Take a close look around your home. Do you notice any peculiar mud tubes on your walls? Or perhaps your doors and windows are fitting more snugly than before?
These subtle hints could be more than just a minor inconvenience. They might be indicators of a termite infestation in your living space.
1. Mud Tubes on Walls
Small mud tubes running along walls is usually a clear indication of a termite infestation.
To prevent mud tubes from forming, ensure there’s no direct wood-to-soil contact around your home’s foundation.
Regularly inspect and seal any cracks or crevices in your walls and foundation where termites could gain access. When repairing walls damaged by termites, remove all infested wood and replace it with treated or termite-resistant materials. Thoroughly inspect the surrounding areas to prevent further termite intrusion and infestation.
Implementing a termite barrier treatment around your property can also deter termites from creating mud tubes.
When you do come across mud tubes, it’s essential to act promptly by calling a professional termite management company.
2. Hollow-Sounding Wood
When tapping on wood surfaces in your home and you hear a hollow sound, this may indicate termite damage. Use a screwdriver to gently probe the wood; if it feels soft and crumbles easily, termites may be present.
Termites feed on wood from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer of wood or paint on the surface while hollowing out the interior. This type of wood damage can weaken structures and compromise the integrity of your home.
To confirm if termites are the cause of the hollow sound, a thorough termite inspection is necessary. Get a professional termite pest control service like SURE Pest Control to inspect all wooden elements, such as baseboards, door frames, skirting boards and wooden furniture for any signs of termites.
3. Discarded Wings
Wing fragments often get left behind by termites after they’ve swarmed and found a new location to establish a colony. During swarm season, which typically occurs in the Australian spring, you may come across discarded wings near window sills, door frames, or other entry points.
These wings are a clear indicator that termites are already present and have begun their destructive activities. By this point, you have active termites and it’s recommended to seek professional pest control services immediately to assess the extent of the infestation and take necessary measures to eliminate these pests.
4. Tight-Fitting Doors or Windows
There may be a potential termite infestation in your doors or windows when:
- Difficulty in opening or closing doors and windows as they seem swollen.
- Visible wood damage like small holes, buckling wood, or hollow-sounding timber around the frames.
- Termites are attracted to moisture areas, so inspect for any water-related damage near affected doors or windows.
These signs require immediate attention. Contacting a pest control professional can help assess the situation and provide appropriate treatment options to eradicate the termites effectively.
5. Termite Droppings
Termite droppings, also known as frass, serve as an important indicator of termite presence within a property. Identifying these droppings is essential in detecting a potential infestation. Termite droppings are tiny, resembling sawdust or coffee grounds, and are often found near termite entry points or areas where they’ve been feeding.
When inspecting for droppings, pay close attention to any accumulation of these pellets as it could signify an active infestation. If you suspect a termite issue based on the droppings present, contact a professional termite treatment company.
Always consult with pest control experts for proper disposal methods.
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If you have noticed any of these signs in your home, it’s crucial to
