Did you know that Americans spend over $2 billion every year on termite damage and prevention?
Termites can cause serious problems for your home. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they have termites until the infestation has already occurred.
But, if you know what to look for, you can notice signs of termite infestation in time to take action. Let’s take a closer look at how to tell if you have termites.
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Termite Swarmers
Termite swarmers are winged termites that appear briefly before disappearing back into the wood where the nest is. If you see them inside your house, chances are you already have termites.
Often, you will just find a wing. You might spot their wings on window sills, surrounding your home’s foundation, or in spider webs.
If you see them outside your home, however, this is a sign that termites are looking to set up a nest. This is a good indication that you should contact termite control so they can address the situation.
Wood Damage to Stumps or Outside Structures
If you have any stumps or wooden structures outside of your home, you may notice termite damage on these. If you see that, this could be a sign that termites live on your property.
Calling the pest professionals will give you an opportunity to deal with the problem before they come into the house.
Noises in the Walls
When termites live in your walls, they often make a noise referred to as “headbanging.” The termites bang against the wood as a way to communicate with other members of the colony. From your side of the wall, this will usually sound like a quiet clicking noise.
Another noise that indicates termites will only be noticed if you tap or knock on the wood. When you do this, you might hear a hollow sound, indicating that wood has already been eaten away.
Termite Droppings
Termite droppings, also known as “frass,” are one of the clearest signs of termite infestation. Termites tunnel through wood when they create an infestation, which creates holes in the wood. The droppings will drop out of these holes, and will usually look like wood shavings or sawdust.
Sagging Structures
If you notice this sign, it’s an indication that a termite infestation has been going on for a number of years. Termites eat wooden structures from the inside out, which can create structural damage. This can lead to sagging ceilings, sloping floors, and doors that fail to work.
While these signs are extreme, there are some earlier signs that show this process is beginning. These include squeaking floorboards and loosened tiles.
Now You Know How to Tell if You Have Termites
With these tips in hand, you now know how to tell if you have termites. If you notice these signs, it’s important to take action.
Looking for more home tips? Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful information.
