Did you know about 600,000 US homes suffer from termite infestations annually? Termites may not necessarily hurt you, but their presence can wreak havoc on your home. They can also make your home completely uninhabitable.
Termites can destroy homes and buildings and significantly damage furniture, clothing, and other materials. Because these pests cause so much destruction, you need to recognize the signs of a termite infestation early on.
Read on about the telltale signs you might have a termite infestation.
1. Damaged Wood
Signs of termite infestation in your home often relate to damaged wood. Look for warping, soft spots, or ridges in the wood that may indicate an infestation.
You may also spot small piles of sawdust around the basement’s window, door frames, or support beams. Small holes in the wood may suggest termites have chewed through the wood. It could indicate termite activity if you hear strange tapping, clicking, or chirping noises within your walls.
Uneven cracks, sagging floors, or wooden wall bulges indicate that your house may be infested. If you suspect an infestation, contact a professional exterminator to ensure the problem is correctly identified and treated as soon as possible.
2. Wood That Sounds Hollow When Tapped
One of the most common signs of termite infestation in a home is wood that sounds hollow when tapped. Termites burrow deep into the wood supports of a home, eating away at the material from the inside out.
As the termites consume more and more of the wood, it weakens and leaves it vulnerable to moisture and mold. When tapped, the wood will often give off a hollow sound instead of a dull thud if the wood is healthy and solid.
3. Mud-Like Tunnels or Tubes
Termites create mud-like tunnels or tubes, especially on your home’s exterior or interior walls. These surface-level tunnels may run up walls along foundation lines and exterior wooden surfaces.
The mud-like tubes are a telltale sign of a termite infestation. The worker termites make them travel around and provide protection from predators, sunlight, and extreme weather. You may also find these tubes around windows and other gaps in your home as the termites use them to travel to food sources.
4. Presence of Wings and Termite Droppings
Termites often leave wings near windows, doors, or other light sources. Additionally, termite droppings, which tend to look like sawdust or coffee grounds, are a dead giveaway. You can find this around walls, window sills, and other potential termite hotspots.
5. Winged Termites Flying Around
Wingen termites flying around your home is one of the most common signs of a termite infestation. If you see swarms of winged termites flying near windows, patios, garages, or near lights, this is a telltale sign of an infestation.
These winged termites emerge after the mating rituals, which occur twice a year – in the spring and fall. The winged termites help procreate. Call professional pest control services to start locating, handling, and preventing pests from spreading.
Learn the Telltale Signs of Termite Infestation Today and Take Action
Termite infestations in your home can be a nightmare for any homeowner. By being aware of the signs of termite infestation and taking the necessary steps to protect your home from this enemy, you can sleep better at night knowing that your home is safe. If you believe you have a termite infestation, contact a professional exterminator immediately to handle the problem safely and effectively.
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