Termites are silent destroyers. By the time you notice obvious damage, they may have already caused thousands of dollars in structural repairs. If you own a home or investment property in Newcastle or Lake Macquarie, early detection is key to avoiding major headaches.
Here are the top five warning signs of a termite infestation you should never ignore:
1. Hollow-Sounding Timber
Tap on your skirting boards, window frames, or floorboards. If they sound hollow, like paper or cardboard, termites may have eaten away the internal structure while leaving the outer shell intact.
Pro tip: If timber sounds hollow, don’t probe or break it open. Book an inspection instead.
2. Mud Tubes or Mud Trails
Termites build pencil-sized mud tubes to travel between their nest and your timber. These are often found:
- Along the side of your home’s foundation
- Inside garages or subfloors
- Behind walls or retaining areas
These tubes protect termites from light and predators while maintaining humidity.
3. Blistered or Bubbling Paint
Do you notice bubbles or blisters in your paintwork that look like water damage? It could actually be termites eating away underneath.
This happens when termites produce moisture as they digest wood, causing paint to warp or swell, especially around windowsills, doors, or skirting boards.
4. Tight-Fitting Doors and Windows
Termite damage can cause wood to warp, making doors and windows suddenly hard to open or close. If your frames feel tight or jammed for no clear reason, it’s worth investigating further.
5. Discarded Wings or Flying Termites
Flying termites (known as alates) are winged termites that leave the colony to start new ones. They often appear after rain or in warm, humid weather, like we see across Newcastle.
You may find piles of discarded wings near windowsills, sliding doors, or light fixtures. This is a clear sign of a mature colony nearby.
What To Do If You Suspect Termite Activity
If you notice any of these signs, do not spray or disturb the area, this can cause termites to retreat deeper into the structure. Instead:
Call a licensed pest professional to conduct a thorough termite inspection using tools like radar, thermal imaging, and moisture detection.
At Elite Building & Pest Services, we specialise in:
- Termite inspections with a written digital report
- Chemical and baiting treatment systems
- Ongoing termite protection plans
We proudly service Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and surrounding suburbs.
Book Your Termite Inspection Today
Don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Early action can save you thousands.
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- admin@elitebps.com.au
- Servicing Newcastle, Kotara, Warners Bay, Cameron Park and more