If you do not know what you are looking for during termite inspections of your property, then the best thing you can do is to call in a professional pest control company to help you. Some of the tell-tale signs of a termite infestation developing are difficult to spot until the matter has got out of control and their numbers have grown. So, if you want to avoid an extensive termite infestation of your entire property, then it is always best to approach inspections with a degree of caution by seeking expert help. Regardless of this, it is possible to conduct your own termite inspections if you know what to look out for. What should you be keeping an eye out for?
Nest-Building by Old Wood
Firstly, subterranean termites will tend to favour sites beneath the ground which have rotting wood on top of them. They like this because root balls, tree stumps and fallen tree trunks all tend to offer some protection from above while also supplying food to the colony. Have a look for any disturbed earth you can spot in the vicinity of rotting wood, including pounds of firewood. The primary sites that termites will opt for are usually close to a pond or stream where they can obtain water. Therefore, prioritise your inspections in such locations.
Damage to Timbers
If you are looking for the presence of drywood termites around your property, then you need to look for small boreholes in your woodwork. Again, your termite inspections should focus on older timbers which tend to be favoured by these insects. Check your shed and other outbuildings for the presence of termites by looking for small, round holes. If it looks like somebody has been throwing darts into your joists and weatherboarding, then it is probably a sign that termites are present. Another thing to look out for during your termite inspection is paint that is bubbling up from beneath. This can indicate that the wood under the paint has been hollowed out by termites chewing their way through it.
Listen for Clicks
Finally, it is worth mentioning that termites tend to make clicking noises when they are left undisturbed. If you hear this noise when you enter a room at night but the sound stops as soon as you switch an electrical appliance on, then it is likely you have a termite infestation that will need to be dealt with immediately.
Contact a termite inspection service near you if you need more help.