Termites can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home if left untreated. They are responsible for costly cosmetic and structural damage. If you’re a homeowner, keep an eye out for signs of termites in your home. Spotting these insects early allows you to take action before they do too much damage. Here are some of the most common indications of termite activity.
Signs of Termites in Your Home
1. Soft or Damaged Wood
Termites eat wood from the inside out. Because the damage is hidden at first, termites can be difficult to detect. If you notice wood that feels springy or soft, this is one of the most common signs of termites.
2. Insects That Look Like White Ants
Tiny white insects that resemble ants are termites. They love dark, damp places and rarely go into the sun, so they are pale, nearly translucent, and hard to spot.
3. Discarded Wings are Signs of Termites
Termite colonies are constantly growing. Eventually, some of the colony will leave to start a new colony elsewhere. Termites grow wings to travel to a new location. When they find a suitable home, they discard their wings. You might notice a swarm of tiny, flying insects or traces of discarded wings.
4. Frass (Termite Droppings)
Termite droppings, also called “frass,” are a powdery substance usually found close to the holes in the woodwork around your home. Frass may appear as a tiny pile just outside where the termites are working and is a sure way to know that you have termites in your home. Call a pest control expert as soon as possible.
5. Sounds in the Walls can be Signs of Termites in Your Home
One of the most unexpected signs of termites is the sound when they eat and warn each other of danger. This noise is a soft clicking sound that you may be able to hear inside your walls if the house is otherwise quiet. If you suspect you hear termites, hire an expert to do a pest inspection.
6. Peeling Paint
Paint peeling off the wall is another sign of possible termites. The damage these insects create can cause paint and wallpaper to fail to adhere to the wall. When the wood behind the wallpaper is destroyed, it may begin to bubble and peel away.
7. Signs of Termites: Mud Tubes
Mud tubes are a clear indication that termites are present and working. These tubes are usually no wider than a pencil and are created by termites searching for food. Mud tubes create a moist environment that termites need to survive. These tubes are most often found outside your home, on the foundation, woodpile, or trees on the property. Checking the perimeter of your home often helps you detect termites before they do too much damage.
Randall’s Home Inspections offers inspections to customers in the Greater Madison, WI area. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to schedule an appointment.