Termites are silent destroyers. These tiny pests can cause massive damage to your property before you even realize they’ve arrived. Identifying a termite infestation early and seeking professional services from pest control companies like Avata Pest Control is crucial to preventing costly repairs and maintaining the safety of your home.
Below are the top five warning signs that your house may have a termite problem.
1. Visible Wood Damage
One of the most obvious signs of a termite infestation is damage to the wooden structures in your home. Termites eat wood from the inside out, often leaving behind hollow or paper-thin surfaces. Tap on wooden furniture, walls, or floors. If they sound hollow or weak, termites may already be at work. In addition, you may notice areas with blistered or warped wooden surfaces, which could also indicate internal termite activity.
2. Mud Tubes on Walls or Foundation
Termites, particularly subterranean termites, build mud tubes to travel between their nests and their food sources. These pencil-thin tubes are made of soil, saliva, and wood fibers, and they help termites retain moisture while traveling. You’ll often find these tubes along foundation walls, baseboards, or in crawl spaces. If you see mud tubes, it’s a red flag that termites may be lurking within your home’s structure.
3. Discarded Wings
Reproductive termites, known as swarmers, shed their wings after they find a place to start a new colony. You might come across piles of small wings near windows, doors, or light fixtures. These wings usually resemble fish scales and are an unmistakable sign of termite activity. If you spot these, it’s time to take action immediately, as termites may already be settling into your property.
4. Frass (Termite Droppings)
Drywood termites produce droppings, known as frass, which look like tiny wood pellets or coffee grounds. You may find piles of frass near baseboards, door frames, or windowsills. This waste is a result of termites boring through wood, and its presence indicates an active infestation. While frass might be mistaken for sawdust, its consistent shape and size are a tell-tale clue that termites are the true culprits.
5. Tight Doors and Stuck Windows
If you’ve noticed doors or windows suddenly becoming harder to open or close, termites might be the reason. They often leave behind moisture as they tunnel through wood, causing the material to swell. This can make doors and windows seem jammed or misaligned. While this sign alone doesn’t confirm an infestation, it’s worth investigating, especially if accompanied by other warning signs listed above.
Conclusion
Termites are relentless, and the longer you wait, the more damage they can do. If you notice any of the signs above, it’s vital to take swift action. A professional termite inspection can confirm the presence of termites and determine the extent of the infestation.
Pest control experts use the latest techniques to eliminate termites and protect your property. Contact professionals today for a thorough inspection and safeguard your home from these destructive pests. Don’t give termites a chance to take over your home!