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Do Moths Eat Clothes ?
July 26, 2022
Do moths eat clothes? Do Moths eat clothes ? The simple answer here is no, however, the moth’s larvae are…
Do moths eat clothes?
Do Moths eat clothes ? The simple answer here is no, however, the moth’s larvae are the ones that do the damage to your clothes in both South Australia and the Gold Coast.
Before they hatch into adults the moth larvae will need to eat, and they have a very specific diet . They prefer organic materials containing keratin such as wool, silk, fur and cashmere are common targets, they will commonly avoid synthetic materials such as polyester, spandex and nylon.
Do all moth larvae eat clothes?
There are many species of moths living in the South Australia and the Gold Coast but not all of them have an appetite for your clothes.
The most common moth / larvae is Tineola bisselliella, simply known as ‘the webbing case making clothes moth’ or the ‘clothes moth’.
Do moths live in my clothes?
Clothes moth larvae can lay up to 1,000 eggs, they choose to produce their larvae in the middle of your wardrobe, The moths like to do their business in dark, warm conditions. They lay their eggs in places where they won’t be disturbed.
Are clothes moths attracted to moisture ?
YES, the climate in South Australia and the Gold Coast are ideal for clothes moth infestations.
Clothes moth larvae are particularly attracted to moist clothes including dirty or wet clothes that need to be washed. Meaning that adult clothes moths will lay eggs on wet dirty clothes which do not usually susceptible to attack.
How to treat and prevent clothes moth infestation in Adelaide and the Gold Coast?
Clothes moth larvae are often difficult to spot until a severe infestation is present, It’s most important to take steps to prevent clothes moth infestations.
- Don’t store damp or dirty clothes – Dirty / soiled damp clothing are highly attractive to clothes moths moths, ensure all clothes are clean and dry before they are stored away.
- Clothes moth sticky traps – Are a great way to detect early infestations of case making clothes moths, the pheromone in the glue traps attract the adult clothes moths for identification and early detection.
If an infestation is detected, the best way to deal with a clothes moths infestation is to call in the moth professionals. Pest Aid are the trained pest control experts in Adelaide and the Gold Coast to resolve an infestation of clothes moths. Our trained experts will also provide advice and assistance to prevent future issues.
Get moth experts in to help
At Pest Aid, we provide a dedicated clothes moth control service to residential and commercial properties across Adelaide & Gold Coast and the surrounding areas. From treatment of clothes moths to preventive programs to prevent clothes moth infestations from occurring, our expert team is armed and ready for action, to ensure your home or business are free of clothes moths.
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How To Stop Ants Coming Inside My House
May 27, 2022
It’s not uncommon that homes become invaded by ants. As the weather gets warmer, ants begin to emerge from their…
It’s not uncommon that homes become invaded by ants. As the weather gets warmer, ants begin to emerge from their winter hibernation to begin their adult life stages in search of food. This often leads to pest infestations and costly damage for many homeowners.
If you have noticed any pesky ants around your home, you may be asking yourself, ‘how to stop ants coming inside my house?’. Read on to learn how to get rid of ants in your home and how to prevent a re-infestation. And if you have any other enquiries, please contact our pest control team today.
Why do I keep getting ants in my house?
Once summer time has arrived, it’s every ant’s mission to source food. They will usually occupy people’s homes as there is plenty of food and water. Ants love to feast on surgery foods, food crumbs and freshwater. Ants may also invade your home in search of a new nesting habitat. No matter what kind of food has been left lying around, ants will try to find a way to the source. That’s why it’s important to know how to get rid of ants permanently and prevent them from entering your home.
How to stop ants coming inside my house: 7 tips
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Identify the type of ant
The best way to get rid of ants is to start by identifying the types of ants in your house. There are many different species of ants. From carpenter ants that can do significant damage to pavement ants and more. Depending on what kind of ants you’re dealing with, the prevention methods will be different. If you’re unsure which ants have occupied your home, you can book a pest inspection at Pest Aid and our technicians will be able to identify them for you.
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Keep surfaces clean
Your best defence against ants is having a clean house. Make sure all crumbs are vacuumed up, clear any spills, wipe down commonly used surfaces, avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink, and take out the bin bags. This ensures there are no sources of food for ants to feast on.
