Termites can be hard to identify, but it's important to discover them early because, if left unchecked, they can cause a significant amount of damage to your home. Fortunately, termites leave behind a ton of evidence that can alert you to their presence.
This brief article will go over the top ten signs that you may have a termite infestation in your home.
Signs of a Termite Infestation
Hollow or Flaking Wood
You may be unaware that termites are eating away at your home's structure because the damage looks like water damage, but termites actually eat wood. If you notice any hollow or flaking wood around your house, then this could mean you have termites.
Holes in Wood
When you see holes in wood, it is a clear sign that you might have termites. Sometimes you can actually see the termites gnawing on the wood, but in most cases, you will only find their tunnels afterwards.
Tight Doors or Windows
If you find that your windows and doors are difficult to open or close, you might have termites. The wood has probably been weakened by their eating at it from the inside out.
Droppings
Termites leave behind tiny pellets of faecal matter as they travel through their tunnels. These droppings can resemble coffee grounds or grains of rice. They're often found near infested wood and around gaps where termites have exited a building.
Discarded Wings
Termites shed their wings as they develop from larvae into adults. These discarded wings look like small pieces of paper or cardboard and can be found throughout your home when you have an infestation.
Mud Packing
You may notice small piles of mud on the ground near your home or in your yard. This is a sign that there is a colony of termites inside your walls or under the foundation of your home.
Sagging Flooring
Termites love to eat wood on the underside of floors, so if you notice sagging flooring in your home, then that could be another sign of a termite infestation in your house.
White Ants
If you see white ants around your home, then you may have termites. Some termites have white colour scales on their bodies and can be easily mistaken for ants, so be careful not to confuse the two insects.
Damp Spots
As the colony grows, it needs more moisture and will create damp areas in your home. This is one sign that you should check for when you notice areas in your home that feel moist but don't smell bad or look mouldy.
Clicking Sounds
Termites make clicking sounds when they move around in the walls or floorboards of your home. If you hear these noises, there's a good chance that you have a termite problem, and you should contact a professional pest control team for help.