7 Common Signs of Termites in the Home

Discovering a termite problem in your home is stressful. You’ll need to hire a professional to handle the infestation, which can be expensive. Termites have the potential to cause serious damage to your property. It’s important to understand what to look for so you can take immediate action if needed. Let’s look at a few common signs of termites in the home.

Swarms

You might notice a swarm of insects as termites establish their new colony. Swarms usually occur in the spring or fall, depending on where you live.

Discarded Wings Can Indicate Termites in the Home

The first sign you may notice is a pile of discarded wings around the house. Termites only need their wings for a short time. After they swarm, they’ll shed their wings and build a new colony. Look for piles of wings around window sills.

Termite Droppings, Called Frass

Termite droppings are a sure sign that you have a termite problem. These droppings are called frass. Termites push frass out of small holes in the wood as they create tunnels. You may notice mounds of these droppings anywhere that termites are busy working. Frass looks like wood shavings or sawdust. Don’t hesitate to call a professional if you find frass around your home.

Mud Tubes are Signs of Termites in the Home

Mud tubes are created by subterranean termites. Termites use these tubes to travel to their food source. Termites need cool, damp conditions and mud tubes provide the moisture that keeps termites from drying out. Look around your foundation for mud tubes.

Noises in the Walls Indicate Termites

You may notice sounds within the walls that are a result of termites. This happens when soldier termites shake their bodies and bang their heads against the wood to warn other termites of danger. Listen for rattling or clicking sounds coming from your walls.

Hollowed Wood

Another one of the signs of termites at home is wood that sounds hollow when you knock on it. Termites hollow out wood as they eat it from the inside out.

Tree Issues Can Lead to Termites in the Home

Periodically inspect the trees around your yard. Termites can damage trees to the point that they could fall and cause damage. A termite-infested tree means termites are nearby and may make their way into your home. Inspect for wood shavings outside small holes in trees. Inspect the base of each tree, too. Look for dead termites and discarded wings.

Elite Inspections and Home Services, LLC provides home inspection services, including wood-destroying insect inspections, to the Dayton, Ohio area. Contact us to request an appointment.