Termites are some of the most common household pests– and also some of the most destructive.
It’s estimated that termites cause over $40 billion in property damage globally each year, not to mention all of the heartaches and stress these pests can inflict on your well-being.
While some people hesitate to reach out because of the added cost of pest control, time is of the essence when it comes to termites.
The trickiest thing about these wood-damaging insects is that they rarely come above ground, so they can easily go undetected until they have already caused significant damage to your home. So whether you suspect you have an active infestation or you’re looking to prevent a problem before it starts, here are some of the biggest signs you may be dealing with termites.
1. Mud Tubes
One of the biggest signs you might be dealing with termites in your home is the presence of mud tubes. Mud tubes are small, pencil-sized tunnels that termites build out of dirt and wood to connect colonies and protect themselves from predators.
Mud tubes are commonly found under window seals, joists, subfloors, and porches. Conducting an inspection is the easiest way to spot mud tubes and put an end to termites quickly.
2. Swarmers
It can be easy to mistake these flying insects for ants, but spotting a termite swarmer around your home can be indicative of a larger problem.
Luckily, swarmers don’t bite, sting, or eat wood. However, they leave their colonies to find mates and establish new colonies, leading to an infestation.
Swarmers typically don’t travel far, so if you see one outside of your home, it could mean that you or a neighbor have an infestation. If you see a swarmer inside your home, this will indicate the presence of an active colony in or underneath your home.
3. Wood Damage
Wood damage to floors and framing is one of the most common and unsettling signs of a termite infestation. Termites will typically leave signs like buckling wood, bubbling paint, small pinholes in drywall, or sunken areas in your floor.
While termites often go undetected for a long time due to their silent nature, you should contact a pest control professional immediately if you notice any signs of wood damage in and around your home.
4. Discarded Wings
Once a male termite finds a mate, he will break off his wings to signal to the other termites that they are a couple. If you start seeing discarded insect wings around your home, it may be a sign that you have a termite problem.
5. Squeaky Floorboards
If you notice squeaky floorboards in your home, it may be a sign that you’re dealing with termites. Excessive squeaking can mean that there is damage to your floorboards in a particular area and that termites may be causing your floorboards to weaken.
6. Discolored Wallpaper
Another way to identify a possible termite infestation in your home is by looking at your walls. Termites will often eat through drywall and wallpaper, leaving behind small pin holes that you may overlook unless you look closely.
Termites may also build tunnels underneath wallpaper, creating long, thin tunnels that are often visible from the outside.
7. Sticking Windows & Doors
When termites feed, they produce moisture that can cause your doors and windows to stick together. While sticking windows and doors are common in the summertime due to the humidity in the air, it is worth investigating if you suspect you may have a termite problem.
8. Frass
It can be easy to dismiss a pile of frass as dirt or wood shavings, but you should reach out to a pest control professional if you spot this in or around your home. Frass is another word for termite droppings, as termites will kick their droppings out of the holes they’re creating as they’re eating through wood or drywall.
9. Subtle Clicking Noises
In more severe cases of infestation, you will often be able to hear a faint clicking sound coming from the inside of your walls. This is the sound termites make when they are eating their way through something. So if you happen to hear this, take action immediately.
10. Peeling Paint
As mentioned earlier, termites produce moisture when they eat. This moisture can cause paint to bubble or peel, so if you notice the paint in or outside of your home looking a little strange, you may want to consult with a pest control professional to determine if you’re dealing with a termite infestation.
How to Stop a Termite Infestation
When it comes to treating a termite infestation, you should speak to a professional as soon as you notice the first signs of termites in your home. While it may be tempting to try to take a “do it yourself” approach, termites are notoriously tricky to get rid of, and you could end up doing more harm than good if you try to take matters into your own hands.
One of the most popular methods for exterminating termites is The Sentricon System. This system works by placing bait stations in the ground, around the outside of your home, to lure termites with a poisonous substance. Once they do, the worker termites will carry the active ingredient back to their colony and spread it to the other termites, killing them all.
The Sentricon System is used by homeowners all over the country and is known for being highly effective at eliminating active termite colonies. Our Czar Guard plan offers The Sentricon System, and it can also be purchased and installed by us as a standalone product.
Don’t wait to call a professional if you spot a termite in your home. Termites can cause permanent damage to your framing and make your home unsafe if you don’t stop them.
Signs of Termites FAQs
Will termites go away on their own?
While most other pests rely on a food source within your home to stay alive, your home IS the food source for termites. Termites do not go away on their own, which is why immediate action should be taken if you suspect an infestation.
How to identify termites?
Termites typically measure between ¼ and ½ of an inch long and have straight antennae. The kings and queens are typically larger, with their colors ranging from white to light brown. Most termites in Maryland are considered Subterranean termites.
Why do termites shed their wings?
Once a male termite finds a mate, he will break his wings off to signal to the other termites that they are now a couple.
What naturally keeps termites away?
You can try some natural remedies to keep termites away from your home. Termites are said to hate orange oil, cedarwood, geranium, and tea tree oil. Boric acid is another known termite repellent, as well as diatomaceous earth.