Termites are a well-known pest infamous for destroying and damaging wood structures on properties. Below are four signs your property may have a termite infestation and two tips to keep termites away.
Listening for Termites
Despite being small in stature, termites can be heard by humans if listening closely against a wall that they are currently devouring. Due to their large numbers, it is not difficult to hear them gorging themselves on your wooden structures.
There are generally two types of significant noises that you might hear: you might hear the larger soldier termites banging their heads against the wall, or you may simply hear the worker drones eating away.
Drywood Termite Faeces
There are two types of termites: drywood termites and subterranean termites. Drywood termites push their faeces out of their tunnels and nests and push it out of holes leading out of their nests, as opposed to subterranean termites which use their faeces for the construction of their tunnels. This is one of the primary indicators of a termite infestation on a property and is usually the first sign of evidence that pest control and inspectors look for signs of infestation of drywood termites
Subterranean Mud Tubes
Mud tubes are a very clear indicator of termite infestation on the property. While they can initially appear innocuous, disturbing these tubes will result in the termites inside rushing out. Termites build mud tubes when they need to reach places that can't be reached underground via their tunnels.
Flying Termites and Termite Wings
Seeing flying termites or the wings that they shed after mating is not a good sign. Termites initially have wings to fly around and find another termite to mate with and start a new colony. After suitable environments have been discovered, termites will shed their wings so that they can enter the subterranean colony.
Calling the Professionals
If there are signs of invasion by termites on the property, it is best to call a licensed pest inspector to perform a thorough pest inspection and to then call in the pest control professionals. Termite infestations are not a simple matter, and if left unattended, they can result in serious financial losses for owners of the property.
Prevention Tips
If there are no obvious signs of an infestation, it is still good to take precautions to make sure that there will not be an infestation.
Keeping Wood Away
It is important to keep any stored wood far away from the actual structure. This is because by keeping wood near the property, it can invite termites into your home who will simply follow the trail of more wood. Furthermore, make sure material such as wood mulch is kept far away, as this is just as appetising for the would-be home invaders!
Keep Cardboard Away
People often think of wood in the traditional sense when talking about termites, but cardboard is just as an enticing dinner for termites too. Keep cardboard boxes away from the property, and if cardboard boxes are kept inside, then make sure to keep away from skirting-boards and wall corners, which will give termites a way in to further infest the property.
Termites are a pest which does millions of dollars of damage each year throughout Australia. However, by knowing more about termites, their movements, and signs of infestation, then you can organise pest control treatment early to minimise the amount of damage done.
If you are interested in finding out more about termites and the methods used to get rid of them, then you have picked the right website for information. When you suspect you have termites on your property, then you need advice on how to confirm that suspicion before treatment starts. Use the information provided here to stop termites in their tracks.