What Are the Early Warning Signs That You Need Termite Treatment?

Termites are often called the “silent destroyers” for a reason: they can chew through timber, flooring, and even structural supports for months before you notice any signs. Left untreated, a termite infestation can cause thousands of dollars in damage. That's why early detection and timely termite treatment are crucial. But what should you be looking for? In this article, we'll walk you through the most common warning signs that suggest it’s time to take action and call in the experts.

Why Early Detection Matters

Termites don’t rest. Once they’ve found a reliable source of food, usually your home, they continue to work around the clock. That means even a short delay in arranging termite control treatment can result in substantial damage. Recognising the early signs not only protects your home but also reduces the cost and extent of any termite treatment required.

Hollow Sounding Timber

One of the most telling signs of termite activity is timber that sounds hollow when tapped. Termites eat wood from the inside out, often leaving only a thin veneer on the surface. You may not notice visible damage right away. Still, a hollow or papery sound when knocking on wooden structures like skirting boards, window frames, or flooring can indicate a serious issue.

What to do

If you suspect your timber is compromised, contact a specialist like Bob Gunn Termite Solutions for Residential & Commercial immediately to assess the situation.

Mud Tubes and Tunnels

Subterranean termites create distinctive mud tubes to protect themselves as they travel between their colony and food source. These tubes are usually found along walls, foundations, or in crawl spaces. They help maintain the moisture termites need to survive.

Don’t ignore these

Even a single visible tube could mean a larger colony is operating nearby. Professional termite treatment should be arranged without delay to prevent the infestation from spreading.

Discarded Wings Near Doors or Windows

Have you noticed tiny, discarded wings around your doors, windows, or lighting fixtures? That could be a sign of termite swarming. Termites swarm when they leave their nest to start a new colony, often after rainfall or during warm, humid months.

Swarmers (also known as alates) shed their wings after mating, and these discarded wings are often the first visible sign of an indoor infestation.

Tight Fitting Doors and Hard to Open Windows

While it may seem like just a case of humidity, doors and windows that suddenly become stiff or hard to open could indicate termite activity. As termites consume wood, they can produce moisture and distort the frame, causing sticking or warping.

Check carefully

If these issues appear without a clear environmental cause, it's worth investigating whether termite control treatment is needed.

Fine Sawdust or Frass

Termite droppings, also known as frass, resemble fine sawdust or coffee grounds. Drywood termites, in particular, push their droppings out of small holes near the infestation site. You may find tiny mounds around baseboards, windowsills, or under furniture.

This is a definite red flag that a termite treatment may be required.

Peeling Paint or Bubbling Surfaces

Peeling paint, bubbling surfaces, or discoloured patches on walls can often be misidentified as water damage. However, these symptoms may also indicate termite activity behind your walls, where they may be chewing through drywall, plaster, or wooden beams.

Don’t guess

It’s essential to determine whether it’s a plumbing issue or a potential termite invasion. A qualified inspection can make that call, and if necessary, prompt termite control treatment can prevent the spread.

Noise Inside Walls

Believe it or not, termites can make noise. If an infestation is large enough, you may hear soft clicking or rustling sounds coming from your walls. Soldier termites bang their heads against the wood or shake their bodies when disturbed, which serves as a warning to the colony.

If you hear unusual sounds in the quiet of the night, it might be more than just your imagination; it could be time to book a termite treatment inspection.

What Happens If You Ignore the Signs?

Delaying action on termites can be a costly mistake. Over time, they can compromise the structural integrity of your home or commercial building, affecting:

Floor stability
Roof supports
Wall strength
Electrical wiring (termites are drawn to warmth and can chew through plastic)

The longer you wait, the more invasive and expensive the termite control treatment becomes. Prevention and early intervention are always more cost effective than major repairs.

Choosing the Right Partner for Termite Treatment

When it comes to protecting your property, you need more than just a quick spray; you need comprehensive, professional help. Bob Gunn Termite Solutions for Residential & Commercial offers tailored inspections, advanced detection tools, and proven treatment strategies to eliminate termites and prevent their return.

Here’s what you can expect from their services:

Thorough inspections using thermal imaging and moisture meters
Environmentally responsible treatment methods
Custom treatment plans for both homes and businesses
Preventative strategies to stop future infestations

With a reputation built on trust, effectiveness, and decades of experience, Bob Gunn Termite Solutions for Residential & Commercial is the go to choice for reliable termite management.

Act Early, Save Big

Spotting termite damage after it becomes visible means you’re already playing catch up. Recognising the early warning signs gives you the advantage, letting you act fast and contain the problem before it escalates. Whether it's hollow wood, mud tunnels, discarded wings, or subtle changes in doors and walls, each sign is your property’s way of asking for help.

If you’ve noticed any of these indicators or just want peace of mind, don’t wait. Contact Bob Gunn Termite Solutions for Residential & Commercial to schedule a professional inspection and get expert termite treatment before it’s too late