Termites are silent destroyers that can create havoc in the house without even getting noticed. These tiny insects feed on wood. For this reason, they invade homes and eat away all the wooden framework of the house. There are various types of termite species, but they all tend to show the same signs. In this article, we will discuss various indications that can help you detect a termite infestation in your house.
Mud Tubes
Termites create mud tubes as they dig underground. If you are dealing with termite infestations, you can see pencil-sized mud tubes around the foundation of your home, in crawl spaces, or inside your home. Termites build mud tubes to protect while they travel. These tubes are typically brown in color. Mud tubes are a clear indication that termites have invaded your house.
Tiny Potholes
Termites create tiny potholes on the wall to get out of it and move away from their colony. They also create crevices to move around the house. Tiny potholes on dry walls clearly indicate that you have a termite infestation. Some termites fill the holes to keep their colony inside. These indications are one of a few early signs of termite infestation on your wall.
Hollow Sounding Wood
Termites eat away wood from the inside while keeping the outer layer intact. When you tap or knock over a wood, you may hear a hollow sound. It is a sign that termites are feeding on the wooden structure of your house. If you notice the hollow sound when inspecting wooden floors, walls, and wooden beams, it is high time to investigate further termite activity and take quick action to control them.
Sagging or Buckling Floors
Termites feed on wood, which can weaken the wooden structure of the house causing them to sag or buckle. If you notice your hardwood or laminate floor is uneven and appears to be sagging in certain areas, it is a clear sign of termite damage. You need to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage.
Also Read: What Are The Advantages Of Hiring The Best Packers And Movers In Hyderabad?
Swarming Termites
Many termites occur in swarming behavior during the spring season and early summer. Winged termites will emerge from their nests to mate and form new colonies. If you notice a swarm of insects around your house, especially if it has the characteristics of a termite then it is a clear indication that you have a termite colony nearby. It is common to confuse swarming termites with flying insects. Termites have wings of the same length that extend over the body while flying insects have shorter wings on the front and longer in the back.
Discarded Wings
Swarming termites shed their wings after mating leaving them on window shelves, light fixtures, and other entry points. If you notice discarded termite wings in and around your house, it is a sure sign that a termite swarm has occurred. Watch out for these wings as this indicates an active termite infestation.
Bubbling or Flaking Paint
Termites can cause damage to the walls and ceilings of your house. They feed on the wood underneath the walls causing it to crack or bubble up. The damaged paint is a clear indicator of termite infestation in your house.
Termite Droppings
Finding dust collected on top of the baseboards, or where your wall meets the floor can be a sign of termite infestation. Check to see if the dust is dark in color like the black pepper. This could be termite dust which often resembles saw dust or small piles of powder. If you see such signs, it indicates that termites are active in your home.
Damaged Wood Trim
Termites feed on wood throughout your house. Check all the wooden structures of your house to find termite activity. You can see faint lines that could be a termite tunnel. You can see a bunch of Iines in all directions just like a maize. If the wood appears to be severely compromised and weakened, it is a sign of termite infestation.
Chewing or Head Banging Noises
Clicking sounds from walls is another sign of termite infestation in your house. When a termite colony is threatened, the termite soldiers will bang their heads on the wood or shake their bodies to warm their fellow termites. The worker termites who love to chew your wood are noisy and loud eaters. You can hear the nibbling sound on wood if you place your ear close to it.
Hard to Open Windows and Tight-Fitting Doors
Windows and doors that are too stiff to open can be a sign of termite infestation. It can also be a sign of excessive moisture or heat. When termites eat and tunnel through doors and windows, they leave behind moisture, that makes the wood warp causing it hard to open doors and windows. If you notice that doors and windows no longer easily fit into their frames, it could be a sign of termite infestation.
Accumulation of Moisture
Termites are attracted by moisture. It helps them thrive easily. Look for signs of water levels, leakage, seepage on the walls, and damp areas in and around your house. Excessive moisture around your house can create a perfect environment for termite infestation. It is imperative to address moisture problems to prevent termite infestation in your house.
Termite Tubes on Trees and Wooden Structures
Termites can also infest trees, wooden frames, and other wooden structures outside the house. Look for mud tubes or tunnels on the exterior part of trees and wooden frames. If you notice these things on your trees and the exterior of your house, it is a sign that they are infested with termites. There is a possibility that they have made their way into your home as well.
Conclusion
It is crucial to detect termite infestation early to prevent extensive damage and costly repairs. By keeping an eye on the signs of termite activity, you can take prompt action to eliminate them from your premises. Regular inspections and maintenance of your home’s wooden framework along with the implementation of preventive measures will help reduce the chances of termite infestation on your property. It is better to hire professional termite control services that have the expertise and tools to effectively remove termites and prevent future infestations.
