The mere thought of termites in your home is enough to strike fear in the heart of homeowners. Termites are insects that feed on wood and can cause thousands of dollars of damage as they eat their way through your home. Knowing the signs of termite damage can tip you off that a colony of termites may be living in your home and can save you a lot of time and stress. Keep your eyes open for these signs of termite damage in your house:
- Hard to open doors and windows. Over time and especially in humid environments it’s not unusual for doors and windows to stick a bit and be hard to open. However, if you notice a sudden change in how hard it is to open your doors and windows, it could be termites. Since door and window frames are often made of wood, they are a prime target for termites.
- Damaged drywall. As termites make their way further into the home, they take up residence in the drywall. If you notice discolored or drooping drywall, bubbling paint or peeling wallpaper, it could be the result of termites. Look closer and you may be able to spot small pin holes, or exit holes, which occur when termites eat through drywall.
- Discarded termite wings. Termite swarmers are members of the termite colony responsible for reproduction. Swarmers have two sets of pale-colored wings that are approximately ¼ to ½ inch long. When the swarmers leave the colony to find a mate, they shed their wings. Finding a pile of wings in your home is a likely sign that you have a termite problem.
- Mud tubes. A telltale sign of a termite infestation is mud tubes that run outside of the house. As termites make their way into your home, they create tunnels that lock in moisture so that they can safely enter the home. Mud tubes are a brown color and are ¼ to one inch wide. Mud tubes can also be found inside of the home on drywall and wood.
- Termite droppings. When you find a pile of small pellets near your drywall, it’s a clear indication that termites are in your home. Known as “frass,” the droppings are about a millimeter in length and often resemble salt and pepper.
- Squeaky floorboards. When termites go to town eating floorboards it weakens their structure and can cause them to become loose. As there is more space for the boards to move around, a squeaking noise often occurs when they rub together.
In the case of termites, prevention is the best medicine. HomePro Pest Control’s service plans include termite protection, so you won’t have to deal with an infestation in your home. To learn more about our service plans, contact us at (757) 499-1078.