Termite infestations affect hundreds of thousands of properties in Australia each and every year. A serious problem, repair and restoration work can be very costly to homeowners. And all too often, they remain undetected for months – or even years – because homeowners aren’t aware of the early signs of infestation.
Protect your home from large damage and costly repairs by spotting termites early. Here are the signs to look out for.
Termite Droppings
Termite droppings, also known as ‘frass’, are one of the most common early signs of termite infestation. As termites feed on wood and other cellulose-based debris, their droppings tend to resemble piles of sawdust, tiny wood pellets or mud tubes. Termites like to keep their home tidy, so they will create piles of droppings near where they have taken residence. If you notice droppings alongside other signs of infestation, get in touch with your local pest controllers.
Top tip: If you are unsure whether your infestation is active, you could take a picture of the droppings, clear them up and keep a close eye on whether the pile returns.
Mud Corridors
Subterranean termites live underground in damp, muddy areas. And due to their delicate exoskeleton, they need shelter when they come above ground. To create shelter, they use mud or termite droppings to build little tubes or mud corridors. Although termites have a tendency to build their corridors out of sight, they are a red flag for infestation if you do spot one. Unfortunately, by spotting one, it’s likely that they have already gained access inside the property, so it’s essential to call in a termite pest control team as soon as possible.
Top tip: If you want to find out whether your termite nest is active, you can break the corridor and see if the termites repair it in the coming days.
Swarmers
Swarmers, also known as alates, are the reproductive members of a termite colony. They have large, pale wings that they use to search for mates to reproduce and establish new colonies. If you notice these flying in and around your property, especially in the spring months, then it could indicate that you have an infestation. And spotting discarded wings indicates the same. This means that it’s time to call in the pest controllers to check the severity of the infestation and start treatment.
Top tip: They are likely to be drawn to light sources at dusk and dawn, so keep your eyes peeled.
Wood Damage
It’s no secret that termites love to munch through wood. So, one of the clearest signs that you can look for is wood damage. And they are not selective about the wood they eat – they will choose anything from wall studs to furniture.
Top tip: Termites eat from the inside out, so it’s best to check under the surface, tapping with a screwdriver or other tool for any hollow sounds.
Protect Your Home With Control Pest Management
Have you spotted early signs of infestation? Get in touch with the team at Control Pest Management. We’ll ensure proper treatment as well as prevention techniques to avoid further damage.
