One of the most destructive pests out there, termites have a nasty habit of coming into our homes and not making themselves known until it’s too late. Fortunately, there are some signs you can look at for that may help you determine if you have a termite infestation. This is especially important as the sooner your deal with termites, the better.
Groups of Discarded Wings
When termite season begins, swarms of termites take to the skies in search of places to build their colonies. Once they’ve found a suitable location, they will settle in and begin building – leaving behind their wings in the process. When inspecting your property, keep an eye out for the discarded wings of termites, this is a telltale sign that there may already be a colony nearby.
Mud Tubes on Walls or Structures
When subterranean termites build their colonies, they create mud tubes (or shelter tubes) as they move from the ground into structures and homes. Their mud tubes can appear in corners and joints between surfaces and allow the termites to travel throughout their growing colonies. If you notice abnormal buildups or mud/dirt in strange places, it may be a sign that termites have made their way into your home.
Bubbling or Cracked Paint
When inspecting the inside of the home, take a look at your drywall and along baseboards in the house. Should you notice any bubbling or flaking of paint, or “honeycombing” on baseboards, this may be a sign of a termite problem. Internal damage to drywall and ceilings can often resemble minor water damage and can often go unnoticed
Termite Droppings
Termites produce a large number of droppings, referred to as frass when they are eating through wood inside of a home. These droppings accumulate in various areas and look like wood-colored pellets, and may resemble a pile of tiny bird seed at first glance.
Damaged or Hollow-Sounding Wood
While the wooden structure in the home may appear to be in good condition visually, on the opposite side, there may be damage hiding. As termites prefer to be in dark, damp places, they very rarely let their work be visible inside of your home. Just tapping on surfaces and listening for a hollow sound can be a good indicator that termite damage may be present. Wood and surfaces without damage should produce a solid sound, wood that has termite damage may provide a more hollow sound depending on the extent of the damage.
These are all DIY methods that are good, but not perfect. To truly know if you have a termite infestation – and adequately deal with it – you should call the pros. If you think you have a problem, or would just like to schedule our free inspection to ease your mind, call us today!
