Termites are also known as “Silent Destroyers’ that cause extensive property damage. They are the most devastating pests that can eat away the wooden framework of the house causing structural damage. Besides causing damage to our property, termites also pose a threat to our health as well. It is important to get rid of these destructive pests as soon as possible to protect our property from getting damaged.
How to Detect Signs of Termite Infestation in the House
Though termites are hard to detect, various signs can help us to know that our property is infested with termites. Let us find out some warning signs of termite infestation in the house.
1. Presence of Mud Tubes
Termites create mud tubes to travel inside the house in search of food. They are typically brown and are mostly found beneath furniture and close to the foundation of your house.
2. Hollow Sounding Wood
Termites eat away the wooden structure of the house making it hollow from the inside. If you notice any hollow sound from your wooden structures and furniture, it is a sure sign of termite infestation in the house. Tapping or banging on the wooden items will help you know about the hollow sounds.
3. The Presence of Wings
If you see any shredded translucent wings around your window shelves and other entry points then termites are active in your house. Swarming termites shed their wings after mating. You can see it mostly in the spring season.
4. Termite Droppings or Frass
The presence of termite droppings also known as frass is also a sure sign of termites in the house. It is wood colored similar to sawdust and you can see piles of termite droppings collected on top of baseboards.
5. Cracks on Drywalls
Termites feed underneath the wall as it contains cellulose. If you see bubbling paint or cracks in drywalls, it indicates termite activity in all houses.
See also: What Are the Profits of Home Relocation to a New City?
6. Stuck Doors and Windows
When termites eat the wood of doors and windows, they leave behind moisture which makes them warp. The doors and windows will be difficult to close and open. Stuck doors and windows in the house are an obvious sign of termite presence in the house.
7. Head Banging and Chewing Sounds
When a termite colony is threatened, termite soldiers bang their heads and shake their bodies to warn fellow termites. If you see a clicking sound in walls then be cautious. The worker termites also make noises while eating the wood. Head banging and chewing sounds are a sure sign that termites are there in the house.
8. Pin-Sized Holes on Walls
The presence of pin-sized holes in dry walls also indicates termite activity in the house. Termites make holes when they want to exit and make new colonies.
9. Swarming Termites
Swarming termites are also a sign of termite infestation in the house. If you see a flying termite in the house, then it is a sure sign of termite infestation.
10. Loosening Tiles and Creaky Floors
Termites can also damage the structural integrity of the wooden floors. You will notice squeaky sounds or loosening tiles when walking over the affected areas. Investigate further to confirm the infestation.
Tips to Prevent and Control Termites in the House
Though termites are hard to eliminate, we can prevent them from infesting our property by following the tips below.
- You will find termites mostly in moist environments. Reduce excessive moisture in the house by using a dehumidifier. Do not allow stagnant water in the house and fix leaky pipes and faucets.
- Cluttered homes are more susceptible to termite infestations as they get enough space to hide. Declutter your home by removing unwanted things in the house.
- Treat the wood in the house by spraying borate spray before painting and priming them. This acts as an effective termite repellant.
- Keep 18 inches of distance between the lawn, garden, and foundation of your houses, as termites can make colonies beneath the foundation.
- Termites can enter your home through small cracks and crevices. Seal them with cement and caulk to bar their entry.
- Replace loose weather stripping around the basement, foundation, and windows.
- Trim the bushes and vegetation in the yard to prevent termites from entering your home. Termites can use them as bridges to invade your home. Make sure the plants and shrubs are not grown near the house.
- Monitor all exterior areas of wood, including windows, doorframes, and skirting boards for any changes.
- Inspect the foundation of the house for signs of termite infestations like mud tubes and tunnels.
- Seek professional termite control assistance if there is a severe infestation in the house.
The Final Words
Detecting signs of termites early can your property from severe damage. Do not rely on DIY methods as termites cannot be eliminated by using them. Seek an expert’s assistance if you see any signs of termites in the house. Taking necessary actions at the earliest can stop it from becoming a full-blown infestation.
