Termites are one of the most destructive pests a homeowner can face. Often called “silent destroyers,” they can cause thousands of dollars in damage before you even realize they’re there. Knowing what to look for is the first step in protecting your home. Below are ten warning signs that may indicate you have a termite infestation.
1. Hollow-Sounding Wood
Tap on wooden beams, floors, or walls. If they sound hollow, termites may have eaten the inside, leaving just a thin layer behind.
2. Discarded Wings
Termites swarm to find new nesting areas. If you find piles of discarded wings around windows, doors, or light fixtures, it’s often a sign a colony is nearby.
3. Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites build pencil-sized mud tubes along walls, foundations, and crawl spaces. These tubes protect them from air and predators while traveling.
4. Blistered or Bubbling Paint
When termites feed within walls, the surface paint may bubble or blister. While this can also be caused by water damage, it’s a red flag worth investigating.
5. Damaged Flooring
Warped, buckling, or sagging floors can indicate termites are eating away at the subfloor. Many homeowners mistake this for humidity or age, but termites may be the cause.
6. Tight-Fitting Doors and Windows
As termites eat wood and introduce moisture, doors and windows may suddenly stick or become hard to open and close.
7. Frass (Termite Droppings)
Drywood termites leave behind small, pellet-like droppings called frass. You might notice tiny piles of this material near wooden structures or furniture.
8. Clicking Sounds in Walls
Believe it or not, you may hear termites. Soldier termites bang their heads against wood or shake their bodies to signal danger to the colony. These faint clicking sounds can sometimes be heard inside infested walls.
9. Cracks in Walls or Ceilings
Termite damage weakens the structural integrity of wood, which may lead to visible cracks in plaster, drywall, or ceiling beams.
10. Visible Termites
Though rare, you may actually see termites. Winged swarmers are the most visible, but in severe infestations, worker termites can be spotted when wood is broken open.
Protect Your Home from Termites
Catching termite activity early can save you from costly structural damage. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs in your home, it’s time to act quickly. Professional inspection and treatment are the most effective ways to stop termites in their tracks.
Don’t let termites silently destroy your biggest investment. Contact Top Termite Co. Inc. today at (805) 228-4845 to schedule an inspection and safeguard your home from hidden termite damage.