Termites may be tiny in size but they can cause astronomical damages if undetected early. Unsurprisingly, these wood-devouring destroyers can compromise the integrity of any wooden structure silently. Besides, termites are credited for damaging other important non-structural items including carpets, furniture, paneling, and drywall. Other effects of termite infestation include crumbling wood trims, sagging floors, loose tiles and bubbling paint among others. The best way homeowners can avert costly termite’s damages is by investing in termite inspection. The beauty of hiring a fully certified and qualified termite inspector is that it reduces the risks of costly damages and a guaranteed thorough termite inspection exercise.
Taking proactive measures can make your life much easier as far as termite detection is concerned. Common signs of termite infiltration that can be detected through a well-conducted professional termite inspection include:
How to Detect Signs of Termites
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Flying termites
Many homeowners normally overlook the need for termite inspection due to ignorance which can prove to be a costly mistake in the long run. Homeowners should always be on the lookout for possible flying termites within their premises. Usually, flying termites comprises of lonely females and males who are looking for mates. After finding their mates, these winged insects start discarding their wings in readiness for the formation of new colonies. Flying termites and discarded wings are common during rainy seasons. Call your local termite inspector or terminator to eliminate the threat early lest you regret it later.
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Presence of mud tubes
Have you ever seen weird muddy looking formations on your home’s surfaces? Well, you may need to seek the services of a good termite controller. Mud tubes are usually a crystal clear sign of possible termite infestation. Sometimes, it is extremely difficult to spot termites since they mostly like nesting in concrete foundations, underneath flooring surfaces, baseboards, and sidings. It takes the keen and experienced eye of a professional home inspector to locate an underground termite’s nest. Disadvantages of termite infestation include health hazards, blocked out air circulation, and costly repairs.
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Quiet clicking sounds
Termites have a reputation for their silent headbanging sounds. Headbanging is usually done by soldier termites as a unique way of signaling danger to the colony. Worker termites, on the other hand, spend most of their time munching away your woodwork. These tiny sensitive creatures can detect noises or vibrations from a distance using their antennae. A recent study by a group of scientists from Australia’s CSIRO discovered that little creatures can effectively detect the size of any piece of wood through vibrations.
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Blistering and tunnels in wood flooring
Whilst it is almost impossible to detect tunnels in wood without the right equipment such as infrared detectors, electronic odor detectors, sound detectors, microwaves, and borescopes, hiring a good termite inspection expert can make all the difference. Blisters on wood flooring should be a clear sign and evidence of termite infestation. Take all the necessary actions to eradicate termites before they cause havoc on your structure.
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Hollowed, papery or damaged wood
Termites tend to chew wood internally without being detected. As a result of their silent destruction, these pests leave traces of damage wherever they go. Chewing away at wood is the best way of foraging without being discovered leading to extreme structural damage. Fortunately, tracing the source of termites at an early stage can be a game-changer for any homeowner.
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Dry wood/frass-termite droppings
Another interesting indicator of a termite infestation is the presence of frass-termite or dry wood termite droppings. Any good termite inspector should be quick to point out possible dark powdery small black marks around where a possible termite infestation nest exists without further complications. Be on the lookout for sawdust-like mounds of pellets in wood.
Conclusion
Just because you hardly see any signs of termite infestation doesn’t necessarily mean they are absent. They may go unnoticed until serious structural damage occurs unexpectedly. For safety and convenience, scheduling your free termite inspection booking is highly recommendable.
