Termites are among the worst pests to have in your home. Not only because of the damage they do, but also because of how difficult it is to find them in the home. Often termites go undetected in homes for months and aren't discovered until home renovations are in full swing, leaving additional repairs to be made that can cost you hundreds to several thousand dollars.
Because termites largely go unseen, they're typically a pest many homeowners aren't on the lookout for, but the reality is that you should periodically check around your home for signs of termite infestations, especially if you've noticed termite swarms around your property. If termites have made it into your home, these five signs will confirm the presence of termites and the need for pest control expertise from Greenix right away.
1. Damaged Paint, Wallpaper, or Drywall
Drywall isn't typically a material that termites feast on but they won't hesitate to damage it to get from one wall stud to another. If you think termites have been making a multi-course meal out of your home, be on the lookout for small pinholes in the wall.
In addition to damaged drywall, your paint will also tell you whether there is a termite problem in your home. Bubbling paint and peeling wallpaper can also signify termites. Because of the water that termites introduce into their environment, the damaged paint or wallpaper may look wet. Sagging can also accompany this damage if left untreated for long periods of time.
2. Stuck Windows or Doors
Have you noticed the doors or windows just don't close the way they used to? If this change is sudden and not something that has gotten worse over time, your problem may have something to do with termites rather than a settling home. Termites tend to target these areas because the exposed wood makes for easy access to food. Other forms of damage to look for nearby include crumbling baseboards or sagging floors or ceilings. If you notice this accompanying damage, the nature of your termite infestation is likely very extensive.
3. Termite Droppings or Swarmer Wings
The presence of discarded swarmer wings and droppings, also known as frass, is a common sign of drywood termites rather than subterranean termites, but the resulting damage is all the same. Termite frass is pushed out of the nest that termites make inside the wood. The frass is generally a similar color to whatever wood the termites have been feeding on but can look like a small pile of salt or pepper to the naked eye.
Swarming termites are vital to the survival and reproduction of termites. If you find termite swarms around your home, it's safe to say you have a well-established colony nearby. Once swarming termites mate and create a nest, they will drop their wings. These wings will look like small fish scales on the floor or windowsill.
4. Mud Tubes
One of the most obvious signs of a termite infestation is the presence of mud tubes along your home's foundation. While termites can't harm the concrete portion of your foundation, they will use it to travel from the ground up to the wood sources in your home. These mud tubes also serve as a form of protection against the heat as termite's thin exoskeletons, which are prone to drying out quickly. The mud tubes will look like small veins up and down your home.
5. Hollow or Buckling Wood
Termites can make short work of a plank of wood, so it's important to keep an eye on the state of your home from time to time. If you notice hollowed or splintered support beams or buckling floorboards and joists, there's a good possibility that termites have infiltrated your home. If there is extensive damage to multiple weight-bearing structures of your home, it's crucial to seek help from a trained pest control professional and schedule an appointment with a contractor to repair the damage once your termite problem has been addressed.
Protect Your Home from Termites with Greenix
Termites are sneaky little creeps, but they don't come without warning. If you notice any of these or other signs around your home such as loose tiles, extremely squeaky floorboards, or drooping drywall, it's very possible you have termites. But, you don't need to worry about termites when you have the khaki-clad experts at Greenix on your side!
Whether you're dealing with drywood or subterranean termites, Greenix will look at the signs you've noticed in your home to not only find the source of your termite problems, but also develop a treatment plan to send them packing. Our extensive and thorough inspection and treatment processes ensure we find those termites and get them out of your home. Not to mention our sustainable treatment solutions that are safe for your family and your pets. Don't let termites cost you thousands, give us a call or request a free quote online today and a pest control expert will be at your door within 48 hours—guaranteed!
