What To Look for When You Think You Have Termites

Termites can wreak havoc on your house and put all your home’s wooden structures in danger. If you discover termites in your home, you shouldn’t wait to take action to eliminate these destructive pests. If you suspect that you have termites in your home but aren’t exactly sure, you can look for these signs that may indicate a termite infestation.

Wood Damage

Damaged wood around a home is the leading telltale sign of a termite problem, but you should be especially vigilant if you notice blisters in the wood that are often left by these critters. Wood that is hollowed out because termites have chewed through the interior is another sign that these pests are in your home. Wood that’s splintering without a known cause should also be examined closely for termites.

Mysterious Wings

Wings that have been shed may be showing up in places around your home. If you notice a lot of these wings, they’re likely coming from termites that fly around to look for mates and new colony locations before their wings are shed. These shed wings are often seen in larger numbers in the spring when vision is better because of the extra light. You shouldn’t hesitate to call pest control experts who can inspect your premises for termites if you see these wings.

Wood-colored Droppings

Termites often leave behind droppings that look like tiny pieces of wood because of the high amount of cellulose that these pests consume when they eat wood. The droppings might also resemble sawdust or coffee grounds. These droppings are frequently left in groups by multiple termites and are usually found in piles. The droppings are usually emitted through kick-out holes that have been chewed into the wood and serve as a sewage system for termites.

Thin Mud Tunnels

Commonly referred to as mud tubes, these thin tunnels are constructed by termites that initially live below the ground before finding their ways into homes. The tunnels are built to keep termites protected against unsafe temperatures and humidity levels. You can look for these tunnels on the outside of your house near where the lower level touches the ground.

Termites shouldn’t be allowed to take over your home and destroy the place that provides extra stability for you and your family. If you know how to spot signs of termites and look over your home regularly, you can get the help that’s needed to rid your home of these critters once and for all.