Termites are often called “silent destroyers” because they may be secretly hiding and thriving in your home or yard without any immediate signs of damage. However, knowing what to look for can help you identify a termite infestation before it’s too late. Here are some of the most common signs that indicate the presence of termites in your property:
1. Discarded Wings
One of the first signs of a termite infestation is the presence of discarded wings. Termites swarm from their nest to mate and start new colonies. After swarming, termites shed their wings, so finding small, translucent wings near doors, windows, and other home entry points can be a sign of termites.
2. Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites, which are common in many parts of the country, build mud tubes to provide moisture while they travel between their colony and food source. These pencil-width tubes can be found near the home’s foundation, on exterior walls, or in crawl spaces.
3. Wood Damage
Termites feed on wood, so any wood damage might be an indication of an infestation. This can include hollowed-out wood with a honeycomb interior and areas that sound hollow when tapped. Wood damage often appears beneath and behind surfaces like walls, floors, and more.
4. Frass or Termite Droppings
Drywood termites produce wood-colored droppings as they eat through infested wood. If you find small piles of what looks like pellets inside or outside your home, it might be termite frass.
5. Blisters in Wood Flooring
Subterranean termites can cause damage to the subfloor, which can make your laminate or hardwood flooring appear to have water damage. Look for blistering or spongy areas in your floors as a possible indication of termites.
6. Tight-Fitting Doors and Hard-to-Open Windows
Termites can cause distorting effects in the frames of doors and windows due to their eating and tunneling activities. This can make doors and windows difficult to open or fit more snugly than they once did.
7. Sound and Movement
At late stages of infestation, you might be able to hear termites working underneath wood or wall coverings. Soldier termites bang their heads against wood or shake their bodies when disturbed, creating a dry rattling noise. Additionally, if you tap an area that has termite damage, you might hear a hollow sound due to parts of the wood being eaten away.
What to Do If You Find Signs of Termites
If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s crucial to take action immediately by contacting a professional pest control service that specializes in termite treatment. Early detection and prompt treatment are key to preventing major structural damage to your home. Remember, termites are difficult to eradicate on your own and professional intervention is often necessary to effectively deal with an infestation.
