Termite Infestation Signs

Knowing the signs of termite infestation in the house and garden

Termites are sneaky pests that can lie undetected for a long time. Often, by the time a termite infestation is discovered they have already caused a large amount of damage to your property – repair costs of $100,000 are not unheard of once termites begin eating away at the structural integrity of your home. Knowing the signs of a termite infestation and acting quickly is vital. The longer an infestation goes on, the worse it gets. If you notice these signs, call us about your termite management options immediately.

In the garden - shelter across open ground and swarming insects

Mud tubes

Most of Australia’s termites are subterranean, and you are unlikely to see them directly. Keep an eye out for miniature mud constructions that look like tiny tubes made of dirt and termite droppings. One of the most common termite infestation signs, these tubes allow termites to cross exposed terrain to get to your house.

Flying swarms

Flying termites known as alates can appear in spring and summer. These are looking to create a new colony and swarms in your garden can be an indicator. They are attracted to bright light so finding discarded wings around your window sills can also be an indication of a nearby colony. Australia has many flying insects so a swarm is not guaranteed evidence of a termite infestation, but one that could warrant a termite inspection.

Inside the home – head banging insects and hollow walls

Damaged wood

A drywood termite infestation can quickly cause damage to the structural elements of your home. Popular culture shows people falling through their deck, but most termite infestation signs are more subtle. Look for blisters, cracks or sags on wooden surfaces. A distinct ‘bubbling’ look to it can be caused by termites eating away at the wood from the inside out. If you tap the area with a dense item such as a screwdriver handle it will often sound hollow, a bad sign that there is a termite infestation.

No power

Power cuts might seem an unusual sign of a termite infestation, but these insects are attracted to the warmth of electrical fittings behind walls. If you find your electricity cuts out regularly then inspect power points and electrical fittings for a build-up of damp soil or mud, which can indicate termites.

Clicking sounds

Even a small termite infestation is noisy. The soldier termites bang their heads against wood to signal danger to other members of the colony, and worker termites make a lot of noise eating. If you put your ear to the wall and hear clicking noises, it’s time to call a professional.

You have termites, what now?

If you have one or more signs of a termite infestation, it’s time to call our professional team immediately. Affordable Pest Control can help find the source of the infestation and remove it. Even if you don’t have an infestation, our termite baiting systems can give you long term protection from a future termite infestation.