No homeowner wants to hear that their home has been invaded by termites. These small, white, wood-feeding insects can cause significant damage to any wood structure in your home including crawlspaces, attics, walls, window/door frames, and furniture. Repairing damage caused by termites can be very costly. It is important to spot the signs of a termite infestation early to prevent significant damage and expensive repairs. Here are three common sights and sounds of termite damage to keep in mind.
1. Damage to Wood
Because termites eat wood, one of the most obvious signs of an infestation is wood damage including:
- Buckling wood
- “Bubbling” wood or moldings
- Sagging ceiling
- Swollen wood floors
- Mazes carved in wood or furniture
- Mold/mildew scent
Some of these can easily be mistaken for water damage. An important indicator to help differentiate between termite and water damage is the presence of bits of dirt or termite pellets in and around the area in question.
2. Hollow Wood
A lot of termite activity happens below the surface, which can make detection difficult. However, hollow sounding wood when knocked can be a sign that termites have eaten tunnels through the wood.
3. Shelter Mud Tubes
While subterranean termite colonies exist underground, termites must leave their homes in search of food. When their pursuit takes them above ground, they build tunnels or tubes from saliva, mud, and waste so they can traverse the open area. Without these tubes, the termites would be exposed to dry air and unprotected from predators. Often, these tubes are found over concrete to help the termites reach their food (i.e. over a foundation slab to get to a wooden sub floor or stud walls).
Termites are capable of eating holes in your home and your wallet, but they don’t have to. With early detection and intervention, termites can be kept at bay. To learn more about our termite treatment options, please call us, Planet Orange, at 1-800-767-2643 or fill out our online contact request form today for a FREE inspection!