Timber Pests: Everything You Need to Know!

Wood decay fungi and termites are a few common insects that invade your property and attack the interiors of your wooden furniture and property.

Since they attack the timber from within, there are no external signs of an infestation or wood destruction. It is only later after your furniture has weakened and collapsed, do you notice the havoc that these pests have caused.

Therefore, to protect your wooden furniture and property, it is best to know as much as you can about timber pests.

Favourable Conditions for Timber Pests

• Concrete Slabs Houses

  If your house is built on concrete slabs having its edges connected to your lawn, patio, or garden, then it could attract timber pests. This condition is favourable to timber pests such as termites as it allows them to easily penetrate the timber framing through the concrete slabs.

  Therefore, if your house is built on concrete slabs, you should ensure that the edges are not connected to the garden, wood framing, or patio.

• Damp and Moist Areas

  Areas that are highly damp and moist such as bathrooms and kitchens, always attract timber pests such as termites as they love damp areas.

  Check for any damp patches inside your walls or leakages by using a moisture detector. Regularly inspect your home for any water leaks or moisture build-up as it could attract timber pests.

  Ensure that you ventilate your home often to prevent the increase of moisture and dampness.

• Unsheltered Timbers

  Exposed timber also attract termites and other timber pests especially ones that are unsuitable for damp weather. If the timber in your house is unprotected, it could attract timber pests and lead to the destruction of the internal structure.

  You could protect the timber in your home from pest destruction by coating it with waterproof paint. However, if you live in an area that experiences a lot of rainfall or moisture, then it would be advisable to replace it with a more suitable material.

• Nearby Trees

  One way for insects to infest your home is through trees and above the ground roots. If you have a lot of trees around your house, then it would be best if you kept an eye out for any signs of timber pests.

  If a tree near your house is infested with termites, the chances of it spreading into your home are high, and even higher if you have a lot of wooden furniture. You should also ensure that no branch is leaning onto your property as it could give access to them.

Timber Pest Damage

There are various kinds of insects that attack and damage your home. They are timber decay fungi, seasoned timber borers, and subterranean termites.

• Subterranean Termites

  The worst kind of termites to deal with are subterranean termites as they cause the most damage. These termites build their colonies under the ground and after they have matured, they make their way into our house and infest your property.

  They dig small holes into your wooden furniture and munch on it from within, weakening the internal structure. Therefore, it is difficult to spot the early signs of an infestation. They travel through mud tubes, so if you do spot any, call for professional help and get your home inspected as soon as possible.

• Seasoned Timber Borers

  They are the larvae of various beetles that lay their eggs on any timber surface and furniture. The larvae are known to dig small holes, and as they develop into adults the size of the hole gets bigger. It is only until you notice big holes in your furniture that you realize that you are dealing with a borer infestation, but by then, the infestation is more severe.

  Queensland pine borer and anobium borer are two common types of destructive insects found in Australia. Their larvae are the main cause behind many floors collapsing accidents. Therefore, you should not take these lightly. Be observant and if you notice any signs of an infestation, contact your local pest control expert.

• Timber Decay Fungi

  Timber that is exposed to dampness and moisture or poorly ventilated soon begins to decay which results in it getting infested with fungi. It creates various shapes, sizes, and colours of fruiting bodies that are attached to the surface of the decaying timber. Besides its unattractive display that signified severe damage, it attracts different kinds of other termites to your property.

  To prevent a double infestation of various kinds of insects, it would be advisable for you to keep checking your property regularly for any dampness and wet spots that could attract insects and lead to damage.

Get a Termite Inspection Today!

Now that you know the various kinds of insects that attack your home and cause damage, it is essential to know how to get rid of them and prevent them from returning. One way for you to keep them at bay is by regularly maintaining your home and inspecting for any new damp spots or leakages as not only would it affect your property but also attract termites, fungi, etc.

It is also essential to get your home inspected every once in a while and if there are any signs of an infestation, you should quickly get your property treated to prevent the increase of an infestation.

As we mentioned, it is challenging to notice the first signs of an infestation and it is only after it has become severe do you notice any insect activity. Therefore, by getting your home professionally inspected regularly, you would be able to catch any early signs of an infestation.

In a nutshell, insects can cause a significant amount of damage to your property if not treated and removed at once. By being aware of the different types of insects and what not to do, you would be protecting your property by preventing an infestation. Therefore, it is essential to know everything you need to know about timber pests.