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Store food in sealed containers
You should also make sure that all your food is stored in closed, air-tight containers. Restricting food will deter ants and other pests from entering your home.
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Seal any cracks
Now that there’s no access to food in your home, the next step is to seal any cracks around your house as these are perfect entry points. Search inside and outside your house for any cracks, and use a sealant to cover these. These will degrade overtime, so it’s important to keep an eye on these and re-apply when necessary.
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Use ant baits
If you’ve noticed any ant trails around particular areas in your home, it’s a good idea to start using ant baits. Ant bait works by initially attracting ants and killing entire colonies, as they will carry the bait back to their nest.
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Use an ant spray barrier
You can use ant barriers, also known as insecticides, to spray around your house and prevent ants from entering. These work by deterring ants from your home and eliminating the ones that try to enter.
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Turn to pest control professionals
Getting rid of ants from your home can be a time consuming process that may be ineffective without professional pest control solutions. The best way to eliminate an ant infestation is to contact professional ant control specialists so they can eliminate the problem and effectively prevent re-infestations.
Pest Aid is here to help
Ants are annoying for many homeowners and can cause significant amounts of damage. That’s why pest control professionals are here to help you out! Pest Aid has over 25 years of experience in the pest control industry, and we use all the best and latest technology. We offer affordable and effective solutions that will keep your family and home safe. If you have an ant problem in your home, book a treatment today.
How to stop ants coming inside my house: Other FAQs
Why do ants suddenly appear?
If you find ants in your home, the most common culprit is food sources that have been left out. Ants are constantly on the hunt for food and water, and will jump at the opportunity if any food crumbs are left laying around. To prevent ants from entering the house, make sure all your surfaces are clean and food is properly kept in air-tight containers.
What do ants hate most?
Scents that repel ants include strong smelling foods such as vinegars, essential oils, citric acids or fruits like lemon juice, and spices such as paprika and black pepper. For a temporary solution, you can place any of these ingredients in ant infested areas. This will kill some ants and stop ants from accessing these areas.
For a long term solution, we recommend contacting professional pest control as we have the best treatment options to keep your house clear of ants and any other pests.
Does killing ants attract more?
Yes, when you kill ants this will attract more from the colony near your house. They communicate by releasing chemicals that produce scents and send different signals within the ant colony. When an ant is in danger, they will emit an alarming scent that alerts the other ants to take action. This is why ant bait is effective, as it attracts multiple ants, who then carry the bait back to share with the rest of the colony.
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Why Do I Hear Noises In My Roof?
May 26, 2022
Why do I hear noises in my roof? The dreaded answer is that you’re probably facing a pest invasion. Pests…
Why do I hear noises in my roof? The dreaded answer is that you’re probably facing a pest invasion. Pests are not only a nuisance, they also carry diseases with them everywhere they go – which can lead to major health problems for anyone living in the house. Despite their small size, pests can also cause a lot of damage to your home and start major infestations if left unattended to.
So if you’ve heard scratching, buzzing or squeaking noises, pest control should be on top of your list. Read on to find out more about the noises in your roof or get in touch with the Pest Aid team today.
Why do I hear noises in my roof?
Odds are you’re dealing with a pest problem. There are a number of pests that can find their way into your home. Some live inside your house while others live outside and only come in to lay eggs or eat food.
Pests make all sorts of sounds when they are inside your roof, such as scratching, tapping and buzzing. So it’s essential to know the difference between normal sounds and noises pests make while in or on your roof.
Different types of roof pests & their noises
Rodents
Rodent infestations can be a major problem. Mice and rats are small enough that they can enter your home through tiny gaps. So it’s important to be aware of the sounds they make so you can take action immediately.
Rat and mice sounds at night include:
- Scratching
- Chewing
- Squeaking
- Thumping
If you’ve been asking yourself ‘why do I hear noises in my roof’, then you may be dealing with a rodent infestation. The best way to protect your home is to book a rodent control treatment. A highly skilled technician will inspect your property and then come up with a rat or mice removal treatment plan. This will often include the following:
- Baiting with rodent anticoagulant baits in enclosed in tamper resistant stations
- Trapping in areas of known rodent activity
- Proofing entry ways into dwellings with rodent proof materials
Possums
If you hear any loud thumping or notice any unpleasant smells around your property, you may be dealing with a possum infestation. Not only are possums annoying, they can cause damage to your garden and roof. Some of the sounds possums make include:
- Hissing
- Scratching
- Gnawing
- Loud thumps
It’s important to know that possums are protected by Australian law as native animals, meaning they cannot be harmed or removed without obtaining a permit. Therefore, the best way to deal with a possum infestation is to contact the possum control professionals at Pest Aid.
