You might have termites in your home and not even know it. Homeowners who are unaware of the common signs of a termite infestation run the risk of significant structural damage that proves egregiously expensive to repair or replace. If you notice any of the signs of termites as detailed below, it is time to ask for help from the termite control experts.
Hollowed or Damaged Wood
Termites will damage wood throughout your home regardless of its location, age, or quality. These pests will damage wood floors, wood walls, and beyond. Termites chew directly through wood as they seek cellulose. Take a close look at the wood in your home from time to time and you might notice termite damage in the form of extended grooves. These termite grooves gradually weaken your home’s wood, creating extensive structural damage. In fact, it is even possible for termites to eat through your home’s wood to the point that it becomes a hollow shell. If you do not have your termite problem taken care of by the proven professionals, it will only be a matter of time until its structural integrity is compromised.
Droppings
Termites, like every other animal, leave droppings. If you spot droppings that look similar to wood sawdust along your floors, it probably is not sawdust. These diminutive particles just might be drywood termite droppings.
Mud Tubes
Mud tubes are tiny tunnels comprised of dirt or soil positioned along wood. If you see any mud tubes on your property’s wood, it is a clear indication you have termites. These little buggers use mud tubes as bridges of sorts to obtain food and move from one place to the next.
Fissures and/or Cracks Throughout Wood
Though cracks in wood are not an indication termites are present, there is a chance such fissures are a clue that termites have invaded your property. Termites eat wood from the inside out so you might not know your wood is being devoured until it is too late.
Holes
Termites drill small holes, typically no larger than the size of a nail, through wood. If you notice holes in your home’s wood, ask for assistance from the pest control experts as soon as possible.
Broken Wings
Termite swarmers often leave broken wings. Termites that fly are known as swarmers. Swarmers’ broken wings are typically found near windows, doors and other points of entry to your home. If you notice a wing or several wings on the floor, it is not a surefire guarantee there is a nest in your home. Rather, the nest might be located nearby.
Noise
Most people are surprised to learn termites often make clicking sounds that can be faintly heard through walls. Turn down the TV, turn off your phone, put your ear to your home’s wood and listen closely for a couple minutes. You just might hear termites within the wood. If your home is infested with soldier termites, they will likely bang their heads directly against the wood. Some such termites shake themselves after colony disturbances. You might even hear some termites eating. As an example, worker termites are notoriously loud eaters. If you hear anything that sounds like the noises described above, contact the termite control professionals right away.
Wood Flooring Blisters
If you notice blistering along your hard wood floors, it is a sign termites are munching away down below. These termites are referred to as subterranean termites. If you neglect your termite problem, these evil little pests will eventually damage the sub-floor, creating the impression the wood floor has considerable water damage.
If you suspect there may be termites in your home, do not hesitate. Call us today and schedule a completely free inspection!