Of all of the types of infestations that homeowners can be faced with, a termite infestation is one of the worst. Termites are silent, destructive armies that can turn a home built of sturdy material into an expensive nightmare for homeowners. Because they are often not seen or heard, homeowners are only alerted to their presence when visible signs of disrepair start to show in the home.
Fortunately, if noticed early enough, homeowners can, with the help of pest control services, remove the problem and avoid property damage that occurs when termite infestations go unchecked for a considerable amount of time. Finding out whether your home is infested is the first step, and while these pests are quiet, they leave clues as to their presence in the home. Finding out whether you have a pest infestation begins with recognising the more obvious signs.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common signs of termites so you can recognise when you might have an infestation.
Paper Or Hollow Sounding Timbre
One obvious sign of whether there is a pest infestation in the home is the presence of paper or hollow sounding wood. Floorboards that seem weak when you walk on them or walls that sound as if they are paper thin or brittle are indications that there is a problem within the structure of the home. While these pests might also nibble at wooden furnishings as well, homeowners should be concerned about hollowed wood and weak floorboards and walls because this is the beginning of structural weakness in the home which can lead to major problems if not addressed.
Termite Droppings (Frass)
While the thought of inspecting your home for pest droppings might not sound pleasant, looking for them around the home is important. These little piles of small pebble-like droppings are another indication that you might have termites, in this case, dry-wood termites. Piles can be found indoors and outdoors, and they are mostly in the areas where these pests gain entry to the home.
Shelter Tubes
These shelter tubes usually appear on the exterior walls of the home, and they are used to transport food to their nest. Usually, these tubes appear to crawl up the wall in what appears to be mud piles. While the inclination is to just wipe the unsightly mud piles off with a rag, homeowners should have someone out to inspect the area as these piles can potentially be just a small manifestation of what is going on within the walls.
Rigid Windows And Warped Doors
If termites are eating wood and making tunnels they give off moisture, which can damage both door frames and window openings. These openings essentially become warped after pests get through with them, making them difficult to open. Most people assume that the damage is associated with what happens during the warmer months when moisture can warp both window and door openings, but it can also be an indication of termites.
Mud Coverings
When termites are working inside the timber, they often produce mud-like earth packed on the surface, which is visible in the foundation of the walls of the home and at the joints. At this point, termites stand to threaten the foundation of the home. Furthermore, they destroy the joints of the home, meaning you need to do more than just getting rid of pests but also carry out repairs as well.
Cost-Savings Prevention
When dealing with these types of infestations, early detection can save you possibly thousands in pest control and repairs. Insect infestation of any type is nothing to ignore. However, the devastation that this silent army can have on a home makes addressing the issue important in terms of saving the structure and foundation of the home. If you suspect a termite infestation, it’s crucial that you take action as quickly as possible to ensure that you don’t end up with a list of expensive repairs to carry out down the line.