Identifying termite galleries.

Evidence of termite damage is often visible before significant damage is done, obviously this depends on the type of timber, structure and termites that are infesting the property, however, with some familiarisation, you'll be able to pick up termite damage, hopefully before too much damage is done. 😊

Evidence of termite activity is clearly visible due to the mudding behind the studs and top plates of this cottage. 

You can clearly see how the termites have made it all the way to the roof trusses.

Although the mud gallery has been removed (this damage was done years before) you can clearly see the signs of termite damage. This spotting and staining on the surface are signs of termite activity, although it has not caused any structural damage to the timber. 

As you can see, if you become familiar with signs of termite activity, you have the knowledge of being able to detect activity yourself before too much damage occurs. Whilst we always recommend you get an insured professional to do a termite inspection in accord with AS3660 at least every 12 Months, it's great to have this knowledge as you might just pick up the evidence before your next inspection was due....

Moisture in subfloors.

Part of a good termite inspection will involve an inspection and report on subfloor conditions. Termites and other timber pests (including wood rot) need moisture to survive. So it's important to know if your subfloor is wet or if there are moisture problems, things such as leaking pipes or overflows need to be reported on to make sure your property is at least risk of timber pests. 

Steel rusting from the high moisture in the subfloor.

Wood rotting due to extremely high constant moisture in the subfloor.

Subfloor covering

Access to the subfloor area of a house is vital for a proper termite inspection. More often than not, if there is a termite infestation then there will be evidence in the subfloor. Not only that, but anything that might be inviting termites into the building will probably be evident in the subfloor (Think leaking pipes and random bits of timber stored in the subfloor)

This garden area not only restricts access to the subfloor, but the plants and decaying organic matter is like a billboard inviting the termites in!

There's little hope of doing a good termite inspection with this much foliage! (And a greater chance of finding termites!)

Not only do the plants against the building compromise the building, but having the timber in the garden makes a great appetizer for the termites before they make it inside.

This subfloor opening was ONLY JUST big enough!

Ant capping - how does it work?

This ant capping actually did it's job, making sure the termites are visible.

It's often thought that Ant capping will keep termites out of a building, unfortunately it doesn't quite work that way. Ant capping prevents termites entering undetected, rather than stopping them completely. This is why regular inspections are important, not checking ant capping regularly is like having a security camera that is never looked at, it's not going to be of any use unless it's actively used!

Read our detailed blog post on how ant capping here.

Read Posts on all things Ant Capping.

Wood rot - timber in garden areas.

A rotting landscaping timber - due to constant moisture being present.

Quite often, wood rot is overlooked as a timber pest. But fungal decay can be a great cause of timber damage, as well as a sign that timbers are susceptible to termite attack.

It's important that any timber that is in ground contact is treated, and if it's not in ground contact that it's sealed. Otherwise it will easily rot especially if the climate or environment around the timber allows a constant supply of high ambient moisture to feed the fungus.

His timber post wasn't even in contact with the soil, but it's exposure to the elements have allowed it to rot significantly.  

Extensive damage - often concealed!

Extensive termite workings, the termites made themselves right at home, then invited all their friends and family over for an all you can eat buffet....

Termites make themselves right at home in yours. This infestation was an extensive one, with large amounts of damage done to structural timbers on this house. Interestingly (or maybe not so much) the extent of the damage was only fully realised after the plaster board was removed and the frames visually inspected.

Potential problems..waiting to happen.

Building using recycled materials certainly makes ecological sense, however, they need to be understood so as to be used most effectively. Used railway sleepers are often used in new building work, but they are usually not treated and can also be a problem when attached to a building. It's best to avoid using any recycled susceptible timber if it comes into contact with the ground.

A retaining wall/landscaping timber attached to a building, causing a potential breaching point for termites. 

These timbers will negatively impact both a physical and chemical barrier.

Why regular inspections are important.

Termite Mud tubs in a subfloor space.

Regular termite inspections are an important part of any home maintenance program, as can be seen by this photo. The homeowner was getting a regular inspection when these mud tubes were noticed with termites building them up. This indicated that termites were living in the subfloor and it would only be a matter of time before they would find their way into the timber of the house.