Termite infestations cause damage to thousands of South African homes and businesses every year. Due to their behavior and habits, they’re often difficult to detect until the damage has already been done.
There are however, some telltale signs that could alert you to the presence of these wood destroying pests around your property. Here they are:
Flying Termite Alates
What you may think are flying ants swarming around your yard during rainy season could actually be flying termites. When a nest is ready to start a new colony, usually when the humidity is high, winged male and female termites, called Alates, will take to the skies to reproduce and go on to establish new colonies. The main difference between flying ants and flying termites is that flying ants don’t shed their wings – so if you find discarded wings lying around, it could be a sign that there is a mature termite colony around.
Mud Trails
Mud tubes leading up the sides of buildings are just one type of structural evidence left behind by termites. These pencil-sized tubes are built-up by termites as they move from their nest to their food source to keep them protected as well as to block out cool, dry air.
Blistering Wood
Uneven or bubbling on wooden flooring, skirting boards or door frames is often a sign of moisture build up which could indicate water damage from heavy rains – or it could indicate and underlying termite problem.
Hollowed or Damaged Wood
Termites eat wood from the inside out. If knocking on wood produces a hollow sound, or if you notice visible signs of damage to wood structures, this could signify a termite infestation.
Frass
Drywood termites produce wood-coloured droppings (frass) as they eat through infested wood which get pushed out of their tunnels. If you find a small pile of what looks like pellets or course sand inside or outside your property, it could be a sign of a drywood termite infestation.
If you suspect a termite infestation, the best thing you can do is contact a professional pest control company to inspect your property and put in place a termite treatment plan as quickly as possible.
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