Wasps and bees
Wasp and bee infestations can be hard to spot at first, but the constant buzzing and swarming can give them away. You may have also spotted a nest on the side of your roof. If you think you’ve got a bee or wasp problem, book wasp and bee control as soon as possible.
Birds
Birds are greatly affected by changes in the weather. Like other animals, they search for warm areas during cold and wet seasons.
Sounds you may notice:
- Chirping
- Loud screeching
- Scratching noise in the roof early morning
The best way to protect your home from a bird infestation is to contact a professional bird control company.
Termites
Termites can cause significant damage to your home. If you have noticed any unusual sounds, mud spotting on the ceilings, termite droppings or cracks in the walls, then you are most likely dealing with a termite infestation. One of the first signs are noises coming from your ceilings.
Termite sounds include:
- Crunching
- Clicking
- Tapping
Termite sounds can sometimes be difficult to detect, so if you’ve noticed any of the other warning signs of termites, it’s crucial you get professional termite control.
How to prevent pests from entering your roof
The thought of getting pests in your home can be enough to make your skin crawl. However, it does not always have to be that way. Follow these simple steps to keep your roof free of unwanted guests:
- Seal any possible entry points: Mice, rats and possums can squeeze through small spaces like holes, pipes or vents. To avoid an infestation, make sure you seal these entry points with metal guards or possum proofing materials.
- Trim branches: Keep any trees near your house trimmed so that rodents can’t climb up onto the roof.
- Prevent water leaks: Check plumbing fixtures regularly for any damage or leaks that may attract insects or other pests around them.
What are the other signs of a pest infestation?
Once you start hearing noises in your roof, it’s a good idea to look out for other signs you’ve got a pest problem. Pests are good at hiding, and some may even be laying low in your house undetected for some time before they make their presence known. While the signs differ for each pest, these are some of the common ones:
- Dead insects
- Droppings
- Visible pests
- Disappearing food or holes in boxes/containers where food is kept
- Feathers
- Wood damage
Call on your local pest control expert
So now you know how to answer the question ‘why do I hear noises in my roof?’, you may be wondering what to do. If you have a pest problem, call Pest Aid immediately.
Pest Aid have been helping Australian home owners with pest control for over 25 years. We offer a range of pest control solutions to protect your home and give you peace of mind. Book a treatment with Pest Aid online now.
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What Sound Does A Possum Make?
May 3, 2022
Do you have a possum taking up residence in your home? They may be furry and cute, but are considered…
Do you have a possum taking up residence in your home? They may be furry and cute, but are considered pests for a reason. Besides destroying your garden, possums are very noisy and leave unpleasant smells around your property. So you may be wondering, what sound does a possum make and how do you identify it? Read on to learn more about common brushtail possum sounds in Australia and how your local pest control service can help.
What sound does a possum make?
Can you remember that heavy thump and high-pitched scream that scared you in the middle of the night? It was probably a family of common brushtail possums!
Since possums are mainly active at night time, this is when you’ll usually hear them. But what sound does a possum make? To identify if you have a possum invasion, we’ve listed all the common noises they make below:
- Hissing or clicking: baby possums make this sound when seeking the attention of their mother.
- Clicking: mothers make these to their young ones as a form of communication. These are made when possums are threatened. Possums also use clicking sounds to attract attention from mates.
- High-pitched squeals and screaming: these are heard when possums are fighting.
- Growling: these are made by possums when they’re threatened or angry.
- Pitter patter or loud thumping noises: you’ll often hear these sounds as possums move about your roof.
Signs of a possum invasion in your home
If possums infest your home, it should be evident as they are not discreet. Aside from possum noises (such as scratching, loud screeching, hissing and clicking), here are some other signs you may notice:
- Damage to the exterior of your building: Since possums enter your property by climbing, the first sign you might notice is damage to your property. Often this damage is done by tearing shingles or ripping your house’s rooftop.
- Disappearing pet food: If you have an outdoor pet, you may notice the unusual disappearance of your pet’s food.
