7 Telltale Signs You Have a Termite Infestation at Home
Termites are one of the most destructive pests in the world. These small, winged insects can quickly eat through wood, drywall, and foundation, causing severe damage to your home.
If you're a homeowner, the last thing you want to hear is that your house is infested with termites. Not only are these pests destructive, but they can be difficult to get rid of. They typically hide away in dark, damp places within your home.
However, there are a few tell-tale signs that you may have a termite problem. If you see any of these, it's time to call in a professional:
1. Mud Tubes on the Exterior of Your Home
Termites build mud tubes to travel from their nests to their food source. These tubes are made of a mixture of soil, saliva, and feces, protecting them from the elements and predators. The mud tubes also help regulate the temperature and humidity around the termites, creating a microclimate ideal for their survival.
If you see mud tubes about the width of a pencil on the exterior of your home, it's a good indication that you have a termite problem.
2. Swarms of Winged Insects
In the spring and summer months, termites will swarm in order to mate. This is when the males and females leave the nest in search of a partner. The males will then use their wings to attract a female, and once she is close enough, he will clasp onto her with his legs. The two will then fly off to start their own colony.
Swarming usually occurs in the evening hours, and it is not uncommon for homeowners to see termites flying around their lights.
3. Damaged Wood
If you see any damage to the wood in your home, it's a strong indication that you have a termite problem. Termites eat wood from the inside out, so the damage may not be visible at first.
The signs you need to look for are any cracks or holes in the wood or a hollow wood sound when tapped.
4. Discarded Wings
Termites shed their wings after they swarm to leave their nest, searching for a new place to build a colony. If you see any discarded wings around your home, it indicates the presence of termites on your property.
5. Small Piles of Wood Shavings or Sawdust
These small piles of wood shavings or sawdust result from termites chewing through wood. Termites typically eat the soft inner wood of trees and lumber, leaving the hard outer layer intact. As they eat, they create small piles of wood debris.
6. Musty Smell in Your Home
If you start to notice a musty smell in your home, it's an indication that you have a termite infestation at home. Termites produce a gas that can cause a musty smell, often amplified when there's an infestation.
7. Buckling Paint or Wallpaper
As termites eat away at wood, they can cause paint or wallpaper to buckle. This is because the wood no longer supports the weight of the paint or wallpaper. Sometimes, termites can cause the paint or wallpaper to fall off the wall completely.
Conclusion
There are several signs that indicate you may have a termite infestation at home. These include finding wings around your home, seeing piles of sawdust, noticing holes in wood, buckling paint or wallpaper, a musty smell, or finding termite mud tubes and swarms of winged insects. If you see any of these signs, it's important to contact a professional for an inspection.
At D-Day Pest Control, we offer comprehensive pest and termite inspections for both commercial and residential properties. Our team of experienced and qualified inspectors will thoroughly check your property for any signs of pests or termites. We also offer ongoing pest and termite management services to help keep your property pest-free.
Don’t let pests and termites ruin your property – contact D-Day Pest Control today and book a pest and termite inspection.
