As a homeowner, don’t underestimate the destruction that termites can cause. Termites can do a great deal of damage for such tiny insects. Here are some of the signs of termites in the home so you can spot an infestation.
Windows and Doors That Stick
A termite infestation can cause wood to warp, making it difficult to open and close windows and doors. They create moisture as they tunnel their way through wood, which can make a door or window no longer fit in its frame.
Swarming Insects May Be Termites in the Home
If you notice swarming insects, you may have termites in your home. Termites swarm when looking for a mate and a new place to start a colony. After they have found a location, they no longer need their wings and discard them. If you notice piles of wings, often near windows, this is a sign of termites. If you see a swarm or a pile of discarded wings, call a termite professional to inspect your home.
Listen Carefully for Termites
Worker termites make noise as they chew on wood. You can sometimes hear them if you place your ear to the wall and listen carefully. Another sound that you might hear is tapping. Soldier termites are on the alert for anything that might threaten the colony. They bang their heads against the wood and shake their bodies to warn other termites of danger.
Tunnels in Wood
Termites create tunnels as they eat their way through wood. One of the signs of termites is hollow-sounding wood that should sound solid when knocked on. Because tunnels gradually weaken the wood, it might cave in if pressure is applied.
Frass is a Sign of Termites in the Home
Termite droppings, also called frass, are a sure sign that you have an infestation. Frass is a powdery substance that looks like wood shavings or coffee grounds. It gets pushed out through tunnel entryways and appears as small piles.
Take steps to prevent termites around your property. If you notice signs of these insects, call a professional immediately. Don’t let a termite infestation continue destroying your home. The entire structure of the house will be at risk.
M&T Inspection Services offers home inspection services, including termite inspections, to central Indiana. Contact us to request an appointment.