Termite infestations may jeopardize a home’s structural integrity and inflict lakhs of rupees in damage without anybody being aware of it. To keep your property safe from termites, schedule a termite inspection with a qualified pest specialist every one to three years. There are, however, several indicators that shows the existence of termites that homeowners should be aware of on a frequent basis.
Termites that have been nesting in your home for years could eventually cost you a lot of money! Choosing termites management and securing your property before any indications of termites appear is the greatest way to save money while also keeping your family safe.
Termites are a major issue. They won’t come out in front of you in the open since they prefer dark, damp environments where they can hide. As a result, it becomes more difficult to detect termite indications. And it’s already too late if you don’t see termites destroying your home, walls, and furnishings before you consider termite control. Don’t you think so?
Always stay ahead of the game when it comes to termite protection and effective termite treatment. Homes built of wood and those constructed of other materials are vulnerable to termites. This is due to the fact that these small termites may pass through metals, plasters on walls, and a variety of other materials. Floors, cupboards, wooden furniture, and ceilings are just a handful of the items they eat in these houses!
15 Main Signs of Termites in Your House 2023
- Mud Tubes
- Hollow Sound
- Gaps & Crack
- Abandoned Wings
- Frass
- Stuck Doors
- Tunnels
- Live Termites Found During Remodeling
- Moldy Scents
- Overly Squeaky Floors and Loosening Tiles
- Termite Galleries
- Damaged Books or Paper
- Visible Termites
- Termite Nest
- Garden Damag
1. Mud Tubes
While looking for food, termites construct mud tunnels or tubes to store and protect the food sources and food they have obtained, such as wood chips, firewood, and mud. This mudding is frequently hidden beneath furniture, underground, or within your home’s brickwork. You may discover mud-like things lining your house’s galleries or walls in an odd arrangement.
2. Hollow Sound
Termites prefer dark, damp conditions, so hollow-sounding wood is ideal. As a result, they do not feed on the surface of the wood, but rather enter the inside. So, if you observe any hardwood surface that is smooth and light at any point in time, termites may be causing harm to it. If you tap or bang on the wood and it sounds hollow, termites could have eaten away at the interior sections of the wood.
3. Gaps & Crack
Termites chew away at the plaster or wood surfaces, leaving gaps in the doors and walls. Always keep an eye out for such cracks and seal them as soon as possible. Termites most commonly attack the sides of roofs, windows, vents, and doors.
4. Abandoned Wings
Abandoned wings, the presence of wings, which are discarded by reproductive termites known as swarmers as a typical part of their behavior, is another simple indicator of these terrible critters. This is commonly seen at emergence sites, on window sills, and even in cobwebs. In the spring, they usually swarm. So be on the lookout for those abandoned wings!
5. Frass
Frass is another term for termite droppings, which are generally wood-colored as they munch their way through the afflicted wood. If you discover such droppings on the floor, it might be an indication of a termite infestation. To avoid feeding the termites, keep the floor space, window glass, and other areas clean of trash.
6. Stuck Doors
Do you have a window or door that has suddenly become stuck or considerably more difficult to open or close? This might be an early indicator of a termite infestation. Termites like to attack wood that is exposed and easy to access, such as windows and doorframes. As termites consume the wood in your windows and door frames, they may deform, making it difficult to open and shut correctly.
7. Tunnels
While feasting on cardboard and wood paneling beneath the surface of your walls, termites develop tunnels (called termite galleries) and tiny pinholes (called exit holes). They do this sometimes without disturbing the thin layer of paint or wallpaper on the surface, making this form of damage difficult to recognize unless the paint or wallpaper is removed. As a result, termite damage is more likely to be discovered during house repairs and restorations.
8. Live Termites Found During Remodeling
During home renovations or remodeling projects, it’s not uncommon to unexpectedly discover live termites. These wood-destroying insects can be found in hidden or hard-to-reach areas of your home, such as behind walls or under flooring. If you encounter live termites during remodeling, it’s crucial to take immediate action to address the infestation. Contact a professional termite control service to assess the extent of the problem and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Remember, leaving live termites unchecked can lead to further damage and potential spread to other areas of your home.
