Termites are the bane of many homeowners’ existence. Those silent, pesky insects are capable of causing severe structural damage to your space. More often than not, you won’t notice their presence until it’s far too late. In today’s post, we’ll cover seven telltale signs of an infestation and how to identify them so that you and your family can enjoy a termite-free home.
1. Hollow sounding wood
Wooden structures around your home, like posts, beams, and flooring, have the potential to become a tasty snack for termites. If you knock on these surfaces and they emit a hollow sound, it could signify termites. If you worry about an infestation, regularly check for damage in those areas by knocking on them.
2. The appearance of damaged wood
Discolored or uneven wood could also be a sign of termite damage. Look for bubbling or chipped paint or a rough appearance in your wood that wasn’t there previously.
3. Termite Frass
Termites love to leave little presents for you after they’ve eaten their fill of your furniture. Frass or termite droppings are another telltale sign that you have an infestation. They often appear as little piles of sawdust but will be very powdery in texture. Look out for little piles of it on or around damaged wood in your home.
4. Drooping or warped wood
Wood that appears to be losing its shape, warping, or saggy could have termites eating away at it. Keep a close eye on wooden furniture that start to look sad and droopy.
5. Tunnels
If your infestation is particularly bad, you may notice visible tunnels or paths in your wood. Keep a close eye out for those little tracks a termite might leave.
6. Insect body parts
You may find termite remains near your window sills, baseboards, or furniture. You will know it’s a termite by its tiny, soft, oval body and brown translucent color. You could also discover wings. These are left by the swarmer termites that are most active during the summer. You need to investigate further if you notice an abundance of discarded wings.
7. Mud tubes
By far, the most noticeable sign of a termite infestation is the presence of mud tubes. These pencil-sized tunnels are made from their saliva, wood, and dirt and are their path to and from their nests and your home. Keep an eye out for a small tube by your home’s foundation, basement, or even inside your wood.
Call Insight Pest Solutions.
Spotting the signs of a termite infestation in your home is vital to keeping you and your family safe. These tips should help you identify them and allow you to protect your home from their destructive tendencies. If you or someone you know suspects an infestation in your home, contact Insight Pest Solutions! It can be challenging to eradicate termites on your own. Still, our experienced team of technicians and helpful staff want to ensure a safe termite environment for you and your family.
