What Are the Signs of a Termite Infestation?

Like wasp removal, it is better to deal with termites before they become established. If they are able to take hold, then it is harder to get rid of them. Established infestations will mean you need a professional to help you, but before they take hold in or around your property, you can usually deal with them yourself.

A typical termite treatment might mean spraying the area they have started to thrive in with chemicals. Although effective, this is not always desirable depending on the exact nature of your property. Installing a termite barrier around your home is often preferable for dealing with potential infestations before they start because the creatures simply choose another location to start building up their numbers.

If you think you may have termites close to you, then what are the telltale signs to look out for that will indicate a colony is forming?

Altered Appearance of Wooden Paintwork 

A common sight in properties which have a termite infestation comes about with paintwork. Painted balustrades and weatherboarding will often develop a cracked or bubbly appearance. This comes about when the insects eat through the middle of the timbers, causing the dried paint to expand. Sometimes, you will notice dark marks close to the bubbles, which are the termites' waste. Deeper cracks in the paint may indicate structural damage and even a deep fissure within the wood.

Spread-Out Tubes

Burrowing insects leave little, hollowed-out tubes in their wake. You may see them but not necessarily know whether they are a sign of termites or hornets, for example. As a guide, termites tend to spread their tubes out over a larger area than other creatures. You will see them distributed all over an area of wooden decking or exterior walls. On the other hand, if you are looking at the entry points made by wasps or other similar insects, then these tend to be concentrated in just one or two specific locations.

Hollow-Sounding Wood

When you tap on solid wood, it gives a high-frequency response. However, wood that is rotten or that has been undermined by the presence of termites sounds dull when you knock on it. Simply by tapping the wooden beams and floorboards of your home, you can usually tell whether termites are present. An echoing sound will indicate the wooden structure of your home is under threat even if the outside looks okay. This is because hollowed-out wood will act like a resonator, just like a guitar's soundbox.