Early Signs of a Termite Infestation

Termites are notorious for their destructive abilities, quietly munching away at the heart of your home while remaining hidden from sight (cheeky little buggers).

Spotting a silent enemy: Early signs of a termite Infestation

Early detection is key to preventing significant damage to your home, so it makes sense to know what signs to look for when looking around your home for termite damage. Let’s examine the subtle signs that might indicate you have a termite infestation lurking.

Visual signs of termite trouble

Whilst termites themselves are fairly elusive little creatures, they will often leave behind telltale signs of their presence. Keep an eye out for:

Mud tubes
These winding, earthy tunnels are like little termite highways, carrying wood-munching termites all around your home. Look for them on walls, foundations and other structural elements around your home.

Swarmers
Witnessing a swarm of winged termites is a clear red flag you’ve likely got an infestation. These are reproductive termites on the hunt for a new home.

Discarded wings
If you find tiny, discarded wings near windows or doors, it could indicate a recent termite swarm in your home. It's time to call in the professionals.

Hollow-sounding wood
Do you hear a hollow knock instead of a dull thud when tapping on wooden structures around your home? A hollow sound might indicate that termites have eaten away the interior.

Bubbling or peeling paint
Believe it or not, termite activity can actually cause paint to blister or peel as they feast on the wood beneath.

Wood damage
Look for small holes, uneven surfaces or crumbling wood around your home. These could be signs of termite damage.

Frass
Frass is termite poop. These tiny, pellet-like droppings are a sure-fire indicator of a termite infestation.

Other clues that might indicate a termite invasion

It’s pretty easy to spot visual cues however, did you know there are other signs that might signal a termite problem:

• Tight-fitting doors and windows: Swelling wood due to termite damage can make it difficult to open and close doors and windows around your home.
• Buckling or blistering floors: Weakened floorboards caused by termite damage can lead to uneven surfaces.
• Squeaky floors: Loose floorboards that squeak or move are often a result of termite damage.
• Cracks in your drywall: Termite activity can weaken drywall, causing cracks to appear. However, this may also be due to ground movement and isn’t always a telltale sign.
• Maze-like patterns in wood: Termites often create intricate patterns as they consume wood to look out for mazed-like or honeycomb patterns.
• Mould or mildew: Increased moisture from termite activity can contribute to mould growth throughout your home, particularly in areas where it isn’t common.

Less common but clear indicators of termites

While these signs are less frequent, they are undeniable evidence of a termite infestation:

• Termite soldiers: These are larger termites with imposing mandibles and are part of the colony's defence force. Seeing them means you have a problem (image).
• Mud stains: Termites will often leave behind unsightly mud stains on walls or foundations.
• Subterranean termite mounds: These are pretty rare in homes, but if you see them, they can indicate a nearby infestation that could potentially spread.

Remember, early detection is crucial to ensuring the safety of your home from termite infestation. If you suspect a termite infestation, don’t hesitate to call us for an inspection so you can protect your home before termites turn a minor problem into a major, expensive one!