Termites are the silent destroyers of homes. They can creep in, nibbling away at your property without you even realising until it’s too late. It’s one of those problems that you never want to deal with but can’t ignore. So, how do you know when it’s time to stop trying DIY fixes and call in the professionals?
Here are the key signs that termites have moved in for good and you need to bring in the experts before things get worse.
1. Visible Damage to Wood Structures
One of the most obvious signs that termites are at work is physical damage to your wooden structures. Termites chew through wood, and as they do, they create hollow tunnels and weaken the integrity of the wood. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to act:
- Sagging floors or ceilings
- Crumbling wood around your doorframes or skirting boards
- Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
- Blisters or dark spots on wooden surfaces
All of these signs mean termites have likely been at work for quite some time, and you’ll need professional termite control Perth to assess the extent of the damage and stop them in their tracks. After all, you don’t want to wait for the issue to get worse, do you?
2. Mud Tubes on Walls or Foundation
Termites don’t just wander around your house openly; they like to stay hidden and safe. One way they do this is by building mud tubes along walls, foundations, and other solid surfaces. These tunnels are used by subterranean termites to travel between their colony and their food source (which, unfortunately, is your house). These tubes are typically brown and dirt-like in appearance.
If you spot mud tubes, break one open. If it’s active, you’ll likely see live termites inside. And if that happens, there’s no time to waste—you’ll need professional control immediately.
3. Swarms of Winged Termites
Termites, like ants, swarm when they’re ready to start a new colony. These winged termites (often referred to as “swarmers”) fly out in search of a new location to establish their home. Spotting a termite swarm, especially indoors, is a massive red flag. After swarming, they shed their wings, so if you notice discarded wings around your property, it’s another clear sign you have a termite issue.
Swarming usually happens after rain or during warmer months. If you spot this activity, the infestation might already be advanced, and you should get a professional inspection as soon as possible.
4. Clicking or Rustling Sounds in Walls
This might sound strange, but you can actually hear termites in some cases. Soldier termites make clicking noises by banging their heads against the wood to signal danger to the rest of the colony. If you listen closely near suspected areas, you might hear these faint sounds. On top of that, the worker termites are often busy munching away on your wood, and you could hear soft rustling inside your walls.
Any unusual noises coming from your walls shouldn’t be ignored. It’s not your imagination; it could be termites warning you of their presence.
5. Droppings (Frass)
Termites, like all pests, leave behind waste. Drywood termites, in particular, leave droppings known as frass. These tiny, pellet-like droppings are usually found near termite-infested wood. They often look like small grains of sand or sawdust and can pile up over time.
If you notice these droppings around your home, it’s a clear sign that termites have made themselves comfortable in your property. Don’t brush it off—it’s a serious indication that professional treatment is needed.
Why DIY Termite Control Doesn’t Always Cut It
It can be tempting to try DIY termite treatments. After all, there are plenty of over-the-counter solutions that promise to get rid of termites. However, termites are notoriously tough to deal with on your own. Here’s why:
- Termite colonies are massive – A typical termite colony can house thousands, if not millions, of termites. Simply treating the areas you see is rarely enough to eradicate the entire colony.
- They’re great at hiding – Termites work inside your walls, beneath the surface of your wooden structures, and underground. Without the right equipment and expertise, it’s nearly impossible to locate every part of the infestation.
- DIY solutions can be a short-term fix – Some products might kill a few termites on contact, but they won’t address the root of the problem. Often, by the time you realise your DIY solution didn’t work, the damage has worsened.
Termite infestations require a comprehensive approach that only a professional termite control service can provide. The pros have the knowledge, equipment, and techniques to identify the full extent of the infestation and treat it effectively.
When Is It Time to Call a Professional?
If you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned above, it’s time to reach out to a professional termite control service. Termites are persistent, and the longer you wait, the more damage they’ll do. A trained professional will be able to assess the situation, determine the type of termites you’re dealing with, and develop a targeted treatment plan.
Additionally, a professional can help with preventative measures to ensure the termites don’t return, offering long-term protection for your home.
The Bottom Line
Termites can wreak havoc on your property if left unchecked. While it might be tempting to try to manage an infestation yourself, these pests are notoriously tricky, and you risk causing more harm than good by delaying professional treatment. If you notice any signs of termite activity—whether it’s damage to your wood, mud tubes, or even strange noises—call in the experts. Your home’s structural integrity might depend on it.
