An estimated 1.5 billion dollars were spent in Australia last year to fix termite-related damages. Every homeowner has been warned about termite problems and is aware that they are rampant. Once they have started to form a colony, it will be hard to get rid of the problem. That is why it is critical to learn about the signs of termite infestations. You never know when they may save your house and save you from thousands of dollars worth of expenses.
Termite Infestation
Termites are incredibly destructive. Unfortunately, they don’t come alone; they live in colonies, meaning that the damage they can cause is extensive. Once the baby termites grow and become adults, they form a swarm and look for a place to establish their territory. Winged termites are a sign that they have a healthy, reproductive population of pests infiltrating your home. The longer that you allow them to stick around, the more extensive damage they will cause to the wooden structures that keep your house secure.
Anyone with an infestation should be looking to instantly get rid of the problem. Spotting an outbreak, however, isn’t always easy. Here are a few visible signs you can heed to that mark the presence of termites:
Signs That You Have a Termite Infestation
Mudpacks or Bivouac
When termites find a good source of food in your home, they will start to build a sub-nest. A sub-nest is a compact version of their headquarters or central nest, which is strategically placed halfway between the food source and their central nest. Termites have an established system that serves its purpose. Small pieces of soil and wood make up the sub-nest. When the nest hardens, the termites have a place to store their food source with ease.
Mudpacks are often easily spotted because when they grow to a certain size, you can see the moisture on your plaster. Keep an eye out for mudpacks behind large furniture stacked against a wall. The presence of a mudpack alone does not necessarily mean there is an active infestation in your house. You can determine whether or not there are active termites by breaking the centre of the mudpack and leaving both ends intact. After two days, if the broken area is as good as new, chances are that you have an infestation on your hands. Only termites can fix the mudpacks.
Discolouration
If you notice a brown stain or discoloured areas on your wall, perhaps it is moisture from a termite mudpack seeping onto the plasterboard. You may also spot tiny blemishes or brown dots. If this is the case, act quickly—call the professionals and inform them that you have a termite infestation problem that needs a quick solution.
Bubbling Paint
The painted timber wood on your windows, doors, and skirting boards are common termite targets because they are soft and easy to chew away. If your woodworks are giving out and leaving a hollow space behind, there is a possibility that termites have eaten the timber. Another indicator of a termite infestation is difficulty closing these windows and doors because of bent, or warped, or sagging wood.
Noises in Walls
Soldier termites bang their heads against the tunnel walls when they sense imminent danger. The vibration warns the rest of the colony. These rattling noises are loud, and you can hear it against other normal household noises. The worker termites are also known to be loud munchers. When they eat wood, their tiny clicking sounds can are audible if you put your ear against a termite-infested wooden wall.
One last thing…
Another pointer you must remember is that you can’t just wish that the infestation is insignificant or that the termites will go away on their own. They will only do so once there is no wood left. Termites are known to build nests that are 50 feet high and wide. Therefore, the moment you see the signs, report it to the professionals right away.
Are you looking for a pest control service in Melbourne to help you get rid of any unwanted visitors? Get in touch with us today – click here for termite control.