Termites can destroy your home by eating through wallpaper, subfloors, drywall, and wooden structural supports. They reproduce quickly so it’s important to take care of a termite infestation right away. Learn how to recognize the signs of termites in the home.
Droppings are Signs of Termites
As you clean, you may notice piles of a substance that looks like sawdust or coffee grounds. Termites eat their way through the materials of your home and dispose of waste products out of small holes in the walls and trim. They damage the wood and make nests in the tunnels. Termites like a clean environment, so they create small openings to push their droppings out of the tunnel system.
Noises in the Walls
When it is quiet in your home, you can actually hear termites inside the walls. It sounds like rattling or clicking if you listen carefully. Termite colonies also have guard termites that bang their heads if they sense danger. This noise is intended to warn the colony, but it can also indicate that you have termites in your home.
Damaged Wood
If you suspect termites, carefully examine your home for damaged wood. Some signs of termites are more obvious than others. One example is blisters in wood flooring. It may look like water damage but instead is caused by termites. Wallpaper or paint may start to bubble or peel due to damaged drywall underneath. You might notice grooves in the wood of cabinetry or furniture.
Discarded Wings
After termites swarm and find a location for their new colony, they no longer need their wings and will shed them. You may notice discarded wings around doors or windows. Wings near your home are a good indication that you should call a professional for a pest inspection.
Order a Pest Inspection to Find Signs of Termites
Unfortunately, the signs of termites may not be obvious until damage has already occurred. Order a professional inspection to protect your home from an advanced pest infestation. They are trained to understand signs of insect damage. If they find termites, they will recommend the next steps for dealing with the infestation.
AmeriSpec Inspection Services offers home inspections and wood-destroying insect inspections to customers in the Dallas-Ft Worth area. If you’re buying a home, contact us to request our services.