Signs of termite damage!

Obvious mudding and damage in a wall - Note the depressed section around the mud where the termites have eaten out the plasterboard.

If you see mudding around an architrave or wall, then you probably have termites! It may not be as obvious as this, so that's why it's good to get regular inspections. Usually, when the termites are this obvious, there is a fair bit of damage done underneath.

Termites may cause mudding on the wall like this in preparation for a colonising flight. The termite colony releases many winged reproductives called alates. These are usually dispatched from a higher location on a mild evening during the spring and summer months, typically when there is high ambient humidity. So if you see many of these swarming inside your house, you know that the colony has already found it's way in!

Laundry woes

Termite mudding behind a tap in a laundry.

A good termite inspection will reveal damage and infestations which may not be obvious. In this instance, there was little visible evidence of termites until a little more investigation revealed termites in behind the laundry wall. Often, looking behind easily removable fittings can make a difference between a quick and thorough inspection! Whilst. There was moisture discovered, further investigation confirmed it was a termite infestation.

Treated timbers - use them correctly!

A treated pine frame with termites throughout.

Treated timbers are a great way of preventing damage to timbers in service, however, not all treatments are created equal. 

Here is a picture of a piece of treated pine frame that was infested with termites in less than 18 months. The problem? It was in constant contact with moist soil, this timber was not designed to withstand this kind of environment. 

Looks pretty - the termites think it too!

Heavy foliage against buildings is surprisingly common.

Having plants up against your home can be a large contributing factor to attracting termites for several reasons.

1. Plants need water, and so do termites. Having plants that need water against your home only adds to the problem of attracting termites, just having the extra foliage allows moisture to remain longer right next to your home. 
2. Termites feed on cellulose in timber and plant material, having this material in any quantity near your home adds as a further attractant.
3. Having a sheltered area that is concealed makes it even harder to find termites, if you have to attack your garden with a machete like you're travelling through the amazon jungle before you find part of your home, then the termites may be in the home for a while before anyone discovers it, like some lost Amazonian tribe... 

And finally, wood rot needs persistently moist conditions and rotting wood is not only an attractant, but is a problem in itself.

So try to keep your home free from those friendly climbing plants, and you'll be discouraging termites.

Pick up that piece of wood!

Termites eating out a piece of wood in a garden.

This clearly demonstrates why it's important to keep your garden areas clear of timber sitting on the ground. It's important not to store timber where termites can easily find it, as it attracts termites to the area. The next stop could easily be your house!

Signs to look for - mudding on landscaping timbers

Landscaping timbers that are in contact with the ground are always a potential attractant for termites, especially untreated timbers such as these old railway sleepers. The termite mud galleries are clearly visible from the face of these sleepers. Keep an eye out for these mud shelter tubes not only on landscaping timbers, but also on the exterior walls, trees and any other timbers in contact with the ground in your garden.

Hidden damage.

Sometimes termite damage is extremely hard to detect, as you can clearly see in this picture. The underlay material under this linoleum flooring was significantly damaged by termites, whilst there was little evidence on the external surfaces, a careful inspection found the damage, then the entry point was located.

Termite bar and grill.

How to reduce conducive conditions to termite infestation.

A downpipe draining against a building, it's like a pub with free beer for termites!

Often when we find termites in a house, it's no surprise what we find outside. Termites need not only food but moisture to survive, so if there is a place near a building where there is a good constant supply of moisture, it will most likely attract termites there. That's exactly what happened in this instance. Upon discovering the termite entry point inside the house, it was no surprise to find that this downpipe was constantly dripping water against the house.

Here's a great free tip on reducing your homes attractiveness to termites. Remove any water sources that could be leaking against the structure. Ensure all leaking taps are repaired and that all your downpipes are connected properly.

Other things to look out for include hot water units and air conditioner overflows.