Termites can cause extensive damage to your home if left untreated, so it is important to take action as soon as possible if you think you may have a termite infestation. The first step, however, is to look for signs of damage.
Look for cracks or raised sections in wood
Termites tunnel through wood, and as they do, they leave behind telltale signs of their presence. If you see any cracks or raised sections in wood surfaces around your home, it could be a sign that termites are present. It’s important to understand, however, that not all cracks or raised sections are necessarily caused by termites – so if you’re unsure, it’s always best to have a professional inspect your home.
Check for mud tubes
Mud tubes are those small, dirt-covered tubes that you may see running along the foundation of your home or on exposed wood surfaces. These are created by termites as they travel back and forth from their nests to their food source – your home. If you see mud tubes, it’s a good indication that you have an active termite infestation.
Look for wood that sounds hollow
If you tap on wood surfaces around your home and it sounds hollow, it could be a sign that termites have eaten away at the interior of the wood. Sometimes, you may even be able to see through the wood if it’s been completely hollowed out by termites.
Check for swarmers
If you see winged insects around your home, they could be swarmers – reproductive termites that are looking to start new colonies. Swarming termites are often attracted to light, so you may see them near windows or doors. Swarming termites are not necessarily a sign of extensive termite damage, but they are a good indicator that there is an active infestation that needs to be addressed.
If you think you may have a termite infestation but don’t take action to address it, the damage will only get worse. Termites can cause extensive structural damage to your home if left untreated, so it’s important to take action as soon as possible if you think you may have an infestation.