- Unpleasant smell: Possums excrete wet droppings similar to a cat. They can soak your building materials, causing an unpleasant smell.
How to keep possums away from your home
Although possums do not pose any harm to you and your family, they can damage your roof and make it impossible to sleep at night. So we’ve put together some tips on how to keep them away:
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Clean-Up brush piles, trash, and pet food remnants
Remove all accessible sources of food and water for possums from your property. This means picking ripe fruit and vegetables as soon as possible, collecting fallen fruit and covering your compost bin. With no food source, they’ll move on to their next location.
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Get motion-activated lights or sprinklers
If you have a serious infestation, this is a good alternative. Sudden lights or water will scare the possums away and stop them from coming back.
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Install solar LED deterrent lights
These lights resemble the glowing eyes of the predators of possums. When you install the lights near your chicken coop or garden, these nocturnal animals get scared and run away.
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Seal any cavities in your roof
Possums will venture into your roof to find warmth and safety. To prevent them getting in, try to seal up any cavities or clear entry points.
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Contact pest control professionals
One of the best and most effective ways to get rid of possums is to call the professionals. At Pest Aid, we use a combination of methods, such as installing temporary possum doors, nesting boxes, and sealing entry points.
Possums are protected by Australian laws
Before taking any action to get rid of possums, you should know that they are protected by Australian law as native animals. This means they cannot be harmed or removed without obtaining a permit, or released more than 50 metres from the trapping site. If caught relocating, you can be prosecuted and fined.
So regardless of the nuisance they cause, possum control professionals are your best chance for getting rid them from your property.
Turn to the pest control experts at Pest Aid
Now you know the answer to the question, ‘what sound does a possum make?’, you can act immediately. Possums can cause stress for homeowners, that’s why pest control companies are here to help! Here at Pest Aid, we have over 25 years of experience in the pest control industry. We provide affordable and eco-friendly solutions that are guaranteed to keep your home and family safe. Contact us today to rid your home of any pests.
Learn more: Environmental Policy
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Termite Ceiling Damage
April 28, 2022
Termites are herbivorous insects that consume cellulose within wood and other organic materials, which means they can often be found…
Termites are herbivorous insects that consume cellulose within wood and other organic materials, which means they can often be found in wooden structures like ceilings. But what does termite ceiling damage look like? We’ve outlined everything you need to know below as well as how to get rid of termites using a targeted pest control plan.
What does termite ceiling damage look like?
Termite ceiling damage looks like light water damage. This means you the damage may look like:
- Sagging or buckling ceilings linings
- Sagging or buckling roof tiles
- Mud spotting on ceilings and cornices
Termite ceiling damage can cost you thousands of dollars to repair, so it’s crucial you know the signs of termites to stop an infestation early before it becomes widespread.
4 signs of termites in your roof
Knowing how to identify a termite infestation in your ceiling or roof void is essential. To get started, here are some of the signs to look out for:
1. Ceiling cracks
When termites invade your ceilings, they may cause ceiling cracks as a result of wood damage.
2. Termite droppings
Termites usually leave behind light brown faecal pellets known as frass. As they clean their nests, they push the droppings out into your house.
3. Termite holes in ceiling
Termites eat the ceiling along with its wood grain, causing holes. The eaten ceiling will sound hollow when you tap it.
4. Termite tubes hanging from ceiling
Subterranean termites create mud tubes and mud spotting as they climb a wall or foundation. The mud tube is made of soil and small pieces of wood. It helps protect them from dryness and predators while travelling between the nest and a food source.
Once you notice termite tubes hanging from your ceiling, know that termites have already infested your ceiling.
Which termites infest ceilings?
Drywood termites and subterranean termites are the most common termites found in ceilings.
How do termites get in the ceiling?
Subterranean termites require soil to survive, so will make mud tubes that move up the wall or door frames on their way to the ceiling. Drywood termites have wings and usually fly into houses through any available cracks and crevices.
While both of these termites feed on wooden ceilings, which can lead to severe structural damage, they thrive in different environments. A subterranean termite attacks decaying, moist wood whereas a drywood termite prefers dry, non-decaying wood.
Do termites eat ceiling tiles?
