Termites can really destroy a home without you knowing; that’s why they’re called ‘silent destroyers.’ You might have to spend thousands of dollars on repairs by the time you notice damage.
Every year, termites damage about 600,000 homes in the US, Orkin estimates. Homeowners and property managers both need to know how to spot termite damage early on. There is a chance you can avoid structural damage if you recognize the red flags early on, like discarded wings and mud tubes, hollow-sounding wood, and bubbling paint.
We’ll show you the most common signs of termite activity in this guide so you can protect your property before the infestation gets too bad.
Photo by Константин Маманович on Unsplash
Visible Wood Damage and Hollow Sounds
One of the symptoms most commonly associated with termite damage is visible damage to the wood, accompanied by hollow sounds that occur when tapping on the affected surface.
If you see small holes or grooves on wooden surfaces, it is a big warning sign. These can be signs that termites are having a meal on the structure of your home.
Gently tap the wood and listen for a hollow sound, as this could indicate compromised wood. Never hesitate every time you feel a USP identifier is suspicious; check your beams, floorboards, or furniture often.
The early detection is a cure against further damage. If you are suspected of having termites, give a pest control expert a call.
If you take action now, you can avoid potential issues later.
Mud Tubes and Shelter Tubes
If you see mud tubes or shelter tubes around your house, that’s a sign that termites are active.
Termites make these tubes out of dirt, wood, and their saliva. These tubes make it easier for termites to get from their colonies to food sources and keep them safe from predators and dehydration. Most of the time, the tubes are on the outside of the foundation walls, in the crawl space, or inside your walls.
Such sightings call for urgent investigation.
Start looking around the yard for signs of damage, and you may find it useful to consult a pest control expert.
An early diagnosis and intervention will save so many headaches and expensive repairs later.
Pay close attention to these telltale signs, as they may signal a growing threat to your house.
Discarded Wings and Frass
Discarded wings and frass are primary indicators that termites might have made your house their home. Termites shed their wings during swarming, making them visible near windows or other points of entry. Such wings are also left behind when reproductive termites are setting up the establishment of a new colony, suggesting an ancient infestation.
Frass is like tiny wood-colored pellets or sawdust. You can find these termite droppings on wooden structures or along baseboards.
If you find termites and their signs present, you must act immediately. Structural damage of great magnitude awaits neglect. Observe these signs consistently throughout the year, particularly during the swarm season, to promptly detect any potential infestation.
Swarm Behavior and Presence of Termites
Once the winged insects lose their wings, and if frass is found on the ground, then one must learn about the swarm behavior of termites.
Termites swarm during the hot-warm humid days, mostly in spring and early summer. They can be observed flying near windows, doors, or any light source, indicating the presence of a colony somewhere nearby. Swarming is the reproductive stage and also the beginning of the establishment of a new colony.
Large clusters of winged insects are a strong sign of termite presence in the area. Observe their behavior and the time of day because swarming generally occurs in the late afternoon to early evening.
In seeing these behaviors, one should take a step for inspection and get measures to have control before heavy damages are inflicted upon the house by the termites.
Unexplained Moisture and Soil Changes
If you see water mysteriously appearing in your house or notice that the soil around your foundation is changing, these could be signs of termites.
Termites need water to live, so there is a better chance that there is water present. So, check the basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens for water pooling.
If there is also loose soil outside your foundation or soil that looks like it has moved, termites may be tunneling through it and putting your foundation at risk.
Also, look for mold or water stains, as these can be signs of termite damage.
Quickly resolving problems with moisture stops more from happening. You should call a professional pest controller if you think you might have termites infesting your home.
