Termites in Maryland are incredibly destructive and can cost homeowners hundreds and even thousands of dollars in repairs due to structural damage. One of the most unsettling things about these pests is that they can go unnoticed for quite some time, and many people don’t realize they even have a termite infestation until it’s too late.
Unfortunately, homeowners learn the hard way that termite damage is not something you can just cover up and forget about. When you go to sell your home, you will be legally required to disclose any known termite damage in the past.
Furthermore, termite inspections have become popular in recent years as many homeowners have either failed to disclose or lied about previous termite damage.
Whether you’re buying a home or suspect that your home may have an active termite infestation, it pays to know the signs of termite damage and get an inspection.
Is It Safe to Live in a Home with Termite Damage?
Living in a home with termite damage that is not structurally safe is considerably dangerous. In extreme cases, extensive damage can even cause your home to become condemned.
Termites can damage homes by chewing through soft or untreated wood, commonly found in older homes with moisture intrusion or excess humidity. Over time, termites can weaken important framing members, including structural beams, floor joists, stairs, ceilings, and just about any other important part of the home.
In some cases, termites can indirectly cause mold growth in a home, as they may make decayed wood even more susceptible to mold spores.
How Does Termite Damage Impact Property Value?
Imagine you were house hunting and toured a home with termite damage. Would you be inclined to make an offer on that home?
Most homeowners are put off by discovering a home either has an active termite infestation or previously had one, and these homes can be difficult to sell. If somebody does make an offer on a home with termite damage, the sale price may be reduced by up to 20%, as the presence of termites indicates the possibility of structural damage.
Unfortunately, Maryland is home to lots of Subterranean termites, which tend to be much more costly than drywood termites.
Therefore, understanding and spotting the signs of termite damage is advantageous for both fixing the damage caused and negotiating a lower rate for a new home.
7 Signs of Previous or Existing Termite Damage
If previous termite damage has been fixed, spotting previous signs of termite damage could be difficult. However, if a termite infestation is left to proliferate or if a homeowner has not remedied the damages, there will be visible signs that you can spot and won’t be able to ignore once you know what to look for.
1. Visible Structural Damage
Homes infested with termites often display signs of structural damage, including sagging floors, damaged joists, and broken door frames. Inspect basements or crawl spaces, looking under flooring members to see any evidence of damage or chewed-through wood. If you have an unfinished attic, you will also be able to see signs of chewed-up wooden flooring members and rafters.
2. Hollow-sounding wood
If you cannot see behind or underneath some wooden framing members of your home, try knocking on it to see what sound it produces. Hollow-sounding wood is a sure sign of a possible termite infestation or water damage, as these pests are known to chew their way through the wood, causing it to become hollow and buckle.
3. Bubbling or peeling paint
Termites produce moisture when they eat, which can cause the paint in your home to bubble. If they have made their way behind your drywall and are actively chewing on wooden framing members, then this will be a sign to investigate further.
4. Visible mud tubes
Termites build mud tubes, which are small, pencil-sized tunnels made of wood and dirt to connect colonies and hide from predators. Mud tubes are typically visible on the exterior of a home or building and are a sign of an active infestation. In cases where a property has not been well-tended or abandoned, these tubes can survive for a brief time
5. Termite droppings (frass)
Termite droppings, often referred to as frass, are commonly mistaken for wood shavings or dirt. Frass is created when termites burrow into wood and drywall, kicking their droppings out of the tunnels they are creating. These will be very apparent during active infestations and can still be found in basements, attics, and crawlspaces long after an infestation has passed.
6. Sagging floors or ceilings
Termites can cause floors and ceilings to sag due to the structural damage they cause. If you notice your floors or ceilings starting to sag and spot no signs of foundation damage, then you may be looking at water or termite damage. Get an inspection to determine the cause.
7. Discarded wings
Finally, you may be able to spot tiny little wings in areas where termites are dwelling during an active infestation. When male termites find a mate, they break off their wings to signal to the other termites that they have a partner. These are known as termite swarmers and they indicate a new infestation.
How to Tell If There Was a Previous Termite Infestation
If you’re looking to buy or rent a home, it is important that you know how to identify the signs of a previous termite infestation. The last thing you want to do is move into a home only to discover a pest infestation, especially one as damaging as termites. Some of the telltale signs of a previous termite infestation include:
- Warped or buckling wood
- Visible damage to wooden frame members
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Mud tubes
- Bubbling paint
- Sagging floors with no evident foundation damage
The tricky part of spotting previous damage without a homeowner’s disclosure is that water intrusion can cause many of the same symptoms. However, water and termites tend to go hand-in-hand, so beyond dealing with a water-damaged house, you’re also at risk for mold or termites.
Helpful Steps to Fix Termite Damage
If your home has been damaged due to a termite infestation, the first thing you’ll want to do is contact an exterminator to have your home inspected and treated. A professional exterminator will be able to confirm the type of pest you’re dealing with and work with you to create a plan to get rid of the termites in your home for good.
Getting rid of termites on your own can be extremely difficult and dangerous, which is why a professional is always necessary. After the termites in your home have been exterminated, there are several things you can do to fix the damage that these pests have done.
If you’re able to remove or replace the damaged wood in your home, you should do so. For minor cosmetic repairs, you may use wood filler or wood hardener to fix any damage caused by these pests. For larger repairs, such as sagging floors or ceilings, it is always best to contact a professional to safely and effectively make these repairs.
FAQs
Can termite damage affect the structural integrity of my home?
Yes, termite damage can significantly affect the structural integrity of your home. Termites are known to chew through wood, causing your ceilings and floors to sag. In extreme cases, they can even make your home uninhabitable.
How can I tell if termite damage is old or active?
It can be difficult to distinguish between an old or an active termite infestation. However, fresh mud tubes, frass, and live termites indicate that a termite infestation is still active. It is always best to contact a professional exterminator to have your home inspected if you suspect an active infestation.
Do termites always leave visible damage?
Contrary to popular belief, termites do not always leave visible damage. A termite infestation can go months and even years before being discovered due to the fact that they eat wood from the inside out, so many homeowners might not even realize they have termites until it’s too late.