Termites can cause significant structural damage to homes and buildings if left unchecked. These destructive pests operate silently, often going unnoticed until considerable harm has been done. Understanding the early warning signs of a termite infestation can save you from expensive repair costs. This article aims to help homeowners spot these signs early, to act before a minor termite presence becomes a significant problem.
Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites, the most destructive species, build pencil-sized mud tubes that serve as their protective passageways from the soil to the wood they feed on. These tubes are typically found near the home’s foundation and are a clear sign of a termite infestation. Regularly inspect your home’s foundation, crawl spaces, and basement for these mud tubes.
Discarded Wings
Swarmers, or reproductive termites, take flight to establish new colonies. After swarming, these termites shed their wings. Finding small, uniform piles of wings, especially near window sills and door frames, can indicate a nearby termite colony. While swarmers themselves don’t cause damage, their presence means that a termite colony could be establishing or already exists nearby.
Hollow or Damaged Wood
Termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer of wood or paint. If you tap or knock on an area infested by termites, it might sound hollow or papery due to the damage inside. In advanced cases, you might notice the wood surface is bubbled or distorted. Regularly check your home’s wooden structures, including furniture, for any signs of damage.
Termite Droppings
Drywood termites, unlike their subterranean counterparts, don’t use their droppings to build their tunnels. Instead, they push them out of their galleries. These droppings, or frass, resemble tiny, hexagonal pellets and can often be found in small piles beneath infested wood. If you come across what appears to be sawdust or coffee grounds but can’t recall making it, it might be termite droppings.
Visible Termites
Although termites usually stay hidden, seeing worker termites or swarmers is an obvious sign of an infestation. Worker termites are small, white insects that move quickly when exposed to light. Swarmers are larger, with wings, and are usually attracted to light. Their presence indoors often indicates an infestation within the house.
Unexplained Cracks
While cracks in the wall or ceiling can be due to various reasons like settling, they can also indicate a termite infestation. Termites create galleries within the wood, which can weaken structural integrity and result in cracks. While this is often a sign of an advanced infestation, it’s worth investigating any unexplained or sudden cracks.
Stuck Windows or Doors
Termites produce moisture as they eat and tunnel through door and window frames, causing the wood to warp. If your wooden doors or windows are suddenly hard to open or close, it could be a sign of termites.
If you believe you have termites or bugs in or around your home Request a free termite inspection online, call us at 888-945-2847 or visit our contact page. All of our termite inspections are no obligation and 100% free!
Recent Comments