No, termites only feed on cellulose (found in wood). However, as the termite eats away at the wood in your roof, there is a chance any ceiling tiles can shift or break as the structure underneath them weakens.
How do I get rid of termites in my roof?
The best and most effective way to get rid of termites is to speak to a termite control company like Pest Aid. If you suspect you have a termite problem, our technicians will conduct a thorough termite inspection of your property and then create a plan to eradicate them. While there are DIY methods available, they are by no means effective and you could risk making the termite ceiling damage worse.
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A Comprehensive Guide To Termite Mud Tunnels
April 18, 2022
Termites are silent destroyers. They can cause significant structural damage to your home, especially if they go unnoticed. Fortunately, you…
Termites are silent destroyers. They can cause significant structural damage to your home, especially if they go unnoticed. Fortunately, you can detect and eliminate them before they wreak havoc by actively looking out for signs of termites, such as termite mud tubes. These tunnels can sometimes be seen around you property as an indicator that you’re dealing with a termite problem. Read on to learn more.
What are termite mud tubes?
Termite mud tubes are small, tunnel-like structures that are made by subterranean termites. They’re irregular in shape and made from wood matter, dirt, faeces and saliva. You’ll often see them outside or inside your home.
Termite mud tubes protect termites from predators and from drying out (as subterranean termites need moisture to survive) as they travel between a food source and the nest.
Do termite tubes mean you have termites?
Yes, termite mud tunnels are one of the first signs of a termite infestation. If you find them in your home, you should contact your local pest control company immediately.
What do termite mud tunnels look like?
There are four types of termite mud tunnels that you may find on your property.
1. Exploratory tunnels
Exploratory tunnels are fragile and thin. You can easily spot them because they branch out in several directions. A tunnel can go up to 4.5m above the ground when built over metal or concrete. Usually empty, exploratory tunnels do not connect to wooden material. Since they are mostly uninhabited, they indicate that termites have relocated to other parts of your home searching for food.
2. Working tunnels
Also referred to as utility tunnels, working tunnels are mainly used by termites to move from the nest to a source of food. These termite mud tunnels are loosely organised, with some lanes for food transportation and others for construction and repair works. Working tunnels are more long-lasting than exploratory tunnels. They also help termites travel longer distances along building foundations and basement walls.
3. Swarm tubes
Termites build swarm tubes, also known as swarm castles, to protect flying termites as they leave the colony. These termite mud tubes can be quite large, measuring almost 1.5 in width. Before leaving the nest, swarmers gather in a location that is both smooth and free of debris. When the time to depart arrives, worker termites direct the swarmers to the protective swarm castles.
4. Drop tubes
Drop tubes are the easiest tunnels to spot as they resemble stalagmites in caves. The tubes are built towards the ground, hanging from a wood support. They make it easy for worker termites to acquire food by acting as expressways between the food source (high point) and the nesting place (low point). Termite drop tubes feature more wood fibres than working tunnels and exploratory tunnels.
Should you destroy termite mud tubes?
No! When you first spot a termite mud tube, you can try breaking a small part of it using a gloved hand or a pointed stick to see if there are termites present. If there are active termites inside the tunnel, they will reseal the opening. If no resealing happens, it indicates that the residents have relocated. But don’t completely destroy the tunnel, as your pest control technician will want to look at it while doing a termite inspection.
Pest Aid is here to help
Found termite mud tunnels on your property? Our experienced and friendly termite control team is here to help. We’ll conduct a thorough inspection of your property to confirm you have a termite infestation, and then we’ll create a treatment plan for you. Get a quick quote or book an inspection online today.
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Does Home Insurance Cover Termite Damage?
April 3, 2022
Home insurance can cover you for a number of events, but does home insurance cover termite damage? Despite the damage…
Home insurance can cover you for a number of events, but does home insurance cover termite damage? Despite the damage a major termite infestation can bring to your home, most insurers won’t cover you for it. Why? Read on to find out more or speak to our expert pest control team.
So, does home insurance cover termite damage?
Nope! Termite damage isn’t covered by home insurance because insurers view insect damage as a ‘preventable’ problem. As a homeowner, termite management is your responsibility for your home – including termite inspections or treatments. So, if you have termite damage in your home, such as a ,damaged structural timbers in the roof void or termite damaged floor joist under your floor your home insurance will not cover the costs for any repairs.
What should you do if your home insurance doesn’t cover termite damage?
