Signs of Termites

Termites aren’t out in the open. They like an environment that is dark, humid and protected, which is what makes them so hard to find - until it’s too late. Unfortunately, termites are usually identified when an infestation is well underway and significant damage has already been done.

For this reason, we strongly recommend annual termite inspections. Since the earliest signs of termites cannot be detected by the untrained eye, there is no substitute for a qualified and experienced termite expert performing a comprehensive termite inspection. Catching termites at the earliest stages of an infestation significantly reduces the cost of repairs and intervention.

Termites may be hard to detect but they do leave signs of their presence.  Here are a few common signs of termites that you might see around your home or business:

• Papery or hollow sounding timber - When termites consume timber, they eat from the inside out leaving a thin veneer of timber or paint. When you knock or tap an area that has termite damage, it will sound hollow or papery due to parts (or all) of the timber having been eaten away.
• Your vacuum goes through the skirting board – If placing pressure on skirting boards or door frames damages them, this is a sign that the termites have eaten away the structural integrity of the timber.
• 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 a window or close a door.
• Termite mud - Termites construct ‘mud’ tunnels to travel and to protect their food sources. These mud tubes are sometimes hard to see as they may be hidden in your gypsum ceiling or walls, or below the ground. They are however sometimes quite visible on brick foundations or around moulding.

Have you seen these signs?

Call Rentokil immediately on 868 612 0047 to book in a termite inspection.

If you do have termites, our experts will recommend the best treatment for your individual situation. Treatment begins with a thorough site assessment to determine the extent of the infestation and the most appropriate treatment. Factors such as the size of the property (or infested area), age of the property, proximity to other buildings and risk factors for re-infestation are all considered when developing a treatment plan.

Rentokil offers a range of solutions so that treatment plans are customised for immediate and long lasting results.

For complete peace of mind, both our inspections and treatments are backed by our warranty.