A common mistake people make is that they confuse borer damage with termite damage.  Mr Inspector is frequently called out to carry out a property inspection on a home because the owner or a tradesperson has stated they have a termite problem.

The simple thing to remember is you will not see termites or their damage unless you put your hand or foot through the timber.

The photograph left shows a yellow colour scraping on a floor joist. This damage is caused by a powder post borer which is an insect that consumes the sapwood in timber.

If termites were infesting that same floor joist you would not see them.  However, you may see a line of mudding that termites build to get from A to B if they can’t eat through it.  That is a termite below on the left and the photo on the right shows termite leads or mudding going up a concrete stump into the home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The importance of getting a professional to inspect the home is essential.  We have had to regularly go to homes because someone has mistaken termites and borer.’

Feel free to contact Mr Inspector if you need any assistance.