9. Moldy Scents
Termites, as they tunnel through wood, create an environment with increased moisture. This excess moisture can promote the growth of mold and fungi, which emit a distinct musty or moldy odor. If you detect such scents in certain areas of your home, especially near wooden structures or areas prone to termite activity, it could be an indication of termite infestation. Moldy scents should not be ignored, as they can be a visible sign of hidden termite damage. Consult a professional termite inspector to assess the situation and implement appropriate termite control measures to address both the termite infestation and mold issue.
10. Overly Squeaky Floors and Loosening Tiles
Termites can compromise the structural integrity of wooden flooring, leading to noticeable effects such as overly squeaky floors and loosening tiles. As termites feed on the cellulose within the wood, they weaken the flooring material, causing it to become unstable. This can result in squeaky sounds when walking over the affected area and tiles that start to loosen or shift. If you observe these signs in your home, it’s crucial to investigate further for potential termite infestation. Contact a professional termite control service to conduct a thorough inspection and determine the appropriate treatment to address both the termite activity and any resulting damage. Prompt action can help prevent further deterioration of your flooring and minimize the risk of more extensive termite damage throughout your home.
11. Termite Galleries
Subterranean termites create galleries or tunnels within wood as they feed. These galleries are often filled with soil, fecal matter, and termite workers. If you observe these tunnels on wooden surfaces, it is a strong indication of active termite activity.
12. Damaged Books or Paper
Termites are attracted to cellulose, a component found in wood and paper products. If you find damaged books, cardboard boxes, or other paper materials in storage areas, it could be a sign of a termite infestation.
13. Visible Termites
In some cases, you may actually see live termites in or around your home. Termites are small, ant-like insects with soft bodies and straight antennae. They are typically pale in color and may appear near wooden structures, especially during swarming events or when searching for new nesting sites.
14. Termite Nest
Depending on the termite species, you might come across a termite nest near your property. Subterranean termites build their nests underground, while drywood termites construct nests within the wood they infest. Termite nests can vary in size and shape, and their discovery should prompt immediate professional inspection and treatment.
15. Garden Damage
In addition to infesting wooden structures, termites can also target trees, shrubs, and other vegetation in your garden. Keep an eye out for signs of termite activity on the plants and trees around your home, as they may indicate the presence of an infestation.
Also Read: Do Termites Spread from House to House?
HiCare: Best Termite Control Service Provider
HiCare’s technicians are experts in spotting the signs of termites around your home and have the technology to detect them even when there are no visible signs. HiCare’s termite control services are among the best in the pest control industry, which is why it is a popular choice in Indian marketplaces. Termite colonies are washed away thanks to the termite treatment process of Drill-Fill-Seal, which has shown to be foolproof thus far. If you have a termite infestation in your house, don’t wait too long to contact for termite pest treatment since the damage these insects create is quite costly to fix.
Call HiCare instead to have our professionals evaluate your house for white ants and termites on 08828333888. We drill holes at 45-degree angles, fill them with TERMIN-8 solution, and then cover them with white cement, effectively eradicating existing termites while repelling new ones. It is a warranty-backed service and free treatment of infested areas during the warranty. They use chemicals to prevent contaminated woodwork against future termite infestations in addition to killing the present termites. The chemical is a highly effective, quick, and safe therapy that is utilized in every industrialized country.
Frequently Asked Questions about Signs of Termite Infestations in the House
1. What are the top signs of a termite infestation in a house?
The top signs of a termite infestation in a house include hollow-sounding wood, discarded termite wings, mud tubes on exterior walls, bubbling or distorted paint and sagging floors or ceilings.
2. How can I treat a termite infestation in my home?
Treating a termite infestation in your home typically requires professional assistance. Termite control services offer various treatment options, such as liquid termiticides, termite baits or fumigation, based on the severity of the infestation.
3. What is the cost of termite treatment for a house?
The cost of termite treatment for a house depends on several factors, including the size of the infestation, the extent of the damage and the chosen treatment method. It is best to request a quote from a termite control service to get an accurate estimate.
4. Can I prevent a termite infestation in my home?
Yes, there are measures you can take to prevent a termite infestation. Some preventive steps include minimizing wood-to-soil contact, removing wood debris around the house, fixing any moisture issues and regularly inspecting your property for signs of termites.
5. Are there any DIY termite control solutions available?
While some DIY termite control solutions exist, it is generally recommended to seek professional assistance for effective termite treatment. DIY methods may not provide long-term solutions and could potentially lead to further damage if not done correctly.