Termites can wreak havoc in your house and cause thousands of dollars in property damage. You may not realize you have an infestation until it’s too late. Here are some of the tell-tale signs of termites in the home. Termites are just one type of
wood-destroying insect that can damage your property, so understanding the warning signs is essential.
Swarmers
Swarmers are winged termites that fly in large groups. They leave their nests to search for a mate and look for places to colonize, which could be your home. If you spot a swarm of insects near your property, you may soon have a termite problem.
Discarded Wings are Signs of Termites
Discarded wings are a very recognizable sign of termites. After swarmers leave their nest and find a place to build a colony, they shed their wings. Watch for tiny, scattered wings around your home. They usually appear in piles near windows or other entry points.
Frass
Termite droppings are known as “frass” and it’s a common sign of termite infestation. Drywood termites produce a powdery substance that has the appearance of sawdust or coffee grounds. You may notice frass anywhere there is wood in or around your home. This is also one of the common
signs of pests in your home that homeowners should watch for.
Hollow Wood is One of the Signs of Termites
Termites usually eat wood from the inside out. As a result, damage may not be visible. However, if tapping on the wood produces an empty sound, it can indicate termites in your home. Hollow wood can eventually lead to
structural problems if not addressed promptly.
Strange Sounds
Termites make soft clicking sounds while eating. Soldier termites also bang their heads against the wood when the colony is in danger to warn the other insects. These sounds aren’t loud and so are usually unnoticed. However, if you place your ear close to termite-infested wood, you can sometimes hear them. Also, at night when it’s silent, you may hear termites in the walls.
Signs of Termites: Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites need certain temperatures and humidity levels to survive. As a result, they build tunnel-like structures from mud. Mud tubes provide termites with protection and moisture as they move from their colony to a food source, such as your home. Fortunately, they are easy to spot. Look for them along the base of structures or on your home’s foundation. Keeping moisture levels low by learning to
reduce indoor humidity can make your home less attractive to subterranean termites.
White Ants
Contrary to popular belief, there’s no such thing as a white ant. If you see small white insects in your home, they’re probably termites. Both worker and soldier termites are white or cream in color. Some termites may even appear translucent because of little exposure to light.
A termite infestation can cause significant damage to your home if left unresolved. If you notice signs of termites, contact a pest control expert immediately. Taking steps to
prevent pests can help reduce your risk of an infestation. A thorough
home inspection can also reveal hidden termite activity before it causes major damage. The
EPA provides helpful guidance on identifying and controlling termites.
Advanced Termite and Pest Control offers inspection services to customers in Eastern NC.
Contact us to request an appointment.
