5 Signs You Might Have Termites… And You Don’t Even Know It

5 Signs You Might Have Termites… And You Don’t Even Know It

Okay, by you, we don’t literally mean you but your house. Termites have been around for 240 million years, so there’s been plenty of cases that prove how damaging they are. Fast action termite treatment is critical, the minute you spot these ‘white ants.’

First tip on termite treatment? Educate yourself on how to spot them.

Here are seven tell-tale signs that you’re not alone in your home:

1. An insect swarm

Have you noticed a sea of insects around your home? We call this a reproductive swarm. It happens when large numbers of winged insects come from the ground, usually on a warm spring or early summer day. These termites are searching for ‘love buddies’ to pair up with and reproduce to make their own colony, often inside your home. Watch out for a pile of wings in places like your garage. You won’t always spot the swarm.

2. Hollowed out wood

Termites feed off wood underneath the surface. They’re not visible, but the holes in the wood sure is. As they eat through the wood, hollow galleries underneath the surface start to form, compromising the structure. If the wood sounds hollow when you knock or tap it, this is a good sign termites are present. If so, your wooden floors, furniture, and all structural supports need to be checked.

3. Floor damage

If you have laminate flooring or skirting boards, pay close attention to how it looks. Floor that’s been affected may blister, sag or feel spongier in particular areas. If you spot this, a professional will check underneath the flooring to uncover termite activity. Avoid pulling up the floor yourself. Don’t put yourself in danger or potentially damage the surface.

4. Wall cracks

While wall cracks don’t always mean you have termites, it’s definitely a sign to get your property inspected by a pest control professional. As termites consume cellulose that’s found in timber within walls, visible cracks begin to occur. Bring in a professional to rule termites out.

5. Roof or ceiling issues

Look for cracks on ceilings. Wooden structures and beams are just as much at risk of termite damage as the wood near the ground. loose, broken or damp roof tiles can also heighten your risk of attracting termites. Why? Because it’s a great source of moisture, which termites love. They’ll be able to access further inside your home, then manoeuvre through the property and attack. Always replace damaged or water-logged roof tiles.

Termite troubles?

Did you nod your head to one of these seven signs? Don’t panic. Call us now and our licensed termite control experts will find and eliminate them, and prevent further infestations. We’ve been doing this since 1976, so your family (and investment) is in good hands.

For more details on termites head over to our information page or contact us today.