Home Inspection For White Ants Damage

Termites, commonly referred to as white ants, are a major threat to homes in Australia. White ants cause millions of dollars in structural damage to houses in Australia, making it every homeowner’s worst nightmare. Therefore, white ants pest inspection and control are essential. However, it is a slow process that is difficult to detect. You won’t even notice the presence of termites until they’ve done some significant damage. Unfortunately, it is already worth many dollars when the damage is detected. Look at the numbers. The average termite infestation costs $3,000; each year, the devastation is said to have cost Australia more than $100 million in damages. Regular professional pest control inspections are the best way to ensure timely control of these destructive termite attacks.

What Harm Do Termites Cause To A House?

Termites are frequently seen inside timbers, where they leave a micron-thin coating to protect themselves. Termites have been reported to harm buildings and entire structures. They can feed on many things, including-

  • Wooden windows and frames
  • Wood Pergolas
  • House Stumps
  • Support Beams
  • Furniture

Termite colonies will feast perfectly on any softwood. They can be found even in roof leaks, as they need water for survival, and this is why they choose this spot in the timber. So, it is important to keep an eye out for a location that can be ideal for a termite infestation.

Guide for white ants damage Inspection.

After you inspect termite infiltration in your home, it’s time to book a white ants damage inspection. White ants inspection is a great preventive measure. The first step is to call or book an online termite inspection with a company. Make an appointment with a qualified technician in your area. Luckily, many pest control companies offer a free initial termite inspection.

Here is our guide to everything about termite inspections. Know the common signs, prevention methods and what inspectors look for with our ‘free guide for white ants damage inspection’.

What are White Ants?

White ants, contrary to their name, are not ants. White ants are another name for termites only. Termites are sometimes called white ants, but if you look closely, they don’t look like ants. Termites belong to the same family as cockroaches. All they want is wood with high-moisture content such as timber.

Termites love to live in huge colonies and can quickly cause a lot of damage to timber and wooden structures. These pests can cause significant damage that can cost thousands of dollars to repair. It is one of the most feared pests for home and business owners.

What is the Difference Between Termites and White Ants?

White Ants are just another slang name for termites in Australia. So, why are termites called “white ants”? Termite colonies consist of fertile queens, kings, workers, soldiers, and wings. All of the colony members work effortlessly to create large termite systems. There are different development stages; each stage has been given a unique name. Termites are pale brown in color, usually either white or light brown. The lightest color (close to white) is why they are called white ants.

Additionally, termites are different from ants, and no ant is white in color. To distinguish termites from black ants, the name white ant was invented. This is why the treatments for termites are very different from black ants.

How to Detect Termite or White Ants in Your Home?

Here are the signs to look for if your home is infested with termites.

Noise: Termites make a clicking sound while they work. That means a clicking sound can be heard from infested walls and wooden furniture.

Flying white ants- This may indicate an active termite infestation. Reproductive termites can be seen leaving their nests to form new colonies. Depending on the type of termite, they will swarm at night or during the day. For example- dry wood termites often swarm after rainfall.

Hollow sound from timber wood- When termites destroy wood, it loses its structural integrity and becomes papery or hollow sounding. Dry wood termites are known to consume as much wood as possible, leaving only a thin layer of wood or paint on the surface. This wood produces a hollow or papery sound when struck.

Mud pipes: A clear indication that termite invasions can be active is the presence of mud pipes. Made of wood and soil, mud pipes are the passageways that termites use to travel from their nests to the wood they feast on. 

Frass: White ants drop a black, powdery substance known as frass. This can be found from areas inhabited by termites.

Tunnel in the wood: Have you noticed wood tunnels recently? This might be an indicator of termite invasion. These tunnels are found in shattered wood fragments and may be difficult to identify. 

Windows that are difficult to open: Have you noticed that a window that was once easy and smooth is now difficult to open? It suggests that termites may have settled in or near the window frame, destroying the wood and making it difficult to open.

Which Termites are Dangerous to Your home?

There are three main termite types-

  • Subterranean
  • Drywood
  • Dampwood

Termites are very different! Out of these 3, the subterranean is considered the most dangerous. These termites prefer soft, moist wood such as timber and consume almost everything, including plastic, wood, paint, wallpaper, and fabric. Additionally, they may target foundations, beams, insulation and subfloors, and plastic pipes. A single subterranean termite colony can multiply in the thousands or even millions. Because of their property to invade everything and huge multiplication, these termites can be found anywhere in your home. They range in size from 1/8 to 1 inch and are often long, oval, or thin. Their creamy chocolate color makes them easy to spot.

What to do If White Ants damage your home?

If white ants have been discovered in your home, you probably don’t know what to do. How can you handle these pests? Is there a product to get rid of them? It’s important to remember that termites can cause damage that is difficult and expensive to repair. Home termite repair can sometimes cost more than the home is worth. The sooner a termite problem is identified and treated, the better the results. For this reason, you should schedule a termite survey and get pest control whenever you notice sure signs of termites on or off your property. That means it’s time to call a pest control professional for a home inspection. 

A termite inspector inspects the entire perimeter of your home to find termites. Additionally, they would assess any crawl spaces, damaged timber structures and access the garage, attic, and all other buildings on the site. We advise you to remove anything that blocks access to these areas. This can save time in the inspection process. 

Conclusion

One of the best ways to protect your property is to have a detailed inspection by a qualified termite professional. Most people cannot effectively cure a termite infestation on their own. The best way to deal with pest problems quickly is to hire an expert for treatment and follow-up checks.