Timber pests are a group of insects that particularly damage timber. Quite common in Australia, they clandestinely destroy homes and buildings. When you have timber pests in your home or building, it is a certainty that damage will result.
Termites are the most common timber pests. They survive in wood, especially in buildings, because of these four elements:
- Food – These pests eat wood, so there’s a readily available as food supply for these pests.
- Harbourage – Timber pests consider buildings as their safe haven where they are able to live comfortably near their food source.
- Warmth – Insect breeding is typical in warm temperatures.
- Water – The moist conditions of these building materials contribute to insect breeding.
What is the Common Damage by Timber Pests?
1. Timber Decay
This is also called as Timber Rot. Among the most vulnerable materials are timber, paint, textiles, and paper. The decay of wood cells by fungi results in the loss of weight and strength of the wood. The principal environment factors that lead to deterioration of building materials are heat, humidity, and a lack of ventilation.
2. Borer attack
Borer is simply a wood boring insect: an insect or larvae that tunnels into wood. Infestations of borer in your home can cause extreme devastation.
3. Termite attack
These wood-destroying insects are sometimes called ‘the silent destroyers’ because they can be secretly hiding in your house without any signs of their presence and they have the ability to chew through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper undetected.
Termites are the most common timber-eating pests and grow rapidly in a short period of time. Therefore, here are some signs that you have a termite infestation.
- Flying insects that form a temporary swarm in or near your home
- Cracked or bubbling paint
- Frass (termite droppings)
- Wood that emits a hollow sound when tapped
- Mud tubes on wooden beams, crawl spaces, or exterior walls
- Discarded wings from a swarm of winged insects
How to handle timber pests in your home or building
Here are some guidelines that can help you handle common timber pests:
- Fungal Decay (wood decay or wet rot) – Reducing the moisture level if the timber will resolve most decay problems.
- Borers – Monitor damage levels caused by borer and replace severely damaged timbers. Get a pest control professional to rid your home of any infestation.
- Termites – If you can locate it, the preferred method of termite control is the destruction of the nest. A professional pest control expert can do this and ensure it is done effectively.
Importance of taking actions
It is essential to have protection against these pests. You need to look for methods to reduce the damage. Seeking help from professional building inspectors regarding a timber pest issue is the best thing to do. You cannot achieve a sanitary environment around you if you will just let these pests keep on destroying your premises.
Do not risk your family’s health. A building inspection can save you a lot of time and money and prevent you from experiencing more problems ahead of time.
Contact us for professional timber pest inspection
To minimise risk and damage, routine checks and maintenance must be done. You can ask for a Timber Pest Inspection which includes checking for any type of pests, timber pest activity, damage, and wood decays.
A property inspector will check the roof of your home first. Walls and floorings will be also be checked for cracked and damages. It is recommended that it should be done annually to make your home more susceptible to attack by these pests. Combined building and pest inspection gets the most value from your property. Contact us today for enquiries.