Despite being insects and not actually bugs, termites are insidious and can be really damaging to your house. Every structural designer dreads the thought of a termite infestation; it can happen to even the best-built houses.
A termite infestation can become a danger to the occupants of the building and cause billions of dollars worth of economic damage annually. So it’s essential to be vigilant and look for tip-offs that you have a termite infestation before they get out of control.
This article will cover all the signs of termites, what to look for, and what to do when you have an infestation in your home.
Signs of Termites in Your House
There are several signs of termites in your house, and not all signs may appear at once. Take a look at the list below and see if some are visible in your home.
Mud Tubes
Mud tubes are small tunnels that termites build out of mud in order to travel from their nest to their food source. These tubes are usually about the width of a pencil and are often found on the foundation of a home or in crawl spaces.
Wings Near Doors or Windows
These wings are actually the discarded exoskeletons of termites that have molted. They are a sign that termites are present and are actively feeding on the wood in your home.
Piles of Sawdust Near Wood
Termites are small, white insects that live in colonies in wood. They eat wood, and sawdust is a byproduct of their eating.
Damaged Woods
Damage of wood in your home can be in the form of cracks, splinters, or holes in the wood. You may also notice that when the wood is tapped, it will sound hollow. This is because termites eat the wood from the inside out, leaving only a thin layer of wood on the surface.
Windows and Doors Are Hard to Open
Termites make your windows and doors weaker and harder to open. This could be because they have eaten away at the wooden frame around the window or door.
Clicking Sounds Coming From Your Wall
When you hear clicking sounds, this is usually a sign that termites are present and are starting to build their nests.
Peeling or Bubbling Paint
Termites eating away at the wood beneath your house weakens the structure of your house and cause the paint to peel or bubble.
What Can You Do?
If you see any of these signs, it’s important to contact a home pest control professional to get rid of the termites. The sooner you call them, the better your chances of completely removing termites in your home.
And then there are several things that you can do to prevent termite from invading your home in the future, such as: sealing cracks and crevices in your foundation, repairing leaky faucets and pipes, and keeping your gutters clean.
Remove the Termites as Fast as Possible
If you suspect there may be termites in your home, it is important to look for signs of their activity. Refer to the common signs of termites above and if you see some signs. Don’t wait for it to get worse. These pests can cause a lot of damage to your home if they’re not removed quickly.
Contact an expert in termite control immediately. They will be able to determine what kind of treatment is needed to get rid of them.
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