Any homeowner who has ever had to deal with a termite infestation will know how harmful these pests can be. Not only can they cause severe damage to the structure of your home, but they are also incredibly difficult to get rid of. 

With this in mind, many locals use the pest control services Melbourne companies offer to keep these nasty critters at bay. It’s essential to know that early detection and preventive measures are essential to keeping your home termite-free. 

Understanding What Termites Are

Termites are commonly mistaken for ants which means they can go undetected for a considerable amount of time before they are eradicated. By this time, they could have caused significant damage. Avoid this by knowing exactly what termites are. 

Typically, termites are winged insects that feed on wood and other plant material. They are usually a yellow or brown colour and can be found nesting and feeding in colonies in corners of your home. 

Prioritise Termite Inspections

The best way to avoid getting termites on your property is to invest in annual termite inspections. In this process, your pest controller will inspect your property for signs of termites and where necessary, apply specially formulated solutions to prevent an infestation. 

The area where you live and how susceptible your property is to an infestation will determine how many treatments you need. There are several very good reasons why every homeowner should prioritise regular termite inspections. Our experts have listed the most essential. 

Early Detection Prevents Costly Repairs

Not dealing with termites can lead to expensive repairs. This is especially the case when termites each their way through the timber frames in your home’s structure and roof. Experts have shown that significant damage can be done in as little as three months. 

Your pest control agent will inspect different areas of your home for signs of termites and apply specially made solutions. If you live near a field or in an area where homes have been known to have had termites, preventative treatments are essential. In these instances, your pest controller will spray the solution along the fence of your property as well. 

Most Insurance Companies Don’t Cover Termite Damage

You may have home insurance for a whole host of things that can happen at your home. The most common being floods and fires. It’s essential to point out that most Australian insurance companies don’t cover termite damage. This is because termite infestations are regarded as preventable issues that fall under the category of regular property damage. 

If you suffer any damage as a result of termites, you’ll have to carry the cost of the repairs and the pet control. You can avoid this by investing in preventative maintenance which will be considerably more cost effective than dealing with structural damages. 

All Homes are at Risk of Termite Infestations

There’s a common belief that only homes made of timber are at risk of termite infestations. This is untrue and termites can attack homes made of any materials. If your home doesn’t have many timber components, it’s not uncommon for termites to attack furniture, baseboards, floorboards, and even kitchen cabinets. That means that all homes in Melbourne are at risk of termites, making preventative measures essential. 

Maintain Your Property’s Value

Another essential reason to keep your property termite-free is that a clean property can maintain your property’s infestation. Potential buyers may lose interest in a home that shows signs of termite infestation or has broken beams as a result of hundreds of little pests eating away at the wood. Keeping your home termite-free will keep its market value as high as possible. This is essential if you’re planning to sell your home in the foreseeable future. 

Know the Signs

In addition to investing in preventative maintenance, you should also know the signs of termite damage. You’ll then be able to get in touch with your pest controller for treatment sooner than your regular preventative treatment. 

Here’s what you need to look for:

• Sagging or swollen floorboards
• Bite marks on door frames, ceilings and other timber beams
• Mud tubes around your home and property (termites build these to protect themselves from sun and air exposure)
• Hollow-sounding wooden beams or walls
• Discarded, brown or translucent wings (termites lose their wings after finding a mate)
• Termite droppings commonly called frass that resembles pellets or sawdust
• A strange scent similar to mould or mildew
• Windows and doors that are hard to open (this happens when they eat through the wood and the resulting moisture causes the wood to warp)
• Loose tiles (termites living under floor tiles can cause them to lift after a while)

Final Thoughts

Termites are the types of critters that shouldn’t be ignored. You also don’t want them to move into your property before you deal with them. Avoid potential damage to your home and property by investing in annual termite inspections and preventative treatments. When it comes to termites, it’s always better to be prepared!