Signs of Termites

What is a Termite Infestation?

A termite infestation occurs when a colony of termites begins to feed on the structural components of buildings, particularly those containing cellulose material, typically found in wood. This can happen silently and without immediate signs, potentially causing extensive damage over time.

Termites thrive in environments that provide them with moisture, warmth, and food, and once they establish themselves, they can be difficult to eradicate without professional help.

How does a termite infestation start?

Termites are attracted to environments that provide moisture, shelter, and food. Infestations typically begin unnoticed in areas where wood is in direct contact with soil or where there is excessive moisture.

What are the risks of a termite infestation?

The primary risk of a termite infestation is significant damage to the structural integrity of your home or building, which can lead to costly repairs. Early detection and control are crucial to minimise these risks.

How do you know if you have a termite infestation?

Termite infestation is usually not apparent until severe damages have incurred. 

Here are a few common signs of termites that you might see (or hear) around your home or business premises:

1. Mud tubes on wall - Subterranean termites build shelter tubes made of mud, dirt and debris in order to travel to and fro the food source without being seen. These tubes are usually found on exterior and interior walls leading up to the entry points of the building.
2. Sightings of termite swarmers (flying termites) or discarded wings – Usually the first sign of infestation noticed by property owners are the presence of swarmers or alates. Another common indication is the remnants of discarded wings on windowsills and floors.
3. Papery or hollow sounding timber - Termites usually consume woods from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer of timber or paint. So when you knock or tap on an area that has termite damages, it will sound hollow or feel papery due to parts (or all) of the timber having been eaten away.
4. Tight fitting door or hard to open window - As termites devour timber, their excrement or ‘mud’ creates a protective environment that traps heat and moisture. This causes timber to swell, making it harder to open or close the infested windows and doors.
5. Tunnels in the wood - Also known as 'galleries' which are quite difficult to see from the outside.
6. Termite droppings - After consuming wood, dry wood termites often leave behind brown-coloured and grainy faecal mounds. These faecal pellets are usually found beneath the infested wood.

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What should you do if you suspect a termite infestation?

If you suspect a termite infestation, it’s important to contact a pest control professional immediately. They can perform a thorough inspection and confirm the presence of termites before significant damage occurs.

How are termite infestations treated?

Professional pest control services often use bait systems, chemical barriers, or direct treatments on affected wood. The treatment method chosen will depend on the severity and location of the infestation. At Rentokil, we believe in using only the best solutions in quickly eliminating and resolving your termite problems.

Have you seen these signs?

Termites eat 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week. This means they are constantly consuming wood and damaging it. If left untreated, termites can weaken the wood within your home leading to costly damages.

Call us today at +6563478138 or contact us online to arrange for a termite inspection for your home or business.