In most situations, you cannot file a claim on your home insurance for termite damage. When this happens, these are steps to follow:
- Treat the termites regardless of the damage. You can call a pest specialist to handle the active infestation and stop further damage from taking place.
- If the damage is extensive, please engage a contractor to either replace the wood or add support to the affected wood.
- Put in place preventive measures such as termite barriers and schedule annual inspections.
How to repair termite damage
After getting rid of the termites, You should consult a builder and structural engineer to assess the extent of the damage. Do not attempt to repair the damage yourself as it could have become a safety issue as the timbers dry out and collapse .
How to prevent termite damage
There are several ways you can protect your home from termites. Here are a few of them:
- Have a Termite management system installed by Pest Aid
- Look out for leaks and keep your property dry, especially in the air conditioner and the roof.
- Clean your pipes and gutters to prevent termites from settling in as they love dark and moist places.
- Seal any cracks in the foundation, windows, and doors.
- Do not place soil or mulch next to your house.
- Repair any rotting wood or shingle around your home.
- Keep firewood and vegetation away from your home.
- Set baits.
- Inspect your home for any signs of water damage.
- Get regular termite inspections by a professional pest control company.
Signs of termites
As a homeowner, you should also be aware of all the signs of termites:
- Peeling paint similar to water damage
- Small holes mud spots or discolouration of your drywall
- Damaged or crumbling wood
- Stuck doors and windows
- Discarded wings that resemble fish scales
- Squeaky floorboards
- Hollow wood when tapped
- Unusual patterns on walls, floorboards, and furniture
- Buckling floorboards
- Presence of termite mud tunnels
- Presence of flying termites
FAQs similar to “does home insurance cover termite damage”?
Does home insurance cover pest damage?
No, home insurance does not typically cover you for pest damage. This is because home insurance is created to cover you for damage that is sudden or unforeseeable, such as theft, a fire, an earthquake or a storm.
Insurers see insects and pests as preventable, so they will not offer compensation for repairs or pest damage.
Does strata insurance cover termite damage?
No it doesn’t. Strata insurance usually covers you for damage to the outside of your home, but not for damage caused by insects or pests.
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What Are Termites? (often called white ants)
April 1, 2022
You’ve probably heard about termites before. Those pesky little insects that chew their way through wood and cause significant damage…
You’ve probably heard about termites before. Those pesky little insects that chew their way through wood and cause significant damage to homes all around Australia. But technically speaking, what are termites and what are the different types? We’ve outlined everything you need to know about termites below, but if you have any questions, please speak to our expert pest control team.
What are termites?
Termites are small insects that range in size from ¼ and ½ an inch long. They are soft bodied, vary in colour and live in colonies. Members of a colony are divided into classes known as castes which perform different roles in the colony.
These insects build large nests and feed on cellulose, commonly found in wood, leaves, cardboard, wood chips and so on. They can also become a serious problem for homeowners because they can cause structural damage and they often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Termites are also known as “white ants”, but while they may look similar, they differ in behaviour, diet and characteristics. If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with an ant or termite problem, speak to a termite or ant pest control expert at Pest Aid.
What are the different types of termites?
There are over 2,000 species of termites worldwide, but they can typically be divided into three groups: drywood termites, dampwood termites and subterranean termites.
What are drywood termites?
Drywood termites feed on dry, undecayed wood, which means they’re commonly found in fallen tree limbs, timber used in building structures and furniture. They’re also an above the ground species that prefer dry conditions.
What are dampwood termites?
As their name suggests, dampwood termites love humid and damp environments. They feed on wood with high moisture content. This species is also larger in size than drywood and subterranean termites.
What are subterranean termites?
Subterranean termites live in underground nests and use tunnels to transport, these are the type that cause most of the damage to homes and other structures, they store eggs and forage for food. Their colonies can be huge, and since they’re underground, can often go unnoticed for some time.
What are flying termites?
Flying termites are termites with wings! When the conditions are right, winged termites (also known as alates), will take flight and go on to breed and create new termite colonies.
Signs of termites
Now you know the answer to “what are termites”, it’s important you’re aware of the signs of termites. Termites will nest in places that fulfil their specific food and shelter needs, which means some are found in moist environments while others prefer dry.
