August 1st, 2024 by Samantha Moore
Although only an inch long, termites can destroy any wooden structure, including houses. Eliminating them as early as possible is essential to reduce such costly property damage. However, these mighty pests are difficult to detect and often spotted during renovations. Let’s explore the common indicators that termites may be hiding within your walls and floors.
Live Termites and Discarded Wings
The first sign of an infestation is usually the presence of swarmers or flying termites within a home’s vicinity. At certain times of the year, they come out in groups of hundreds or thousands to mate and build new colonies.
Once they’ve found mates, they twist and shed their wings, often on windowsills, doorways, and other entry points with enough outdoor light. If you spot a litter of these wings, they have likely moved to another area to form their colonies or feed on other timber components.
Mud Tubes
Pencil-sized tunnels made of mud, dirt, and debris that appear on exterior and interior walls are also common indicators of infestation. Subterranean termites build these tunnels to connect their underground nests to your home’s access points when they need to forage for food. The tubes also trap heat and moisture, transforming your house into a thriving environment for these critters.
Termite Frass
Drywood termite droppings, or frass, are clear indicators of termite infestation in homes. These excrements are tiny, grainy, and brown pellets that look like sawdust or coffee grounds. The termites kick them out of holes in the tunnels they create while consuming wood. You may find frass in piles on the ground or windowsills, whether inside or outside your house.
Hollow-Sounding Timber
Termites chew through wood without emerging from the material. They often leave behind maze-like or honeycomb-patterned, which weaken wood over time. These pests have likely infested your home if your timber structures have a papery feel and sound empty when tapped.
Compromised Foundations
Termite damage ranges from overly squeaky floors with blistered spots and bubbling beneath wallpaper or paint to drywalls with pin-sized holes and severe structural damage. When they eat through your home’s support beams, your ceilings may dip, and your floorboards may warp or buckle.
Wooden doors and windows that are tight-fitting and hard to open or close are also signs of infestation. It happens when the wood swells, thanks to the termites’ droppings. If you notice any of these changes in your home’s structure, it’s best to call termite control specialists to inspect them immediately.
Don’t Let Termites Take Over Your Home
Recognizing the signs of termite infestation is paramount for determining the best way to eliminate them and maintaining your property’s structural integrity. Partner with Alabama Professional Services today for a comprehensive and customized pest control solution. We also provide reliable spring-to-winter lawn care services to keep your yard healthy and pest-free. Get in touch for more expert insights or a free estimate.