How Do You Know If You Have Termites: Signs You Should Never Ignore

Finding termites early can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs. These destructive pests can damage your home's structure before you even notice them. This guide highlights the warning signs that indicate termite infestations. Having your local pest control team inspect your home regularly helps identify and address these issues before they become major problems.

Visible Mud Tubes

Look for thin, mud-like pathways on your walls or foundation; these could indicate that termites are active. Termites build these pathways to travel safely between their colony and food sources. They make these tubes using soil, spit, and waste materials. The tubes help termites stay in a dark, damp environment that they need to survive. They also protect termites from predators and help regulate temperature and moisture levels. To check if these are termite tubes, gently break a small piece. If you see live termites inside, you have a problem. Repair these mud tubes promptly to prevent further damage to your home.

Hollow-Sounding Wood

Tap or knock on wood surfaces around your home - a hollow sound may indicate that termites have damaged the wood inside. Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving only a thin outer layer that makes a hollow sound when tapped. This happens because termites create tunnels inside the wood as they eat, making it weak. Test different parts of the wood with a screwdriver or small hammer and listen for sound differences. Hollow-sounding wood indicates possible termite activity, suggesting that a professional inspection is necessary to assess the extent of the damage.

Discarded Termite Wings

Watch for discarded termite wings around your home, especially near windows and doors. These wings show that termites recently swarmed in the area. Termites drop their wings near entry points or places where they're actively eating. The wings are usually the same size and shape, long and see-through. Finding discarded wings means a mature termite colony might be close by, since this happens during swarming season. Termite wings are fragile and resemble small, thin, shiny fish scales. If you find a pile of wings in your home, inspect the area carefully and take prompt action.

Sagging or Drooping Floors

Check your floors for any sagging or drooping areas - this could indicate that termites have damaged the wood underneath. Termites weaken wooden structures by consuming the cellulose in wood, causing floors to lose their strength. When termites attack the wooden supports under your floors, they create hollow spaces that make floors sag or feel weak when you walk on them. The damage usually starts from underneath and works up. Pay special attention to areas near walls or support beams since termites often enter through these spots. Fixing sagging floors quickly can prevent major termite damage to your home.

Presence of Termite Frass

Termite frass, or termite droppings, is a clear sign that termites are active in your home. These droppings resemble tiny pellets or sawdust and are typically found near termite entry points or feeding areas. The droppings come from termites tunneling through wood and can be different colors depending on what type of wood they're eating. Fresh frass is usually wet and light-colored, while older frass looks dry and darker. Spotting termite frass helps you identify infestations early, as it indicates that termites are actively living in your home. If you notice these droppings, act promptly and seek professional help to prevent the infestation from causing significant damage.

Other Related Topics:

• Identifying Termites

• What Causes Termites and How to Stop Them From Spreading