Perhaps you’ve spotted something unusual or suspicious within your residence or garden and you’re suspecting that it might be termites? Or maybe you just want to know a bit more about termite evidence so that you can keep a vigil for any of the marks they leave.
The issue with termite evidence is that it generally is too late once you can actually spot termite evidence on the outside of your home. Obviously, the more you can know and see about termite evidence, the more likely you are to identify the problem at the earliest stage possible. So if you find yourself on the lookout for termite evidence, then here are a few tips and factors you should keep an eye out for
Termite Evidence within the House
Termites do their utmost to remain undercover while chewing their tasty meal. Thus they eat wood from the inside out which implies that frequently you won’t see termite evidence in the form of chewed up timber or on the exterior of woodwork. The termite evidence you’ll find or can look out for would be:
– Blistering pain or possibly a discolouration which has the look of water damage, this can also be a sign of termite activity. Because termites use their saliva to build their tunnels while they’re eating – thus where there’s moisture, you might find termites.
– Wood that appears to be ‘sinking’ under pressure – the interior of the wood could be hollowed out, which compromises the structure, and almost unquestionably points to termite activity.
– Mud tubes, occasionally known as ‘leads’ – they are built by the termites (working with saliva and soil) as a means of secure travel beneath your home to and from their colony. This is certainly termite evidence, however, not necessarily evidence of an active infestation.
– Damaged wood that has a honeycombed look to it has usually been eaten by termites; nevertheless, if you do find this kind of evidence without any actual termites, it could be the remains of a previous infestation and not an active termite colony.
Places where you can find termite evidence:
Beneath your house, in the loft or attic, in storerooms and maybe within disused cupboards as well as places where a water leak has occurred as the moist residue within the wood would attract termites.
External Termite Evidence
Outside your dwelling, termite evidence can be particularly difficult to spot and identify, especially in the event that the termite colony isn’t on your actual property or premises – having said that, termite evidence would be easiest to identify where they are entering or exiting your premises, so keep an eye on exterior walls which might have cracks, door frames and near window frames.
What kind of termite evidence will you see? Usually, you’ll spot tiny mud tubes rising up from the ground and entering the property via the crack or entry point.
Termite evidence may possibly also be found in the garden – so check wooden fence posts, logs that might be used in landscaping, tree stumps and trunks, heavily mulched ground and wood piles.
If you have identified evidence of termite activity inside your home or on your property, it might not indicate a current problem as it could indicate a previous infestation which has been successfully treated without the actual evidence being removed or destroyed.
Having said thus, any time you do find termite evidence but don’t see termites, it’s still a good idea to do a quick inspection of your premises to make sure there isn’t a termite problem. You might even call your local termite expert just to ask for some advice with regards to looking for evidence. However, if you do find yourself in need of specialist pest control feel free to give us a ring at 0414 267 273 to discuss termite evidence or schedule an appointment. We can also be reached by email at info@bluemountainspestcontrol.com.au