How Often Should You Have Your Home Inspected for Termites?

Termites are social insects that live in colonies (that can become very large) and can cause serious damage to your home. They feed on cellulose, which is found in materials such as wood, paper and cardboard – and yes, some species of termite can attack your furniture, too. It’s estimated that one in five houses in Sydney is under attack by termites at any given time.

If you are living in Sydney, it’s wise to regularly check for signs of termites as nests can form quickly and grow to a large size without being noticed. Routine termite inspections can save you from a lot of trouble.

Termite attacks

You may not be able to notice a termite attack until it becomes very evident, at which point, a significant amount of damage may have been done to your home. Here are some signs that you should look out for:

• Discarded wings around windowsills and other sources of daylight
• Cracks and bubbling in the paint on your walls and woodwork
• Very thin mud tubes on the walls or any part of the house where wood is close to the ground.

Termites chew through wood and hollow it out from the inside, so you can detect termite infestation by tapping the wood around your home – if it sounds hollow, then termites may have found their way inside. It’s probably time to contact Pink Pest Services for a professional inspection that can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

Benefits of a professional inspection

Termites may go undiscovered in your home for a long time unless you know the small signs to look for. That’s why having a termite inspection every 12 months is the best way to protect your investment.

Termite inspectors will look for insects and organisms that destroy wood (not just termites, but wood borers too). Termites love moisture, so an inspector will look particularly closely around bathrooms and kitchens. Improper ventilation in these areas may increase the chances of termite attack. Your attic should also be examined for termites – their discarded wings may be found in spider webs, another sign of their presence.

Termites tend to avoid bright light and open air and mostly remain hidden. They can usually be found either in their nest or travelling in the mud tubes they build to connect the nest with their food sources. Did you know that inappropriate drainage systems and direct contact of wooden structures with the earth increases the risk of termite infestation? This is why you shouldn’t leave piles of wood stacked close to your house during winter.

Inspection of your property once a year may work in areas where the termite attack ratio is very low. However, it is recommended that your property be inspected for termites at least twice a year in higher risk areas such as Sydney. Conducting an inspection less frequently, such as once every two years, may be dangerous because a single termite queen can lay thousands of eggs in one day. Since termites can expand their colony at a rapid rate, they can easily damage large portions of your house within a two year timeframe.

If you do have termites, then your insurance may not cover the damage caused unless you can show that you’ve had inspections carried out each year. So instead of leaving your precious investment at risk, it makes sense to opt for regular termite inspections of your property to make sure that it is protected.

For more information or to arrange an inspection contact Pink Pest Services on 1300 132 062 or contact us online.