Termite infestation is a common problem in the US, with more than 600,000 homes experiencing this issue yearly, especially during spring. Telling whether your home has termite infestation can be difficult since these pests like living in dark and humid environments.
Here are some signs of termites you should watch out for.
How Do I Know if I Have Termites? Here Are Some Signs to Watch Out For
Let’s look at the signs of termite infestation in your home.
Tight Fitting Doors and Windows
Termites usually target your windows and doors where wood is exposed and easy to access. Termites excrete after feeding on wood, and their feces form a protective layer that traps heat and moisture, which may make your door or window frames warp. Opening a door or window with warped frames can be difficult, and you may need to use a lot of force.
Damage Under Paint or Wallpaper
You probably have a termite infestation if you notice unusual damage to your paint or wallpaper. Termites sometimes feed on wood without disturbing the thin paint layer or wallpaper. Other times they leave signs including:
- Buckling wood
- Sunken areas
- Small pinholes
- Sunken winding lines
Swarmers or Discarded Wings
Swarmers are reproductive termites that usually fly in groups searching for mates, especially during springtime. Swarmers are often attracted to light, and you will likely find them flying around light sources.
One of the major characteristics of swarmers is that they’re not good flyers and often shed their wings and crawl away. After some time, you may notice a pile of termite wings on your floor or window sill. If you see swarmers or discarded termite wings in your home, you might be dealing with a termite infestation.
Mud Tubes
Mud tubes are one of the most common signs of termites in a home. These are narrow vein-like structures made from termite droppings and soil. You can find them near your house’s foundation. You can also spot mud tubes in crawl spaces between cement blocks.
Termites usually build mud tubes to protect themselves from the sun’s harsh rays as they travel from their colony to their food source.
Termite Droppings
Termite droppings, also known as frass, are a common sign of termite infestation. When termites eat wood, they digest it and produce brownish droppings. Afterward, they push them out of the tunnel. Most times, you will find these droppings near the affected wood.
The appearance of termite droppings varies according to species, but they’re generally tiny and wood-colored. People often confuse them with wood shavings or sawdust, so you might ignore them without knowing that you have a termite problem in your home. If unsure, smell it since termite droppings often smell like mildew or mold.
Papery, Hollow, or Blistering Wood
Termites usually eat the inside parts of wood, leaving just the paint or a thin veneer wood layer behind. If you knock or tap on the affected area, it will sound hollow. Attics, wooden ceilings, rafters, beams, and architraves are especially at risk of termite damage.
Hollow timber can compromise the structural integrity of your home. When you notice your wooden structure producing a hollow sound or feels papery, replace it immediately and look for a way to eliminate the termites in your home.
Head Banging or Chewing Noises
When you disturb a termite colony, they will sense the danger and start banging their heads on the wood or shaking their bodies to warn others. As a result, you’ll hear some sounds between the walls.
Termites also produce sounds when burrowing through the wood. If you suspect a termite infestation in a specific home section, place your ear against the wall and listen keenly for any sounds.
Tunnels in Wood
When termites eat through wood, they form tunnels, also known as galleries. They always tunnel inside the wood and create extensive damage without it appearing on its surface. It’s difficult to notice the tunnels, as the damage is inside the wood. If you notice tunnels in a broken timber piece near your house, you may have termites in your home.
Worried About Termites? Schedule An Inspection Today!
Termite infestations can be frustrating since these pests usually cause costly damage to your home. Luckily, the abovementioned signs of termites can help you detect the problem early enough and look for ways to eliminate them before they cause extensive damage.
Stampede Pest Control is a master of pest control in the Texas area. We’ve been in business for more than ten years and offer organic pet and family-friendly treatments that are guaranteed to work. Schedule a professional termite inspection today with experts from Stampede Pest Control for reliable services.