Three Signs Of A Termite Presence In Your Home

Termites are one of the most common and yet also one of the most destructive pests that can infest your home. Being able to catch a termite population early is essential to reducing the amount of damage that they can inflict on the wooden structures and surfaces within your home, so understanding some of the most common warning signs is essential. Once you notice any of the below signs of a termite presence, you should contact a pest control specialist straight away.

Shed Wings

One of the most common and usually the first warning sign of a termite presence in your home is if you notice that there are loose wings scattered around your home, especially around the doorways and windowsills. Termites only have wings for a short period in their lifespan, and once they establish a colony they fall off since they have no further use for them. A large number of wings in your home means that a population of termites has just moved into your home and has set up shop, which means that you need to move quickly to prevent them from breeding into a larger infestation.

Mud Tunnels

Another extremely common sign of a termite colony in your home that is a little harder to notice and will only become obvious once termites have had the chance to establish themselves are mud tunnels. These thin tubes are used to trap heat and act as highways for termite populations, and will usually be located in your crawlspace, your basement, or along the outside of your home against your foundation. They allow termites to travel into and out of your home, and connect colonies and living spaces.

Wood Damage

Finally, the last, and arguably the most obvious and serious sign of a termite problem in your home is if you notice that your wooden surfaces and furniture have suffered damage. Termites will chew threw the interior of wood, which means that items will feel lighter, sound hollow when knocked on, and may have an uneven or lumpy surface as they collapse inward. You may also spot sawdust and other wood shavings scattered around your floor and home, and paint and wallpaper may begin to peel and bubble as the wood underneath is eaten away. While an exterminator can stop such damage from spreading, you will have to likely contact a home repair contractor to undue the damage that has already occurred.