As a homeowner, it is essential to understand the risk of termites to your property. Termites are destructive and can compromise a home’s structural and foundational stability. It’s difficult to detect these tiny insects until they significantly damage your property. But, there are some warning signs you can look out for. Here are a few of the most common signs of termites in the home.
Damaged or Hollowed Wood
Hollow wood is one of the home’s most obvious signs of termites. Termites feed on wood and tunnel through the inside, leaving a thin outer layer. Over time, the tunneling creates hollow areas that produce an empty sound if you knock on the wood surface.
Discarded Wings are Signs of Termites in the Home
You may spot termite wings near closed windows or outside your home. Termites swarm from their nests to mate and find a place to start a new colony. Once they land, they discard their wings. You might see a swarm of insects flying or notice the wings they leave behind.
Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites build mud tubes to shelter their colony and act as bridges between their home and food sources. These tubes run from the ground towards places with exposed wood. Termites require specific temperature and humidity levels to survive, and these tunnels provide that.
If you spot mud tubes, confirm whether your home is infested by breaking the tunnel and checking for termites inside. If you don’t see any at first, try returning later to see if the insects have repaired the mud tube.
Signs of Termites: Floor or Ceiling Damage
Even though termites mainly feed on wood, they may still eat building materials and items made of cellulose. Termites will cause damage to ceiling beams, skirting boards, drywall, and laminated floors. If you notice blisters, sags, or cracks in any of these places, there’s a chance that termites are present.
You Can Hear Termites in the Home
Another unexpected sign of termites in the home is the noise they make when eating. If you hear a soft clicking sound coming from within your walls, it’s most likely termites. Termites also warn their colonies of danger by shaking their bodies and banging their heads against the wood. These noises aren’t loud, but at night, when the house is quiet, it’s possible to hear them.
Termite Droppings
Like other animals, termites leave behind droppings, also known as “frass.” These droppings resemble sawdust or coffee grounds and are often found in small piles at the bottom of a wall or near wooden components.
If you suspect a termite infestation in your home, hire a pest control professional to inspect the home and eliminate the insects. Recognizing and solving a termite problem before it gets out of control could save you from costly structural repairs.
Mn Pro Home Inspections provides home inspection services for the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin. Contact us to book our services.