Signs Of Termites
Termites are often known as hidden threats because they can damage homes from the inside, sometimes with few external signs of damage. If left untreated, a termite colony can cause damage that is very costly to repair.
Some indications you may have a termite infestation:
- A temporary swarm of winged insects in your home or from the soil around your home.
- Any cracked or bubbling paint or frass (termite droppings).
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
- Mud tubes on exterior walls, wooden beams or in crawl spaces.
- Discarded wings from swarmers.
Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites build mud tubes (also known as shelter tubes) to serve as bridges between their colony and the wood they consume. These tubes are made of tiny pieces of soil, wood and debris, and are used to protect the colony from predators and conserve moisture.
Aborial Nests
Termite nests that commonly look like growths on trees are referred to as Aborial nests. It is common for non-dangerous species of termites to make these nests, however it is also common for termites that feed on timber housing materials to build similar nests.
Swarmers
Swarmers from mature colonies typically leave the nest at one of two times per year - during the spring or during the fall. The exact timing of the swarms varies based on the species and weather conditions.
Shed Wings
Termite swarms may take place inside or outside of a home as mature termites leave the nest to start new colonies. Soon after swarmers take flight, they shed their wings. You may find small piles of wings in spider webs and on surfaces around your home’s foundation, like window sills.
Damaged wood
Subterranean termites damage wood according to a distinctive pattern. These cellulose-loving insects can leave nothing behind but the wood grain. Subterranean termite damage may be hidden inside the walls of a home since this species destroys wood from the inside out.
Droppings
After consuming wood, drywood termites often leave behind frass or droppings. These tiny fecal pellets often indicate a nearby termite infestation.
