Termites are insects that live off wood pieces around your home, including furniture, windows, doors, or foundation. Often in drywall, termites could live inside undetected for long periods of time.
It is crucial to search your home for termites, especially if neighbors have found some. Below are common indicators you might be facing a termite infestation. If you notice signs, you will want to seek out the best pest control solutions to avoid further damage to your home.
1. Unusual Noises from Walls
Termites use quiet clicking sounds to convey dangers or disturbances to the rest of the termite colony. The insects will pound their head on the wood to create these signals.
The termites also consume wood noisily. Place your ear against a surface where you suspect termites are residing. You will likely hear sounds of these pests munching on your wood.
2. You Find Wings
Flying termites are typically the first type to show up and begin a new infestation. Some flying termites flock to light sources, while others appear after rain.
After mating and beginning a new colony, flying termites will lose their wings. These wings may end up dropping onto your floor. If you see discarded wings around your home, this is a strong indicator of termites.
3. Seeing White Ants
White ants do not exist, so if you notice an insect that looks like this, it could be a termite.
Ants are darker in color; termites are light. Termites have bent antennae and thick waists. Ants can have wings, but ants have one large set of wings and one small, while termites have two sets of identical size.
4. Thinning Wood
Since termites eat drywall, over time, your wood may begin to sound dry and thin. If you knock on your walls and it sounds hollow, termites may have consumed the timber.
Some people have even claimed to be able to press through their wood with their fingers after termite damage.
5. Difficult Opening of Windows or Doors
If you are having a problem pushing open your door or window, this could be an indicator. Since termites make the wood wet, this causes the wood to change shape and stiffens the frames.
6. Wood Tunneling
Termites can decimate wood to create long tunnels following their eating path. These are called galleries and can be challenging to find. Broken pieces of wood or falling timber can mean termites.
There are a few methods of identifying galleries that include x-rays, microwaves, borescopes, and dogs, but not all are commonly employed yet. Some methods are going through tests to determine if the techniques are effective.
7. Finding Feces
Termite droppings are called frass. These pests will leave frass inside the wood and around the house. It can be small, dark pellets, or black powder.
Early detection of termites is fundamental in controlling the spread and properly fixing any damage to your building. Look out for these warning signs to determine if termites may be a problem in your home.