When purchasing a property, ensuring it is free from termite infestations is crucial. These pests, often referred to as “silent destroyers,” can cause significant damage before their presence is even noticed.
For homebuyers, recognising the signs of an infestation can save thousands of dollars in repair costs and prevent long-term structural damage.
Below are key indicators every homebuyer should be aware of to protect their investment.
1. Hollow-Sounding Wood
One of the most evident signs of a termite infestation is hollow-sounding wood. These pests feed on wood from the inside out, often leaving only a thin veneer on the surface. To check, tap on wooden surfaces such as walls, floors, and furniture, and listen for a hollow sound.
If the wood sounds empty or papery, this could indicate significant internal damage.
2. Mud Tubes on Walls or Foundations
Subterranean species create mud tubes as protective tunnels to travel between their nest and food source. These tubes, typically the width of a pencil, are often found on exterior walls, foundations, or in basements.
These tubes not only shield the pests from predators but also maintain the humid conditions necessary for their survival. Discovering these tubes is a strong indication of an active infestation.
3. Discarded Wings Near Windows or Doors
During their reproductive phase, winged insects (known as alates or swarmers) leave the colony to establish new nests. After swarming, they shed their wings, which are often found around window sills, doorways, or other entry points.
Piles of discarded wings suggest that a colony may have settled within or near the property.
4. Tight-Fitting Doors and Windows
As termites consume wood and create tunnels, they compromise the structural integrity of door and window frames, causing them to warp. This damage can make doors and windows difficult to open or close.
If doors and windows suddenly become hard to operate, it could be due to underlying damage. While seasonal humidity changes can also cause wood to swell, it’s important to rule out these pests as a potential cause.
5. Bubbling or Uneven Paint
Termites produce moisture as they tunnel through wood, which can cause paint to bubble, crack, or appear uneven. If you notice changes in the paint surface that can’t be explained by water damage or age, these pests might be to blame.
Peeling back the affected paint could reveal tunnels or other signs of an infestation beneath the surface.
6. Small Piles of Sawdust or Frass
Frass, or droppings, is often mistaken for sawdust. Drywood species, in particular, produce frass as they consume wood, pushing it out of their tunnels. These small piles are typically found near the infestation site, such as around wooden beams, windowsills, or baseboards.
The presence of frass is one of the clearest indicators of pest activity and should not be ignored.
7. Unexplained Cracks in Walls or Ceilings
Significant structural damage caused by these pests may manifest as cracks in walls, ceilings, or even the foundation. These cracks can be subtle and easily mistaken for normal settling.
However, if new cracks appear or existing ones worsen, especially in a home you’re considering buying, further investigation is warranted.
8. Clicking Noises in Walls
Believe it or not, you might hear these pests before you see them. Soldier termites bang their heads against walls or shake their bodies to signal danger to the rest of the colony. This can produce a faint clicking or rustling sound within the walls. If you hear these noises, especially in a quiet room, it could indicate an infestation.
Protecting Your Investment
Before finalising the purchase of a property, it’s essential to conduct a thorough inspection by a professional. A qualified inspector can confirm the presence of pests and assess the extent of any damage.
If an infestation is detected, you may be able to negotiate a lower purchase price or require the seller to carry out necessary treatments and repairs.
Even after purchasing a home, it is crucial to ensure your property remains free of these pests. Regular visual termite inspections are an effective way to catch infestations early and prevent extensive damage.Infestations can cause significant damage to a property, but early detection can save you from costly repairs.
If you’re in the process of buying a home or suspect a termite problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for a comprehensive inspection. Your future home’s integrity may depend on it.
Call us on 0488 885 203 or Order an Inspection.
FAQ
1. What are the most common signs of a termite infestation?
The most common signs include hollow-sounding wood, mud tubes on walls or foundations, discarded wings near windows or doors, tight-fitting doors and windows, bubbling or uneven paint, small piles of sawdust (frass), unexplained cracks in walls or ceilings, and clicking noises in walls. These signs indicate that the pests may be present and actively damaging the structure of your home.
2. How much damage can termites cause to a home?
If left untreated, these pests can cause extensive damage to a home. They feed on wood and other cellulose materials, which can weaken the structural integrity of a building. Over time, they can cause thousands of dollars in damage, including compromised support beams, floorboards, and walls. In severe cases, this damage can make a home unsafe to live in and require extensive repairs.
3. How can I prevent termites from infesting my home?
To prevent an infestation, it’s important to eliminate any sources of moisture and food that might attract them. This includes repairing leaks, ensuring proper drainage around the foundation, removing wood debris from around your home, and keeping firewood stored away from the house. Regular inspections by a professional can also help detect early signs of infestation and prevent significant damage.
4. Are termite treatments safe for pets and children?
Most modern treatments are designed to be safe for pets and children when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Professionals typically use termiticides that are applied in a way that minimises exposure to people and animals. However, it’s always a good idea to discuss any concerns with your pest control provider before treatment begins and follow any safety guidelines provided.
5. How often should I have a termite inspection done on my property?
It is generally recommended to have an inspection done at least once a year, especially if you live in an area prone to these pests. Regular inspections help detect any signs of infestation early before they can cause significant damage. If you’ve had an infestation in the past or your home is in a high-risk area, more frequent inspections may be necessary.
