Signs that Termites Have Made a Home in Your House

Termites are called "silent destroyers" for a reason. This reason obviously, is their ability to destroy anything that is wood in the house. Though termites aren’t exactly silent because their persistent movement can create a sound, unfortunately, it is not enough to alert house owners that these pests are already inhabiting inside the house.

There are about 2000 termite species that are known today. Yes, that’s a lot and some of them might be having the time of their life in your house right at this moment. Drywood, subterranean, and damp wood termites are the most common species that are found in houses. Drywood termites are the termites that make a home inside the wood. Subterranean termites, unlike many other termites, do not create mud tubes as they like to live in the ground. Dampwood termites, on the other hand, create mud tubes. They like to find wet woods and stay moist. 

Termites could be considered without a doubt one of the enemies of our houses. The damage they can cause cannot be underestimated and the cost it will take to repair these damages is certainly not a joke too. Homeowners must be very watchful. It is extremely beneficial to know the signs that there is a termite infestation in your house. 

1. Discarded wings

When you see discarded wings in your house, especially on entry points like the door and the windows what happened most likely is termite swarmers have entered your house. You should already be alert upon seeing it and check your house, especially the woods.

2. Mud tube

One give-away sign that there is a termite infestation in your house is a mud tube. A mud tube is composed of tiny pieces of wood and soil that the termites make as protection and as a comfortable tunnel from the source of food to their nest. These mud tubes are most common to be found along the walls, ceilings, furniture, and the line where the wall meets the floor.

3. Woods that when tapped sound hollow

Termites love the woods in our house. These woods are the very reason they stay inside our homes. So, it’s always good to check the condition of every wood. One best way to know if termites are pestering our woods is to tap on these woods. If the sound is hollow like it’s empty then termites might have a feast inside of that wood. Woods that sound shallow when tapped is an indication there are termites in the house feeding on our woods. 

4. Drywood termite droppings

Another indication that there are termites in your house is when you see termite droppings. Drywood termite droppings are like coffee ground. When you often find something like this in your house it’s best to take action because termites are for the sure present there.

Not all signs of termites are visible or easily noticeable which is why homeowners mustn't provide these termites a chance to enter the house. Always check for any leaking in your house that could dampen the wood. Also, always inspect the condition of every wood in your house. It could be wood furniture, floor, doorframe or anything. Remember that termites feed on woods. It is important to pile up and store your clothes properly too as termites do invade clothes.

Because termites are many times unnoticeable, cases, where termites are only discovered when the damage is already severe, are not new. If you see signs of termites in your house the best thing to do is not to take this matter into your hands but call termite and pest control services as they know exactly what to do to eliminate termites and prevent them from coming back.