Look out for the following signs of a termite infestation in your home:
- Mud tunnels and mud spotting
- Peeling paint
- Hollow sounding wood
- Swarms of flying insects outdoors
- Tight fitting doors and hard-to-open windows
- Discarded insect wings
- Visibly damaged wood
What damage can termites cause?
Termite damage can be extensive and costly if it happens without you realising. Termites forage on cellulose found in wood. As a result, they damage any wooden component or structures of your home. This means there could be structural damage such as sagging floors or buckling walls, damage to wooden patios and decks or damage to wooden doors.
If you suspect you have a termite problem, get in touch with Pest Aid immediately to book in a termite inspection. Our termite control team are experts in termite behaviour and will determine if you have an infestation quickly and efficiently. In the event there are termites present, our technicians will create and implement a termite treatment plan. And if you have any questions related to “what are termites”, please don’t hesitate to ask!
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Can you hear termites in the walls?
March 29, 2022
Can you hear termites in the walls? If you hear any clicking, buzzing or tapping sounds in the wall, you…
Can you hear termites in the walls? If you hear any clicking, buzzing or tapping sounds in the wall, you may be facing a potential termite invasion. Termites are hard to spot and often go unnoticed, causing significant amounts of damage in homes each year. They commonly make unusual clicking sounds to communicate within their colony and depending on the size of the infestation, you might hear them chewing through wood.
To help you determine if you’re dealing with a termite issue, we’ve answered all your common questions about termite noises. If you notice any of these sounds, it’s critical you contact Pest Aid for professional pest control immediately.
What are termites?
Termites are a type of insect that forage on wood cellulose, a type of substance found in wood. They have a small body type, with a set of transparent white wings. They range from white to light brown in colour and are often mistaken for ants.
Considering their diet, home-owners commonly detect signs of termites in their house. The signs include: mud trails around the house, wood chips, clicking sounds and wings lying around the house. However, termites can also go undetected, until it’s too late and the damage has begun.
So, can you hear termites in the walls? You sure can. We’ve outlined some of the common noises below.
Can you hear termites in the walls?
Besides seeing fallen wings, mud tubes, and worst of all, hollowed wood, you can also tell if termites have infested your home through termite sounds. Termites usually produce sounds as they go about their day-to-day activities.
The sounds termites make are faint and rarely heard. You are likely to hear the sounds at night when there is total silence indoors. The sounds come from the termites chewing on or moving through wood. In the case of a minor termite infestation, the sound is weak, meaning you have to pay more attention to hear it. The larger the infestation, the louder the sound produced and more havoc caused.
What do termites sound like in the walls?
Termites make a wide range of sounds, so we’ve listed them below so you can keep an ear out. If you can hear termites in the wall, call the Pest Aid team as soon as possible.
Head banging
Head banging against the wall is the strongest and loudest sound made by termites. Rattling and fast-paced, the sound is produced when termites get threatened or sense a food source and try to communicate with each other.
The sound is more pronounced when soldier termites bang their jaws and heads or shake their bodies against the tunnel in wood. They do so to alert all the others of imminent danger. The headbanging creates vibrations that ripple through the entire colony.
Termites are deaf, so they recognise these vibrations through their bodies.
Buzzing
Termites also produce a faint humming sound that is not as clear as the hum of bees and wasps.
Hollow sounds
Termites eat a lot of wood in floors and walls, leaving empty spaces that produce a hollow sound when tapped. The dull, hollow sound indicates that termites have already caused severe damage. When termites chew away at a hardwood floor, it becomes weaker with time, making the floor creak loudly in certain areas.
Clicking
As termites feed on wood, a unique clicking sound comes from the wood cavity. Termites also make clicking or rustling sounds with their mouths when tunnelling through wood.
Tapping
A tapping sound from the wall can be attributed to termites too. The faint rattling or tapping in the wall occurs as termites bang their heads.
Swarming
During spring, termites make swarming sounds as they move. The sound is produced by their wings when flying.
Is termite noise constant?
Termites feed and work around the clock. They do not sleep, so expect to hear continuous sounds. Termite noises can be heard anytime but are more detectable during the night when the house is quiet.
Termites also make sounds when they get threatened or disturbed. They alarm each other about looming danger by banging their heads against the wall. The banging creates a louder sound that is easier for humans to hear. Additionally, termites produce sounds as they fly around or move through wood.
