Termites are small insects, but they can cause massive damage to homes and other structures if left unchecked. Identifying the signs of termites is key to stopping an infestation before it causes costly repairs and headaches. This article will explain the common warning signs of termites in your home so you can take appropriate action quickly.
1. Signs of Termites in Your Home: Swarms of Flying Insects
One of the most obvious signs that you have a termite problem is swarms of flying insects near your windows or in other areas of your home. Termites leave their colonies to create new colonies elsewhere, and they swarm around areas that can make suitable homes before establishing a new colony. If you spot these around your home, it’s a sign of a termite problem.
2. Mud Tubes
Termites need to stay hydrated, so they build mud tubes from the ground up to your home in order to access water. These tubes look like what you’d expect – small tunnels of dirt on foundation walls or other parts of your home’s exterior. If you see mud tubes around your home, clean them away immediately and check the interior of your home for further signs.
3. Hollow-Sounding Wood
If you suspect a termite infestation, check the walls and floors for any hollow-sounding wood. This usually indicates that termites have been eating away at the wood, leaving it weak and brittle. If you tap on the wood and it sounds hollow, it’s a sign that you have an infestation.
4. Discarded Wings
As mentioned earlier, termites swarm in order to find new colonies and start the process of creating new nests. After they reproduce, they shed their wings. Many times you will find them in piles near windows or other entrances. Discarded wings indicate that termites have established a colony in or near your home.
5. Major Signs of Termites: Damage to Wood or Drywall
Another obvious sign of a termite infestation is visible damage to wood or drywall in your home. Generally, you will find a series of small holes across the surface of wood with termites, and the remaining wood will be brittle and crumble under pressure. If you see any of this damage, it’s a good indication that you have an infestation.
If you spot any of these signs in your home, take action quickly. The longer termites are left unchecked, the more damage they can do and the more expensive repairs can become. Contact a pest control service to inspect your home and take steps to exterminate the termites. If you’re unsure whether or not you have a problem, contact a professional to inspect your home. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Certinspectors provides inspection services to homebuyers and sellers in the Hudson Valley area of New York. Contact us to schedule an appointment.