How Do you Check for Signs of Termites in House Timbers?

Termites are tiny but mighty pests that can cause big problems for Australian homeowners.

A timber frame house is a tasty buffet for termites and white ants. These silent destroyers can quietly chew through wood without being noticed for years.

These pesky creatures can cause serious damage to your property if left unchecked. That’s why it’s necessary to regularly inspect your home for signs of Termites & White Ants infestation.

But don’t worry, PLY Supply is here to help you spot the early warning signs of termites.

This post will guide you through the process of identifying these destructive insects. Plus provide practical solutions to protect your property.

Understanding Termites: Know The Enemy

Before identifying the signs of termites in house. It’s essential to understand what termites are and how they behave.

What Are Termites?

Often mistaken for ants. Termites are pale, soft-bodied insects that feed on wood. They live in big colonies with a queen, king, and workers.

Termites love to eat wood. These busy bugs build tunnels and nests inside your walls and floors, weakening your home’s structure.

They work together to break down cellulose, the material that makes up wood. They also damage furniture, books, and other items made from wood or paper.

3 Types Of Termites

There are 3 main types of termites. Subterranean, dry wood, and damp wood.

Table: Termite Types & Their Characteristics

Termite Type	Characteristics
Subterranean	Live in underground colonies, build mud tubes, prefer moist wood
Drywood	Nest within infested wood, no mud tubes, prefer dry wood.
Damp wood	Live in damp wood, larger than other types, found in areas with high moisture.

Common Signs of Termite Infestation

These pests have affected hundreds of thousands of homes, resulting in billions of dollars in repairs. While insurance doesn’t cover termite damage. Understanding the signs of infestation can save you from costly headaches.

Keep an eye out for these common signs.

1. Mud Tubes

Subterranean termites, common in Australia, build mud tubes. These are thin, tunnel-like structures made of mud that termites build to travel between their underground nests and food sources.

These tubes are often found on walls, foundations, and timber. Seeing mud tubes is a clear sign of a termite problem. Look for them along foundations, walls, and wooden supports.

2. Swarmers – Winged Termites

During mating season, termites produce winged reproductive individuals called swarmers. If you see swarms of small, winged insects with a straight body (unlike ants, which have a pinched waist). If you see winged termites inside or outside your home, it’s a sign that the house may have termites.

3. Electrical Issues

Termites are attracted to the warmth generated by electrical wiring. Frequent power outages or short circuits could indicate a termite infestation. Never try to fix electrical problems yourself if you suspect termites. Call a professional.

4. Discarded Wings

Watch out for swarms of flying termites, especially after rain. After swarming, termites shed their wings. These are reproductive termites leaving the nest to start new colonies. Look for piles of discarded wings near windows, doors or on the ground.

5. Hollow-Sounding Wood

As termites eat away at the wood in your home, floors, ceilings, and doors might start to sag or crack. A hollow sound when tapping on wood is another red flag. Tap on wooden structures. A hollow sound indicates termite damage.

6. Blistered & Swell Up Paint

Termites can cause paint to blister or peel. If you notice honeycomb-like patterns on your walls. It’s likely due to termite damage. Bubbling or peeling paint is a clear sign of termites underneath.

7. Termites in the Garden

Finding termites in your garden isn’t necessarily bad news. But it is a warning sign. These insects are likely nesting nearby and could be moving indoors. They might not have reached your house yet. They can still damage wooden decks, fences, and trees.

8. Frass – Termite Droppings

These are termite droppings, which look like small pellets. Drywood termites push their droppings (frass) out of small holes. It’s often found near termite exit muddy holes. If you see black spots or a dark, powdery substance around your home. It’s time for a termite inspection.

9. Strange Sounds

Ever heard clicking or tapping noises coming from your walls?

Soldier termites bang their heads against the wood to warn others of danger. Worker termites, the ones feasting on your home, also make noise while munching on wooden structures.

10. White Ants

Don’t confuse termites with ants. Termites are white or light brown with straight antennae. While ants are darker and have bent antennae. Termites also have a thicker waist compared to ants. Finding white, ant-like insects is a sign of termites.

11. Sticky Doors and Windows

Doors and windows that suddenly become difficult to open or close might be due to termite tunnelling and moisture build-up.

12. Discoloured Wood: A Sign of Trouble

Discoloured wood is often an overlooked sign of a termite infestation. While it might not be as obvious as other indicators, it’s a vital clue.

Wood that appears darker than usual. Wood with an unnatural or patchy colour. Staining or spotting on the wood’s surface.

As termites consume the inside of the wood. They create tunnels and chambers. This damages the wood’s structure and can cause it to change colour. Additionally, moisture from termite activity can contribute to discolouration.

Where to Look for Termites

Termites can hide in various places throughout your home. Focus your inspection on these areas:

Basement and crawl spaces: These are prime locations for subterranean termites to build nests.
Kitchen and bathrooms: Areas with high moisture levels can attract damp wood termites.
Wooden structures: Inspect door frames, window frames, baseboards, and other wooden components.
Attics and roof: Drywood termites often infest these areas.

How to Do a DIY Termite Inspection

A regular termite inspection is essential for early detection. Here’s a simple guide:

Tap Test: Tap on wooden surfaces to check for hollow sounds.
Moisture check: Ensure there’s no excessive moisture in your home.
Check Hidden Areas: Use a flashlight to inspect dark and hard-to-reach areas.
Visual Inspection: Carefully examine your home for the signs mentioned above.
Outdoor Inspection: Check for mud tubes or termite activity around the foundation.

DIY Termite Control vs. Professional Help

While there are some DIY termite control options available. It’s best to call a professional. Professionals have the expertise and equipment to handle the job effectively.

When to Call a Pest Control Professional?

If you suspect a termite infestation. It’s essential to contact a professional pest control company.

Termites can be difficult to eliminate completely. They have the expertise and tools to identify the extent of the problem and recommend appropriate treatments.

Preventing Termite Infestation | 8 Tips for Protection

While early detection is crucial, preventing termite infestation is even better. Here are some tips:

Trim trees and bushes: Keep branches away from your home.
Maintain Good Drainage: Ensure water flows away from your home’s foundation.
Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of your home for signs of termites.
Fix Leaks Promptly: Repair any leaks in your plumbing or roof to prevent moisture build-up.
Maintain Good Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in your home to reduce humidity levels.
Consider Termite Barriers: Install physical or chemical barriers around your home to deter termites.
Remove Wood Debris: Clear away wood debris, such as old stumps or branches, from around your home.
Professional Termite Control Treatments: Consider hiring a pest control professional for regular inspections and treatments.

Remember: Early detection and prompt action are important in protecting your home from termite damage. By following these tips and conducting regular inspections. You can significantly reduce the risk of a termite infestation.

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