A termite infestation can do more than just destroy your home’s structural integrity; it can also lead to all sorts of other problems, ranging from the unsightly to the downright dangerous. Luckily, no matter how long you’ve had termites in your home, there are lots of ways to get rid of them quickly and safely. For more information about how these creatures can affect your property, read on!
What are Termites?
So what are termites, exactly? Termites are wood-eating insects that can cause extreme damage to your property if left unchecked. They’re often called silent destroyers because they aren’t detectable until significant damage has been done to a home or other building. In fact, 80% of homes in Australia have been affected by termite infestation—and you could be next! To help protect yourself against these pests, it’s important to understand how termites come into contact with your house and how they eat away at it. It also helps to learn about some common ways people find out about their presence on their property so you can keep an eye out for telltale signs of an infestation. If you suspect that your home may be at risk of termite damage, it’s important to take action immediately to protect your investment. Call Ivey’s Carpet Cleaning and Pest Control today on 0428 420 667 or fill out our quote form for a free quote!
Causes of Termites
It’s important to understand that termites aren’t actually a singular insect, but rather a group of several dozen different types of insects. Because there are so many different types, they have a range of methods for getting into and damaging property. The most common type seen in Australia is one called subterranean termite, which feeds on dead plant matter. These subterranean termites will cause an average of $1 billion in damage per year—nearly 2% of Australia’s total building value. Due to how expensive these termites can be, it’s wise to know how you can avoid them; though no barrier will 100% prevent your house from being damaged by termites.
Signs of Termites
There are two main signs of termite damage, so knowing what to look for can help you identify whether or not your property has been affected. The first is obvious—if you see swarmers in your home, there’s a high chance that you have a termite infestation. However, many homeowners don’t realize that empty swarmers mean a termite infestation as well. Swarmers only leave an area if there aren’t enough resources, meaning that once they leave an area, there aren’t enough food sources left for them to survive. Seeing several hundred swarmers outside your house means you need professional pest control services right away! You should also conduct regular checks on your property every year or so. This way, if any hidden damage arises, you can act on it right away. Most experts recommend checking certain areas around your house at least monthly: Inspect under porches, patios, decks and especially stairs as these are prime areas for sneaky termite nests. Check any rotting timbers, as well as close up joints between woodwork or walls that may have been damaged by water leaks over time. In particular check corners as that’s where most termite damage starts. Finally, keep an eye out for muddy tunnels along walls and floors; these indicate where termites have eaten away at drywall or other materials in order to get at water and wood beneath it. If you notice any of these things, it might be time to call in a professional. Here at Ivey’s Carpet Cleaning and Pest Control we offer termite inspection and treatment in the entire Fraser Coast region including Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Tiaro and surrounds.
What Do I Do If I Have Termites?
Unfortunately, termites are a fairly common household pest. The good news is that they’re fairly easy to spot once you know what to look for—and early detection is critical because they spread quickly and can cause major damage before you even realize it. Make sure you keep an eye out for signs of infestation; if you think there’s an issue with termites in your home, contact your local Fraser Coast pest control company immediately. It is important to get termites under control as soon as possible as they could have already caused damage without you even knowing.
Call Us Now!
Whether you’re a homeowner or a property manager, it’s best to catch termite damage early. Ivey’s Carpet Cleaning and Pest Control can spot signs of termite infestation before they get out of hand and cause any major structural damage to your home or business. Call us now on 0428 420 667 or fill in our quote form for a FREE quote. We service the entire Fraser Coast region including Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Tiaro and surrounds. We offer carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, pest control, termite inspection & treatment and building & pest inspections.