Termite infestations may jeopardise a home’s structural stability and inflict thousands of dollars in damage without anybody knowing. The insects can often go undetected for months or years, and the damage is only discovered after wood structural damage occurs.

Termites frequently eat through the wood to obtain their nutrients, which means the wood will no longer hold together when the termites move on. Wood damaged by termites is a good place for mould to grow and may have hazardous effects on the family’s health.

It is essential to be aware of the signs of termite infestation to avoid structural damage and protect your family’s health. You must spot their presence early on in your property before things get worse.

Here are four clear indicators of a termite infestation in your home:

1. Appearance of Muddy Tubes

Termites create mud tubes to facilitate their movement around the wood in your home. The lines are built so termites can easily travel from their underground colony to the wood they eat. 

Termites create tubes in straight lines, and they can make the walls or floors look like they have been lined with fresh cement. They are very cautious when building their mud tubes, and they can quickly repair any breaks or breaches. This is an indication of a termite infestation in your home.

2. Sagging in the Floors & Walls

Termites tend first to attack softwood floors and the wooden studs in your house. As the wood breaks down, it moves more quickly. The termite simply moves to another section of wood that the wood is still intact to continue to feed.

This causes the wood to sag, and the walls and floors may appear to have cracks in the plaster or paint.

3. Swelling & Cracking of Wood

Wood is made up of rigid cellulose fibres, and a protective layer of lignin covers the outer layers. Termites will chemically dissolve the lignin to access the timber and physically eat the wood. This causes the wood to swell, and you will notice cracks in the wood.

Termites are attracted to wood that is already cracked, and they will begin to eat that wood to gain cellulose fibres. They need water to complete their digestive process. If wood is too dry, they will move on to a portion that is easier to digest and has more moisture. This can make them target your plumbing and damp areas.

4. Saw Dust on the Floor

The termites create sawdust as they chew through the wood. You may notice sawdust on your Floor if you look closely. It can be easy to miss, but it is a good indication that you may have a moisture problem and could have a termite infestation in your home.

Conclusion 

It is essential to be aware of the signs of termite infestation to prepare appropriately. The termites can cause damage to wood and other structures in your home, which makes them challenging to treat. When unchecked, it can lead to several complications with your home. Unfortunately, termite infestations can be problematic and are best handled by a professional termite control company.

A professional termite control company can easily take preventative measures to avoid a full-on termite infestation in your home.

If you’re located on the Sunshine Coast and need termite control services, Benchmark Pest Solutions is here for you! Our quality pest control service is guaranteed to eliminate your insect problems, while our protection services make sure your home is always protected. Contact us now!