How to Spot Termites in Your Home – Our Best Tips
When it comes to destructive household pests, few cause as much long-term damage as termites. Often referred to as “silent destroyers”, termites can eat away at the structural integrity of your home without you even realising it. Learning how to spot termites in your home early is crucial for preventing extensive and expensive damage. Here are some key signs that may indicate the presence of termites in your home, and why professional help is often the best way to ensure peace of mind.
Not sure what to look for? Contact us online, send an email to pete@petespestcontroltoowoomba.com.au, or give us a call on 0439 603 212 to get started with our residential pest control services.
Our 6 Best Tips for How to Spot Termites in Your Home
Hollow Sounding Timber
One of the most common methods of spotting termite damage is detecting wood that seems fine on the outside but is weak or crumbles easily when pressed. If you suspect termites may be present in your property, give a gentle tap to your skirting boards, window frames, or floorboards. If this timber sounds hollow, it could be a sign that termites have been quietly eating away at the inside.
Mud Tubes Around the Property
Termites build protective mud tunnels to travel safely between their nests and food sources. These tunnels are often found on walls, concrete foundations, or in crawl spaces and serve as one of the clearest external signs when learning how to spot termites in your home. If you spot these tubes, which are typically the width of a pencil, it’s a strong indication that subterranean termites may be active on your property.
Discarded Wings
Have you found small, translucent wings near your windowsills or door frames? That’s because termite swarmers, also known as alates, shed their wings shortly after finding a new location to start a colony. Finding these discarded wings is one of the most overlooked yet obvious signs when spotting termite damage. These wings can typically be found after rain occurs, so always keep an eye out after a storm.
Doors and Windows Are Becoming Hard to Open
When termites tunnel through timber, the resulting moisture can cause wood to warp. This often leads to doors and windows becoming tight, stiff, or difficult to open. While it might seem like a small issue, it can be an early warning sign of termite activity. If you’ve noticed changes in how your doors or windows function without any clear cause, it may be time to consider a professional inspection.
Clicking Sounds Within Walls
Believe it or not, termites make noise. That’s because soldier termites make soft banging noises to signal danger, while worker termites produce faint rustling or clicking sounds as they chew through wood. These noises are often most noticeable at night when the house is quiet. If you’re searching for the best ways to detect termites in your home, unusual sounds could be a subtle but important indicator of an active infestation.
Termite Droppings
Termites leave behind tiny droppings known as frass, which they push out through small holes near their tunnels. This frass often resembles sawdust or fine coffee grounds and may appear in small piles around your home. If you notice these droppings, it is a strong sign that termites have invaded your home. Don’t ignore these signs, and swiftly contact qualified pest control professional to prevent further damage.
Need Help with Spotting Termite Damage in Your Home?
While there are plenty of telltale signs that termites have infested in your property, there is no better way than contacting the professionals. At Pete’s Pest Control, we provide the pest control Toowoomba residents trust to keep their homes safe from these hidden invaders.
If you’re ready to take advantage of our termite control services, give us a call on 0439 603 212, send an email to pete@petespestcontroltoowoomba.com.au, or contact us online to arrange an inspection.
