Thriving Termite Conditions: Is Your Home at Risk?

It is summer and conditions are ripe for termite swarming.  Is your home at risk?  Odds are that the answer is yes; about one-third of homes in Australia experience termites.  In fact, termites cause more damage each year than the top three natural disasters combined.  That means even if you think your home is safe from termites, your home is probably not wholly safe from termites.

Termites Are More Active in Summer

Termites are more active in the summer months; from late spring into the summer is when termites get moving, looking for other homes. It is also important to note that termites are not dormant the rest of the year. Termites are alive, present, and active year-round in their nests and destroying wood sources in or near those nests. Therefore termites are concerning for homeowners, as even if you have not previously had a termite problem, you could develop one.

Termite Activity Is Not Always Visible

While termites are more likely to engage in visible activity like termite swarms in the warmer months, that does not mean that they will always be visible.  Termites are more likely to be active at night.  They are also more active when it is rainy or moist outside.  During these peak foraging times, a termite nest can forage up to an acre of land.  This means that termites may be destroying your wood without you even realising it.

In addition to looking for termites, you should be on the lookout for signs of termites.  Some of these signs include:

• Mud tubes
• Piles of wings
• Termite droppings

Termites Can Do Significant Damage Before They Are Detected

If you are not on the lookout for termite damage, they can do a lot before you spot them.  Many people think of termite damage as wood with holes in it.  However, most termite damage occurs below the surface of the wood. Therefore, you could have a lot of termite damage and not notice it until the wood is structurally unsound.  Using an exterminating company with experience in timber pests to regularly inspect your property can help you spot damage before it becomes a hazard.

Contact the Pros

Does this sound intimidating? It should. Termite damage can be costly. Fortunately, at Flick we offer a number of home protection plans designed to detect, treat, and prevent termite infestations. From regular inspections to treatment plans designed to eradicate your termite problem, we can tailor a solution that is just right for you.