Termites attack in the attic is common in Singapore due to its higher moisture presence and complex building structures. You, as a smart homeowner, need to find out the signs as early as possible to prevent any major damage to your property. It will also help you eliminate these destructive pests before the infestation spreads widely.
How Do You Know If You Have Termites In Your Attic
Discarded Wings Indicating Termite Activity
Termites discard their wings after swarming to mate and establish a new colony in your attic. The fertilized alates (female termites) shed their wings and focus on building a new colony. If you see discarded wings in your attic, chances are high that termites are building a new colony and expanding their numbers.
Hollow Wood Sounding
Tap your support beams or other wooden structures and see if they make a hollow sound. It happens as a result of subterranean termite or drywood termite activity. They simply eat the wood from inside the tree and create tunnels under the surface, leading to a hollow sound when you tap the wood.
Mud Tubes Signalling Subterranean Termite Infestation
This is a clear sign of termite infestation when you see mud tubes in your attic. These tubes are made of made with soil, saliva, and termite excrement, pencil-width in shape, and brown or tan in color. Generally, you will find these tunnels along the walls, beams, or foundations.
Small Exit Holes from Drywood Termite Galleries
Look for some tiny, round holes in the attic wood since these are the signs of drywood termite infestation. When drywood termites push out frass (termite droppings) during building internal galleries, these holes are created. You can confirm the infestation if you see wood shavings, wood dust, or piles near the holes.
Termite Droppings
You might not see the holes in the attic all the time. But look for tiny, pellet-shaped termite droppings, also called frass, under your attic rafters, beams, or near wooden structures; chances are high that drywood termites are creating the holes or excavating wood tunnels.
Blistered or Bubbling Wood on Ceiling Rafters
Check for bubbling wood or blisters in attic rafters since termite galleries are responsible for the wood to warp and create visible blistering. Some people often misunderstand this as water damage. However, this indicates that termites are feeding on the surface from inside. You will experience this if you have poor home maintenance, moisture buildup, or leaky pipes.
Structural Damage in Load-Bearing Wood Beams
Formosan termites or drywood termites eat the wooden structure from inside to create a blank space inside and leave your wooden structures, like beams, vulnerable. You cannot find these damages with your naked eyes. So, look for signs such as buckling, sagging, or visible cracks in foundation walls and beams, and then tap the wood with a screwdriver or other tools to find the damage. You can even push the wood with a screwdriver or finger to find whether it is soft under pressure or not.
Clicking Noises from Termite Soldiers Inside Wood
You can also find some clicking or rattling noises in your attic spaces when termite soldiers bang their heads against wood or shake their bodies to signal danger. Use a flashlight and a screwdriver to find out the culprit.
Live Winged Termite Swarmers
There is nothing more prominent than seeing live termites in your attic area. But if you see winged termite swarmers, it is a matter of concern since they are reproductive termites and expanding their colonies.
Musty Odor Linked to Moisture and Wood Rot
You can sometimes experience a musty odor, signalling a moisture problem and termite infestations. Yes, this is not a clear sign of infestation, but this indicates that wood is deteriorating mainly due to poor ventilation, leaky pipes, or accumulated wood debris. Termites love these places, and you should act immediately.
What to do when you see the signs?
- Look for other signs to confirm the infestation.
- Schedule a professional inspection to asses the infestation level and type of termite attack.
- Avoid DIY solutions since most DIY solutions do not work to eliminate them permanently.
- Keep your attic clean from wood debris and dust.
- Hire a licensed professional to eliminate the termites with advanced techniques and modern, environment-friendly solutions.
- Improve ventilation and reduce moisture to make the environment less friendly for termites.
- Seal entry points and ensure preventive measures for long-term protection.
Need Professional Help?
TERMITE SPECIALIST PTE LTD, the number one termite specialist with 13 years of experience in Singapore, offer an effective termite solution for you. We are NEA & BCA Certified. Call us at +65 6910 3776 or visit our office at 50 Bukit Batok Street 23, #05-30 MIDVIEW BUILDING. Get directions.
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