Termites, sometimes referred to as ‘silent destroyers’, can cause extensive and costly damage to your home or property. They often go unnoticed until significant damage has already been done. Knowing the common signs of a termite infestation can help you catch the problem early and save you time, money, and stress. Here are several signs that may indicate the presence of termites:
1. Mud Tubes on Exterior Walls
Termites construct tunnels made of mud, saliva, and feces to travel between their colony and food source. These mud tubes are often found on the exterior walls of a building or the foundations and serve as a protective tunnel for termites when they venture out from the soil.
2. Wood Damage
Damage to wooden structures can often be an indicator of termites. The damage typically appears hollowed out or honeycombed and is generally found below and behind surfaces like walls, floors, and more.
3. Swarming or Discarded Wings
Reproductive termites, also known as swarmers, leave the nest to start new colonies. After swarming, they shed their wings. If you notice small, discarded wings on windowsills or near closed windows and doors, this could be a sign of a nearby termite colony.
4. Clicking Sounds Within Walls
Soldier termites can make a distinctive sound that is often described as a quiet clicking or cracking coming from within the walls. They use this sound to signal danger to the rest of the colony.
5. Frass or Termite Droppings
Drywood termites often leave behind their feces, known as frass, which resembles tiny pellets. These can usually be found near a termite nest and might resemble sawdust or sand.
6. Sagging Floors or Ceilings
Excessive termite damage can compromise the structural integrity of a building, leading to sagging floors and ceilings. Such damage could suggest a long-term infestation.
7. Tight Fitting Doors and Hard-To-Open Windows
Termites produce moisture when consuming wood, causing wood to warp and making it difficult to open doors and windows.
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to contact a professional pest control service immediately to assess the situation and to discuss potential treatment options. Early detection and treatment are essential for controlling termites and mitigating the damage they can inflict on your property.