One thing that can be very scary is discovering a termite infestation in your home. Termites are no laughing matter. If not removed, they can end up destroying your home’s entire structure to the point it is no longer safe to live in. Overall, you should know what the evidence of termite infestations in your home looks like so you can take action immediately. Doing so could save you thousands of dollars.
Doors and Windows That Stick
If your doors and windows no longer open and close easily, this can be a sign of termite damage. Doors and windows may begin sticking if the affected wood has begun to be eaten away by termites. This can cause warping around those windows and doorways that cause them to no longer function properly. This can also be the case for cabinet doors in your kitchen. While alternate explanations are possible, you should certainly investigate the possibility of termites inside your home.
The Appearance of Mud Tubes
Another sign you should look out for are the appearance of mud tubes. Mud tubes look like their name. They are tubes of mud that may run along different parts of your home. These tubes are used like highways from where termites live in the ground to their wood food source in your home. They have to use these tubes because the air may dry them out and kill them otherwise. If you see these tubes on any surface of your home such as walls, make sure to call termite control professionals immediately.
Hollow Sounding Wood
One way to detect termite infestations is to knock on pieces of wood in your home that should be solid. If the wood instead sounds hollow inside, you likely have a termite infestation. The gaps inside a piece of previously solid wood could only be caused by termites.
Wings and Droppings
Termite droppings can certainly alert you of an infestation. These droppings look like little piles of salt and pepper. These droppings are called “frass,” and they have this unique appearance due to the termite’s food source being wood. Alternatively, you may notice a large number of insect wings inside parts of your home. Certain kinds of termites, referred to as swarmers, have wings. After they mate, they lose these wings, and you may find them inside your home in places like your basement.
Overall, if you notice any of these four signs of termite activity, don’t be afraid to call an exterminator immediately. Doing so could help save you thousands of dollars. Even if the damage does not seem bad yet, it will be in the future after those termites eat through more of your home’s wood.
