There’s a reason termites are known as “silent destroyers.” These creatures can nibble through wood, floors and walls –they will even munch through wallpaper– all the while remaining undetected over a long period of time causing structural damage to homes explains prestopestcontrol.com. The secret to reducing the damage that termites can cause is to catch the signs early — before it becomes a full-blown infestation. This next little bit of advice will guide you through some of the visual indicators of termites; so that, in the event that termites are spotted, you can take action to mitigate the potential damage to your home.
Tubes of Mud on Walls and Foundation
One of the most recognizable indications of subterranean termites are the mud tubes they create. These soil, saliva and wood particle makeshift pencil-sized tunnels. Termites can move through the sleeves to travel to and from their colony and a food source, keeping moist and avoiding open air.
Inspect along the foundation of your house, basement walls, crawl spaces and exterior walls. Mud tunnels can run vertically up walls, or along where the soil meets the house. Snap a chunk off — if you find active termites in the wood, time to contact a professional.
Hollow or Damaged Wood
Termites eat wood from within, so only a thin cover is left on the outside. Wooden beams, floors, doors, or windows frames are manipulated to look normal but they sound hollow when tapped. Properly poke the wood around the home (especially in the basement, attic, and crawlspace) with a screwdriver or pencil.
If the wood splinters easily, or you hear a papery or hollow sound, it could be indicative of termite damage below the surface. Hunt for nicks or channels within wood which is obvious termite feeding.
Swarmers (Flying Termites) and Shed Wings
Discovering flying termites in your home is often the first indication of a mature colony not too far off. These “swarmers” are reproductive termites that have come out in full force, usually in the spring, in an effort to form new colonies.
They lose their wings after mating. If you notice an accumulation of small, uniform wings on windowsills, floors or around light fixtures, it can be a sign that infestation is near. Just don’t mix them up with flying ants — termite swarmers’ antennae are straight, their wings even and their body a little less clunky
Bubbling Paint or Wallpaper
Similarly, termite damage is often mistaken for water damage. Crackling or peeling paint, buckling walls, and stained wallpaper may indicate moisture collecting from the humidity termites create when they tunnel through walls and consume the paper backing of drywall or plaster.
Homeowners typically confuse this with plumbing problems, however water damage with no leak could be an unseen infestation. If there are bulges or blisters on your walls, investigate what is behind them.
Doors, Windows: Tight Fit
Termites will eat away at wood, reopening studs, creating structural movement and weaving panels. You may also observe doors and windows suddenly becoming hard to open or shut. This transformation occurs due to the wood weakening or deforming as it suffers internal damage.
Termite Droppings (Frass)
Drywood termites (not as common as subterranean termites, but it can happen) create small mounds of wood-colored pellets, called frass. These droppings are similar in appearance to sawdust or coffee grounds and are typically located near points of entry or feeding activity.
For an early termite damage detection, you need a sharp eye and frequent checks, especially in highly susceptible spots such as the basement, the attic, and crawl spaces. It is possible for homeowners to save themselves thousands of dollars in possible repairs by spotting early cues, such as mud tubes, discarded wings, hollow wood and bubbling paint.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to call a licensed pest control professional right away for an inspection and treatment plan. Become a part of your solution than of the problem with early detection and the right intervention, you can safeguard your living place against these destructive invaders.
