The termite season often reaches peak in Spring. At around that time, colonies of termites, each having around 1- 2 million members, start to emerge, searching for mates and places to build their nests. Unfortunately, one of the places they like to nest might be in your home. The problem is that termites are small, difficult to detect, yet very destructive! Once you spot one termite, it means there are likely thousands of termites nearby. Well, identifying a termite problem in your home before it gets out of control will save you thousands of dollars. In this article, we will look at some signs of termite damage you should look out for and what to do about a termite infestation: 

Your Windows and Doors are Stuck and Rigid to Open

Does your window or door feel stuck or suddenly become much harder to open or close? This can sometimes be an early warning sign of a termite infestation. Termites target the window and door frames because their wood is easier to access. Then, they eat the wood in search of cellulose. This damages the wood. It warps and buckles, making it difficult for you to open and close your doors and windows. Keep in mind that structural problems like wood rot or changes in humidity can also make your doors and window feel stuck. If the problem results from termites, you should see tunnels containing dried dirt in the wood.

Damage to your Paint or Wallpaper

Termites can create tunnels underneath the surface of your wall and feed on the wood paneling and cardboard underneath. Mostly, they will do it without disturbing the wallpaper of the outer paint coat. The infestation may be difficult to detect, and you will only discover the termite damage once you remove the wallpaper or the paint coat. 

An unusual appearance on surfaces with paints and wallpaper can be an early warning sign of termite infestation. Look carefully for sunken areas, bubbling paints, peeling areas, small pinholes or hollow and narrow winding lines.

Termite Swarmer and Discarded Wings around your House

If you see termite swarmers or their discarded wings in your house or around the building, it is a sign of an active infestation nearby. Swarmers are the reproductive members of a colony and they often fly away in the early spring to establish new colonies and find mates. 

If you see termite swarmers or discarded termite wings around your house, contact a pest exterminator to help handle the infestation. Search for a termite pest control near me online and find a reputable exterminator. It is the best way to get rid of termites forever or rather, in the long-term. 

Blistering or Buckling in your Wood Flooring

If you notice the blistering and buckling in your wood flooring or if it appears to have water damage, this is a sign that some termites could be feeding below. Yes, they are like the subfloors because they have softer wood. 

The termites will tend to devour your floor underneath without you noticing. You will only detect their presence after they have damaged your wood floor quite a bit. Repairing your wood after damage by the termite can be expensive and difficult.

There are Mud Tubes around your Property

If you find mud tubes around your property, it indicates that there are termites around. Mud tubes are like narrow veins which start from the ground towards areas with exposed wood. They are termites’ pathways to protect themselves and travel safely to their food source from their colony. Hence, you should seek the assistance of a pest control professional to identify the termite colony and eliminate it once you notice the mud tubes.

Do a manual inspection

As a rule of thumb, you should try to inspect your home for termites on a regular basis. You can take simple steps like getting a large screwdriver and then tap the wooden sections of your house. If the wood produces a hollow sound, it might indicate that a wood pest like termites damaged it. You can also hold a stethoscope against the walls of your house. If you hear soft rustling sounds, it might indicate that you have pests in your home, and termites could be one of them.

Also, watch out for termite dropping, also known as frass. The dry wood termites will often eat the wood, digest and push it out of their colonies using the kick-out wall to prevent build-up. The waste pellets resemble sawdust or coffee ground. Seeing them on your floor or window sills could indicate that there are termites around.

Final remarks

We have looked into some of the early warning indications of termite infestation that can be signs of termite-related damage. Prevention is always better than cure but if you notice any of these signs, don’t take them lightly! Consult professional termite pest control immediately to arrest the situation. The pest control expert will help exterminate notorious termites to help you avoid incurring costly damages in your home.