Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage each year. For example, they can chew through walls, floors, support beams, and ceiling joists, all of which can have devastating consequences.
That’s why you want to act right away if there’s an infestation.
Want to learn more? Wondering whether or not you have termites in the house? If so, you’re at the right place.
We’ll be going over a few common signs you have termites below. Find out what they are by reading the rest of the post!
-
Discarded Wings
Termites that are capable of reproducing will develop wings. Once they’re mature, they’ll leave the nest to find a suitable mate. Following a successful mating flight, they’ll shed their wings, which are no longer needed, and form a new colony.
Call termite removal services right away if you notice any wings as it likely indicates an infestation. For example, you might find them on window sills or other open areas. You may also notice them in cobwebs or spiderwebs.
Appearance-wise, they’re white, almost a translucent color, with veins in the center.
-
Head Banging or Chewing Noises
Termites will bang their heads against the wall when disturbed or threatened. These clicking sounds are used to alert the rest of the colony of danger (they can detect vibrations with their antennae); you may notice them if you place an ear against the wall.
Not only that, but you may also be able to hear chewing noises as they eat through the wood—this is especially true if they’re feeding near the surface. Generally speaking, the more termites there are, the more noticeable the sound will be.
With that said, a room will need to be completely quiet for you to hear the sounds.
-
Mud Tubes
Where do termites come from? It depends, but you’ll usually find them in places where wood, soil, and moisture are present. To access their food source, they’ll build mud tubes, which will also protect them from predators and the open air.
These pencil-thin tunnels are usually found near the foundations of homes. Made of wood, dirt, and termite saliva, they’re fairly easy to spot with the naked eye.
In some cases, you may find a mud tube that’s no longer active. To test for activity, break off a center section of the tunnel, leaving the front and back intact. You’ll know that it’s active if the mid-section is repaired within a few days.
Common Signs You Have Termites
And there you have it—three signs you have termites in the house. Remember, the sooner you deal with them, the better. You don’t want to procrastinate when it comes to getting rid of termites as they can end up destroying your home!
Did you find this article helpful? For more content like this, visit the rest of our home improvement section!
