Termites: The silent destroyers of Homes
Termites cause millions of dollars in property damage every year in Australia. Often called "white ants" (though they're not ants at all!), termites feed on timber and other cellulose materials, quietly and undetected.
Unlike cockroaches or ants, termites rarely make themselves visible until damage is already significant.
Signs you may have Termites
Because termites work from the inside out, early detection is crucial.
Look for:
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Hollow-sounding timber. Tap on door frames or skirting boards.
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Mud tubes along walls or foundations. Pencil-width from internal damage.
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Tight-fitting doors or windows. Warped timber from internal damage.
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Discarded wings near windows or doors. After swarming
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Blistered or bubbling paint. Moisture from termite activity.
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Sagging floors or ceilings. Advanced structural damage.
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Why Termites are so Dangerous
Termites:
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Work 24/7; they never sleep.
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Can cause significant damage before detection.
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Often aren't covered by standard home insurance.
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Can compromise structural integrity.
A single colony can contain hundreds of thousands to millions of termites.
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What Attracts Termites to Your Home
Understanding risk factors helps in prevention.
Moisture Problems.
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Leaking pipes.
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Poor drainage.
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Blocked gutters.
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Damp subfloors.
Timber Contact with Soil
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Garden beds against walls.
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Timber fences are attached to the house.
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Wooden decking without proper clearance.
Landscaping and Storage
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Firewood is stacked near the home.
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Mulch against foundations.
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Tree stumps in the yard.
Structural Gaps
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Cracks in slab foundations.
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Expansion joints.
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Gaps around plumbing.​
​Fun Fact
Termites are remarkable creatures with several intriguing characteristics:
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For instance, termite queens can live more than 20 years, continuously laying eggs to sustain their colonies.
Australia's Most Destructive Termites: Unseen Threats to Homes and Structures
In Australia, the Giant Northern Termite (Mastotermes darwiniensis) is considered the most destructive termite species due to its ability to damage a wide range of materials, including timber structures, poles, railway sleepers, plant products, paper, leather, and even non-cellulosic materials like plastic insulation and bitumen.
However, its distribution is limited to the tropical regions of northern Australia.
In contrast, Coptotermes acinaciformis is the most economically significant and widespread termite species in Australia, causing extensive damage to buildings and crops nationwide. This species is particularly notorious in regions like Sydney and New South Wales for its aggressive nature and tendency to attack not only timber but also electrical wiring and personal belongings.
Follow these steps to facilitate a comprehensive Timber Pest Inspection.
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Provide accessible and clear access to key areas - i.e. attic and crawl spaces and under sinks.
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Move items away from walls - Move furniture and storage away from the walls to enable inspectors to check baseboards and wall surfaces
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Garage and exterior - Relocate stored items and trim plants or bushes near the home's foundation to allow inspection of the exterior walls.
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Clear the perimeter - Remove debris, woodpiles and other materials adjacent to the exterior walls as these can attract termites and obstruct the inspection.
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Inform the inspector of problem areas - Share signs of termite activity you've noticed, such as blistered wood, mud tubes, or discarded wings, to help focus the inspection.
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Ensure the property is dry - Avoid cleaning or watering immediately before the inspection, as wet areas can hinder accurate assessment.
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Secure pets: Keep pets in a safe location away from inspection areas to prevent interference and ensure their safety.​​​​​​​​​​
