7 signs your Brisbane home may have termites

7 signs your Brisbane home may have termites

Termites are estimated to infest around 180,000 homes in Australia each year. These near-silent little pests are difficult to spot but if left unattended will munch through the timbers of your home causing structural damage and wiping thousands off its value. 

So in this blog post, we are going to look at the 7 signs of termite infestation. Spot any of these in your Brisbane home and it's time to arrange a visit from your local Brisbane pest inspector


1. Weakened timbers

Weakened timbers are the first sign of a problem. Termites eat through the timber from the inside out so an infestation will not be immediately obvious. But uneven or squeaky floorboards, warped timber or cracks in the wall screed are all signs of a problem. If the timber crumbles when you apply light pressure, it's time to call your local pest inspector. 


2. A strong smell of mould

Termites like damp and humid conditions. They tend to congregate where mould grows, such as the bathroom and kitchen. As they munch through the timbers they spread mould as they go. So check the strength and integrity of any timber which is showing signs of damp or mould. 


3. The sound of clicking in the walls

Termites are almost silent but they do make two telltale signs which betray their presence. Soldier ants make a clicking noise when they sense danger to warn the rest of the colony. While worker ants make a crunching noise as they much through the timbers. Put your ear to the wall of any area you think may be infected and listen for these sounds. 


4. A build-up of discarded wings

If you find discarded wings close to windows it is a sure sign you have a termite problem. Mature adult termites grow wings to leave the nest. The problem is termites are not very good flyers and have poor vision which causes them to crash into windows. Once crashed the wings fall off and the now wingless termites seek to make a new home. So if you find a pile of discarded wings close to the window, don't delay, it's time to give us a call on 07 3036 5209. 


5. The presence of 'frass'

The presence of termite droppings or 'frass' is a sure sign of infestation. Frass is a dark powdery substance which looks like sawdust. It is often found close to any infestation area usually on window sills or around the edges of the room. 


6. Your windows are difficult to open

Windows which are difficult to open may be infested by termites. As the worker termites much through the timber it becomes weakened and distorted. So carefully check suspect windows for other the infestation signs mentioned here. 


7. Swarms of termites

Flying termites are the most obvious sign of termite infestation. Termites fly when they are ready to leave the nest and form a new colony. So flying termites may be a sign of an existing infestation or the beginning of a new one. Either way, you need to get to the bottom of the problem and nip it in the bud before it gets any worse.


If you think your Brisbane home is infested with termites. Give our team a call on 07 3036 5209 and we'll arrange for one of our local pest inspectors to carry out a full pest inspection survey. Alternatively, use our online booking form here.

If an infestation is found we'll arrange quick and easy rectification at low cost without any hidden fees.