5 Common Signs of a Termite Infestation in Your Home

Termites are some of the most common pests homeowners need to deal with. It isn’t just termites existing in your home that’s a problem, either. Reports show that termites cause $5 billion in property damage yearly.

Knowing the signs of a termite infestation is critical to avoid damage to your home. Below are five common signs that you need a home termite inspection.

1. Discarded Wings

Termite swarmers emerge from their nests in spring to look for places to make new colonies. They do this because they want a safer place to mate and produce a colony.

These termites will lose their wings when they do this. You’ll usually find these wings around windowsills and doors, so start your search there.

2. Mud Tubes

Subterranean termites don’t use the surface to travel. It’s not safe, so they create safe passage under the ground with tubes.

They do this with mud tubes. Termite mud tubes give space travel corridors to termites building colonies by allowing them to transport food back and forth safely. You can look around your home’s foundation to see if you have any.

3. Wood Damage

Termites cause massive damage to wood when they spread. They eat it from the inside out and make the wood hollow.

Keep an eye out on the wood in your home to see if you notice it degrading. Damage should be obvious on a closer look and is a sign that you should call a pro to schedule a termite inspection.

4. Damaged Paint

It’s not uncommon for termites to travel through walls. They use them to get through your house — and feed on the cardboard and wood paneling at the same time.

Luckily, there are signs that this is happening. You’ll see bubbling paint on your wall as termites damage your home’s walls. Although bubbling paint isn’t a clear sign of termites, it is a sign that you may want to invest in a home termite inspection.

5. Termite Droppings

Termite droppings — or frass — is another clear sign that you have a termite problem. As termites eat and digest their food, they release waste in their colony. However, they don’t want this waste to build up and cause problems.

As a result, termites will push the waste buildup out of the colony. You’ll start seeing it around the colony’s location and can pinpoint where they live. Once you find the colony’s location, you can use termite pest control to remove the problem.

Don’t Let a Termite Infestation Get Too Bad

Termites can create havoc in homes if they go unnoticed. They’ll eat through your home’s foundation and make it unsafe to live. That’s why you can’t afford to ignore signs of termites when you see them.

However, there are many signs of a termite infestation that you can spot before things become too bad. Stay aware of the signs above to know when it’s time to call a pro to look for termites.

Did you find this post helpful and want to learn more about taking care of your home? Check out the latest home management tips on the blog.