an eye out for discarded termite wings.
Q: What should I do if I find termites in my home?
A: If you find termites in your home, it’s important to contact a pest control professional for an inspection and treatment plan to eradicate the termites and prevent future infestations.
Q: What are some common signs of termite damage?
A: Common signs of termite damage include sagging floors, stuck windows or doors, visible tunnels in wood, and crumbling or damaged wood structures.
Q: How can I protect my home from termites?
A: To protect your home from termites, ensure proper ventilation in crawl spaces, reduce moisture around the foundation, seal cracks and crevices in the home’s exterior, and schedule regular termite inspections.
Q: What should I do if I suspect my house may have termites?
A: If you suspect your house may have termites, contact a professional termite inspector to conduct a thorough inspection and provide treatment options to address the infestation.
Q: What do I do if I find evidence of termites around my property?
A: If you find evidence of termites around your property, such as mud tubes or discarded wings, contact a pest control expert to assess the situation and recommend an appropriate termite treatment plan.
