04 May 10 Common Signs of a Termite Infestation You Should Look Out for
Termites are one of the most destructive pests that can invade your home. These small insects can cause extensive damage to the wooden structures in your home, which can be costly to repair. To prevent a termite infestation from causing damage to your home, it’s important to know the signs of a termite infestation so that you can take action quickly. Here are 10 common signs of a termite infestation that you should look out for:
- Presence of Wings: Termites often swarm during the spring and summer months. If you see discarded wings near windows, doors, or on the floor, this could be a sign that termites are present.
- Mud Tubes: Termites build mud tubes to move between their colony and the wood they’re feeding on. These tubes are made of dirt, wood particles, and saliva, and can be found on the foundation, walls, or other wooden structures.
- Hollowed Wood: Termites feed on wood from the inside out, leaving behind a thin layer of wood or paint. If you tap on a piece of wood and it sounds hollow, this could be a sign of termite damage.
- Clicking Sounds: Soldier termites will bang their heads against the wood or shake their bodies to warn the other termites of danger. If you hear a clicking sound coming from your walls or ceilings, this could indicate a termite infestation.
- Frass: Frass is a combination of termite droppings and wood particles. If you find small piles of frass around your home, this could indicate a termite infestation.
- Tight-Fitting Doors and Windows: As termites feed on the wood in your home, they can cause the wood to warp or become misshapen. This can cause doors and windows to become difficult to open or close.
- Peeling Wallpaper: As termites feed on the wood behind your walls, it can cause the wallpaper to become loose or peel.
- Sagging Floors or Ceilings: As termites feed on the wooden structures in your home, they can cause the floors or ceilings to sag or feel spongy.
- Blisters in Wood Flooring: Termites can cause blistering or buckling in your hardwood floors. This is caused by the termites feeding on the wood, which causes it to separate from the subfloor.
- Visible Termites: If you see termites crawling around your home, it’s a clear sign that you have a termite infestation.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact a professional pest control company immediately. Termites can cause significant damage to your home and can be difficult to eliminate on your own. A pest control professional can identify the type of termite infestation you have and develop a treatment plan to eliminate the infestation and prevent future damage.
In addition to hiring a professional, there are steps you can take to prevent termite infestations, such as eliminating sources of moisture in and around your home, sealing cracks and gaps in your home’s foundation and exterior walls, and storing firewood away from your home.
Regular termite inspections can also help prevent termite infestations by identifying any potential problems before they become severe. At Proctor Pest Control, we offer comprehensive termite inspections and treatments to help protect your home from these destructive pests. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.