What are the Early Signs of Termites?

Although termites are not a serious threat to human health, they are known to cause severe damage to buildings and other property. It is, therefore, best to detect the presence of termites in your homes or business premises early so you may get rid of these pests before you run into huge losses. So, before you go looking for termite treatment in Perth, you should first become familiar with recognising the early signs of termites.

What do Termites Look Like in Perth?

Commonly referred to as white ants, termites are pale in colour and appear to look translucent. Measuring approximately 4mm, they are bigger than the black ant. They are wingless, and their bodies are quite soft. There are a number of different species of termites in Perth, but these white ants are known to be the most destructive.

How to Spot Termite Damage in Perth

Because of their tiny size, it is not easy to see termites with the naked eye. For this reason, you may be blissfully unaware that termites are eating away at your valuables and destroying the very structure of your home. It is, therefore, important to be able to look for signs that you may have a termite infestation. These are some of the things you will want to keep an eye out for:

The Sound of the Wood

If you knock or tap on wooden panels and furniture in your home and you hear a hollow sound, this may indicate the presence of termites in the timber.

Termite Mud Tubes

These are small mud tunnels that are made from a mixture of wood and soil. They’re made by worker termites and can be seen along the concrete foundation of a building and are usually found near termite nests and in wooden structures.

Door and Window Jams

You may struggle to open and close your windows and doors. This could be a result of termites feeding on the wooden doors and window frames. You may also notice that the doors are sagging.

Damaged Architraves and Skirtings

If these structures are soft and crumble easily to the touch, it is an indication that the core structure has disintegrated, leaving it weak and fragile. This is evidence of the work of termites.

Electrical Fittings

You may find that you are having trouble with your electrical connections and that power failures are a common occurrence. This could be due to termites biting the electrical wires which are concealed in the walls.

Plaster and Paint

Paint peeling off the walls and cracks in the plaster are a sign of the presence of termites. This will cause structural damage to the walls and ceilings. Inspect the paint, plaster and dry walls in your home and look for tiny holes that termites make. If these holes were made by termites, they would have dirt on the edges.

Prevention is Better than Cure

Nobody wants to deal with a termite infestation. The damages are severe, and the costs are enormous. Since termites are a massive problem in Perth, early detection of their presence will make getting rid of them easier, saving you money, sparing you stress and protecting your property. It is strongly recommended that you have regular inspections carried out by professionals. In accordance with the Australian Standards, it is recommended that you have your property inspected at least once a year.

A skilled professional can inspect your timber for pests. They are able to detect termite infestations and provide you with suitable solutions for the treatment and elimination of these pests. It is important to remember that building insurance in Australia does not cover damages caused by termites. In order to save thousands of dollars, make sure that your property is monitored to allow for early detection of termites.

If there are signs that you may have a termite problem, contact Rockypest for a thorough pest inspection. We will provide you with professional service and complete solutions. Contact us to find out more about timber pest inspection and to get more information about termite prevention.

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Robert Luckens

Robert is the founder of Rockypest Pty Ltd, formed at the end of 2013. Still trading as Rockingham Pest Control and Luckens Pest Control. Robert has been in the Pest Control Industry since 1988, prior to this he was in the fumigation industry for 3 years so with over 30 years experience you can be rest assured that you will receive the best possible service at all times.

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