Subterranean termites are crafty creatures that can infiltrate your house without your knowledge and start eating away at your precious investment. Indeed, according to the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association, termites may cause an average of $10,000 worth of damage to the average house. Your property may be at increased risk if it is older and may include a softer type of timber as part of its construction frame. So, what do you need to know about these pests, and what can you do if they are already there?

Exploring the World of the Termite

There are many different termite types in Australia. One of the most voracious spends most of its time underground and may have a nest far from your actual property. These underground nests may be substantial and will be linked to your property by underground mud tunnels. Foraging termites will spread out from the nest in search of new food, and when they get to the boundary of your house will look for the tiniest crack so they can enter. Once inside, they make a beeline for the timber frame and will treat that as the colony's new source of food.

Eating with Impunity

Termites love dark and moist environments but can eat their way through timber joists and beams with impunity once they get in. As time goes by, this can cause significant destruction while the owner remains blissfully unaware.

Finding Flying Termites

If you're lucky, the termites may give you some indication of their presence. At certain times of the year, termites grow wings and may come out into the light to look for mates or new food sources. They may burrow through the drywall into a bedroom or living room but not get very far and quickly die on or around windowsills. You may notice their wings which are many times larger than the rest of the body and wonder what is going on. With some research, you may identify those leftovers as alates (reproductive stage termites) and realise that you need to take action.

Bringing in the Experts

Get on the phone with pest control experts, and they will have a closer look at your property. They will know where to search to confirm termite presence and then put in place a plan to exterminate. You may also need baiting stations or other exterior methods to ensure the termites do not make a meal out of your home again.

Contact a pest control service for more termite treatment solutions.