Termites can cause serious damage before you even know they’re there. That’s why early detection is crucial. Catching an infestation early can save you thousands in repairs and keep your home structurally sound. Here are the key warning signs to watch out for if you want to stay ahead of a termite problem.
1. Hollow-Sounding Wood
Tap on wooden surfaces around your home. If they sound hollow or feel soft, termites may have eaten away the inside while leaving the surface intact.
2. Mud Tubes on Walls or Foundations
Subterranean termites build pencil-sized mud tubes along walls, foundations, and crawl spaces to travel and stay protected from open air. Spotting these is a red flag.
3. Discarded Wings Near Windows or Doors
Termites swarm in the spring or after rain. If you find piles of small, shed wings, it could mean a colony is nearby.
4. Tiny Holes in Drywall or Wood
Look for pin-sized holes in wood or drywall—these can be termite exit points.
5. Buckling or Warped Floors and Walls
Moisture from termite activity can cause floors to warp and walls to bulge or buckle, mimicking water damage.
6. Tight-Fitting Doors and Hard-to-Open Windows
As termites tunnel through frames, they can cause wood to swell. If doors or windows suddenly stick, termites may be to blame.
7. Visible Termite Droppings (Frass)
Drywood termites leave behind small, pellet-shaped droppings. You may find these near baseboards or window sills.
8. Clicking or Tapping Sounds in Walls
Soldier termites sometimes bang their heads against wood to signal danger. If you hear faint clicking inside your walls, investigate further.
9. Blistering Paint or Bubbling Surfaces
When termites are active behind paint or wallpaper, the surface can blister or bubble, similar to water damage.
10. Presence of Swarmers Indoors
If you see winged termites inside your home—especially near lights or windows—it’s a strong sign there’s an active colony nearby.
Final Thoughts: Termites don’t wait, and neither should you. Early detection can make the difference between a minor repair and major reconstruction.
Worried you might have termites? Visit https://www.attack-pestcontrol.com to schedule a professional inspection and stop the damage before it spreads.
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