10 Signs of a Termite Infestation in your Home

1. MUD IN CRACKS OF TIMBER WORK

Termite infestations like this can be avoided.

Termites will fill the cracks in skirting boards and timber work that they are present in to prevent predators from entering. They also use this to regulate the temperature in their tunnels and is a tell tale sign that termites have entered your home. If you see this mud present around architraves, door frames or windows, please do not touch the area! Call a professional immediately to determine a course of action.

2. HOLLOW TIMBER

Termites can cause damage REAL quick…

Cracked and hollow timber are early warning signs of termites in house. Use a screw driver to tap skirting boards, window frames and architraves to see if there is a hollow sound present or inconsistencies in the sound. If hollowness is detected, we recommend acting on this as soon as possible.

3. MUD TUNNELS

Regular inspections of subfloor areas are most important.

Termites live underground (Subterranean), building tunnels to sources of food. These tunnels leave irregular patterns made from mud-like material in your home’s subfloor (under house). Although they are difficult to spot, regular inspections of the subfloor area are extremely important. Any moisture in the subfloor area should be rectified as high moisture can attract termite attack.

4. TERMITE NEST

Termite Nest in Subfloor Area

A thorough search in your yard and subfloor areas is important to determine if a mound nest is present. Finding the nest can directly solve all your problems, however if the nest cannot be found, termite baiting is the best course of action.

5. BUBBLING PAINT ON GYPROCK AND TIMBER TRIM

Bubbling paint in Gyprock

Bubbling paint indicates that termites are present underneath and that it could be hollow beneath. Look around for bubbling paint on wood panels, architraves, skirting boards and gyprock by holding your torch sideways and looking for imperfections, as this can be sign of a house termites.

6. MUD FALLING IN WALLS

Damage in timber frame behind gyprock caused by termites.

If you have termites inside your wall cavities, they can be found by simply banging against the wall. You can hear the mud drop within the wall cavity which indicates a significant termite infestation. Rarely, they can even make noises in response to vibrations ticking inside the wall.

7. TERMITES IN GARDEN

Termites in timber in yard

A very good indication of termite attack inside a building is the presence of termites in the garden or yard. This indicates that the colonies are close and should be treated as soon as possible. A termite inspection is paramount and should be carried out by a qualified pest technician.

8. UNEVEN FLOOR

Look for inconsistencies in floor coverings

Uneven floor including uneven lino is a good indication that termites may be present underneath, so an inspection of this area is very important. Floor coverings should be lifted or access gain to the subfloor area to asses the possibility of termite damage.

9. DIE BACK ON TREES



Stressed gum trees from large termite nest present

Termites can nest in trees, so die back or struggling trees can indicate that termites are present inside that tree. These trees should be drilled, temperatures checked and treated if termite colonies are present. If the temperature inside the tree is 40 degrees plus, it indicates that a termite nest is present.

10. TERMITE SWARMERS (ALATES)

Swarmers are a sign of a large infestation.

Winged termites (alates) can be seen around lights on warm summer nights. These indicate there is a nest not too far from your home and they are looking to relocate and start new colonies. These termites can’t eat your house directly but do start new nests. If sighted, call for a professional, especially since they rarely fly too far from their nest.