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Termite Facts And Identification

Termites are harmful to humans because they feed on wood and other cellulose-based materials, such as the structural timbers in buildings, furniture, books, and paper products. This feeding behaviour can cause significant damage to homes and other structures, leading to costly repairs.

Additionally, termites can weaken the structural integrity of buildings, making them unsafe for you and your loved ones. Furthermore, termites produce excrement and saliva that can attract other pests and contribute to indoor air pollution. They can also cause electrical and plumbing problems by burrowing into electrical wiring and pipes. As a result, termite infestations can pose financial and health risks to humans.

Luckily, there are preventative measures property owners can take to safeguard their property from termites. To avoid termites on your property, you can follow these steps:

  • Maintain proper ventilation and moisture control in crawl spaces, attics, and basements to reduce the risk of termite infestation.
  • Remove any sources of moisture from your property, such as leaky pipes and clogged gutters, and fix any plumbing problems as soon as they occur.
  • Store firewood, paper, and other cellulose-based materials away from your home and remove any dead or decaying wood from your property.
  • Keep bushes, shrubs, and trees trimmed and away from your home’s foundation to reduce the risk of termites accessing your property.
  • Have a professional conduct a termite inspection of your property at least once a year, especially if you live in an area with a high risk of termite infestations.

At Tom’s Pest Control, we provide expert termite removal services at competitive prices. Our team can handle all types of pest infestation issues, so no matter what termite species gets into your property, our experts can help.

Types of Termites

The most common species attacking Australian homes and offices include:

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Dampwood Termites

These are the largest of all termites that are light to dark brown. The winged termites of this species grow up to 25 mm, and the soldier termites grow up to 20 mm. Dampwood termites have yellow or red streaks on their bodies and huge heads with mandibles for munching on wood. These termites prefer to build colonies in damp wood as they need water and moisture for survival.

Read more about Dampwood Termites
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Drywood Termites

Drywood termites are tiny pests with elongated bodies. Feeding on cellulose from wooden structures in the household, these termites are a homeowner's worst nightmare. They prefer building colonies in dry areas of your property and are likely to be found in attics, window frames, and backboards. The length of reproductive termites is about 11 mm, while soldier termites are about 12 mm.

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Subterranean Termites

These termites are social insects that live in underground colonies or the soil and build nests in or near the ground. They feed on wood and other cellulose-based materials and can cause plenty of damage to buildings and other structures if left unchecked. Subterranean termites are a common pest problem in many parts of the world.

Read more about Subterranean Termites

Where Should I Check for Termites?

To check for termites on your property, you should:

  • Look for signs of swarmers, which are winged reproductive termites that emerge from the colony to mate and start new colonies.
  • Check for mud tubes, which are small tunnels that termites use to travel between their colony and food source.
  • Inspect wooden structures, such as beams, joists, and windowsills, for signs of damage, including hollowed-out or blistering wood and small holes with discarded wings near them.
  • Check for moisture in areas where termites are likely to be present, such as basements, crawl spaces, and around pipes and sinks.

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, have a professional pest control company like ours perform a comprehensive inspection. Our pest control experts will assess the extent of the termite infestation and suggest the most appropriate treatment plan.

Termite Inspection and Control

Termites can grow in numbers quickly, so you must call us the moment you see the first signs of infestation. Our licenced pest controllers will get to your property for a thorough inspection. During this inspection, we will aim to identify the type of termites, the level of infestation, and the damage they have done. Then, we will analyse the situation using advanced methods and create a customised treatment plan for your home or business. Call our pest control experts when you see the first signs of infestation so we can take action immediately.

Book Your Termite Inspection Today

Worried termites will cause extensive damage to your property? Then, speak to our pest control experts for help.