Do termites make a crunching sound?
Termites chew non-stop. As worker termites tunnel through a wooden structure, you may hear a soft crunching sound. The sound is less intense than that of headbanging.
Pest Aid is here to help
If you notice any signs of termites in your walls, you must act fast and contact a professional pest control service today. Luckily, Pest Aid is here to help with all your pest control concerns. With over 25 years of experience in termite pest control, we have the latest eco-friendly technology to protect your home.
If control isn’t taken, termites can build nests and tunnels in hard-to-reach areas. Within a short time, termites can cause immeasurable damage to your property, costing you hundreds to thousands in bills. To avoid this, we recommend booking a termite inspection to activate your termite protection plan now.
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Everything You Need To Know About Baby Termites
March 18, 2022
Termites are a nightmare for any homeowner, often causing thousands of dollars in damage each year. As adults, the signs…
Termites are a nightmare for any homeowner, often causing thousands of dollars in damage each year. As adults, the signs of termites are pretty clear. But what about baby termites? What do they look like and do they cause any damage? To help you spot them, we’ve rounded up and answered all your common questions below. And if you’ve discovered baby termites in your home, contact the Pest Aid termite pest control team today.
What do baby termites look like?
Baby termites look similar to adult termites. The only significant difference is that they are paler in colour and smaller in size, resembling tiny ants. They feature straight antennae, a thick waist and have a tell-tale whitish pigment. As termite babies develop, they get darker and larger. Seeing these tiny termites on your property signals a potential termite infestation.
The lifecycle of baby termites
A baby termite comes to life with the hatching of an egg. Egg production starts slowly and increases rapidly with time. Laid eggs are white in colour and will hatch usually into termite nymphs. Once hatched, a termite baby moves to a nursery chamber where it is fed and groomed.
It takes several months for a termite nymph to grow fully. The growth period is determined by several factors like temperature, food availability, and the population of the colony. With fewer young termites, growing up becomes easier and faster because there is less competition for resources.
As much as baby termites may not wreak havoc on your home, they can and will when they’re fully grown. Knowing the early signs of a termite infestation is critical in keeping your property free of termite damage. That’s why we recommend performing regular termite inspections so you can spot the problem early on. Working with a proficient pest control company is always the surest way to safeguard your property from termite babies.
What do baby termites eat?
Baby termites are unable to feed themselves, so they must get fed by worker termites. Worker termites venture out and consume wood cellulose and secret a fluid that is then fed to their babies. Once fully grown, babies that turn into queen or king termites will continue to eat the secreted wood cellulose, however others will begin to eat wood from the source.
How do you get rid of baby termites?
Eliminating termites in their baby phase before they mature is the most effective way of dealing with a termite infestation. And here is how to do so:
1. Apply Nematodes
Nematodes are roundworms that kill termites. The worms have gut bacteria, making them an excellent natural insecticide. When a nematode enters a baby termite’s body, it poisons the host’s blood, killing it. Nematodes are readily available in gardening stores and safe for plants, pets, and humans. Once released, nematodes breed and continue to grow in number, keeping termites at bay. Expect positive results within three days of application.
Though there are multiple ways of using beneficial nematodes, the easiest method involves mixing the nematodes in water and spraying the mixture on termite-infested areas once a day using a spray bottle. The water seeps into the wood, spreading the nematodes right where the termites are. Before using nematodes, check if they are explicitly made for termite control as there are different types of nematodes.
2. DIY methods
Once you exterminate the adults, you will have gotten rid of termite babies as well. For simple do-it-yourself termite control, use homemade repellents such as vinegar and orange oil. An even better approach is using store-bought options, including boric acid, perimeter barriers, and diatomaceous earth.
3. Call the professionals
Pest control companies effectively manage young termites on properties. They detect, eliminate and prevent termite infestations using tested and proved procedures and products. Their vast experience gives them an edge over do-it-yourselfers in combating nasty creatures like termites.
Found baby termites in your home?
Termites cause stress for many homeowners, that’s why pest control companies are here to help! At Pest Aid, we have over 25 years of experience in the termite control industry with the latest technology. Pest Aid provides affordable and eco-friendly solutions that are safe for your home and family. And once we have successfully eliminated colonies, we conduct regular routine monitoring to ensure your house is safe.
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