Termites are responsible for billions of dollars in damages to homes and buildings each year in the US, and getting rid of these pests can be a huge headache, not to mention costly.
Unfortunately, when many people go to sell homes, they may cover up the fact that their home has had past termite damage. Without a proper termite inspection, it can be difficult for homeowners to detect evidence of past termite damage.
Thankfully, whether you’re shopping for a new home or simply wondering if your current home has past termite damage, here are the top three ways to know for sure that there is termite damage.Does My House Have Past Termite Damage? 3 Ways to Find Out
Common Signs of Previous Termite Activity
When it comes to determining if your home has previously dealt with a termite infestation, there are a few things to look out for:
1. Wood Damage That Indicates an Old Infestation
The condition of the wood in a home can indicate if there was a past termite problem. Crumbling or damaged wood, as well as hollow-sounding wood, may be a sign of previous termite activity, as well as wood that is soft to the touch.
Additionally, old wood damage may appear darker and more brittle than newer damage, which is another helpful indicator to be aware of.
2. Damage Inside the Walls and Foundation
Termite damage can cause drywall to sag or buckle due to the moisture termites cause. This can weaken the structure of the walls in a home, as well as the integrity of the foundation. You may also notice discolored walls due to moisture buildup from these pests.
3. Spotting Old Mud Tubes and Termite Galleries
Old mud tubes and termite galleries will often appear dried up and crumbling, which can be another telltale sign of a previous infestation. These mud tubes are typically found where the ground meets the house, such as concrete foundations and near basement walls.
Differences Between Active and Inactive Damage
Telling the difference between active and inactive termite damage is important when assessing the severity of an infestation. One of the clearest signs of active termite activity is the presence of fresh, moist mud tubes along walls or foundations.
Termites use these tubes for safe travel and moisture control. In contrast, dried or brittle mud tubes usually indicate past activity that is no longer active.
Bubbling or peeling paint can also point to an active or recent infestation, as termites introduce moisture into the wood they consume. On the other hand, cracked, flaking, or blistered paint without any new signs of mud tubes or frass (termite droppings) may suggest old or inactive damage.
If you’re unsure whether damage is active, it’s best to have a pest control professional inspect the area for signs of live termites or ongoing activity.
How Professionals Determine Past Termite Damage
Professional exterminators use many of the same clues to identify both past and current termite infestations. Mud tubes, hollow-sounding wood, and paint damage are all signs that termites have been active, whether recently or in the past.
To determine if an infestation is still active, professionals often use tools like moisture meters to detect elevated moisture levels in wood, which can indicate live termites.
Infrared cameras are also commonly used to spot temperature variations behind walls, helping to locate hidden termite activity or confirm inactive damage.
When to Call a Termite Inspector
You should contact a termite inspector at the first sign of an active or past termite infestation. Even if you think an infestation is no longer active, a termite inspector will be able to inspect your home and confirm if this is true, or if there are any signs of a still-active infestation.
If there are still live termites found in your home, your pest control professional will be able to recommend a plan of action to target and kill these pests safely and effectively.
What to Do if You Discover Old Termite Damage
If you discover old termite damage in your home, it is imperative that you contact a professional exterminator to assess the damage. A pest control expert will be able to check for any signs of an active infestation and recommend a plan of action if any live termites are found in your property.
Ignoring old termite damage is never a good idea, as these pests may still be active somewhere in your home even if you can’t see them.
Can Past Damage Affect Home Value or Insurance?
Past termite damage can negatively affect the value of your home and insurance coverage. Insurance policies often don’t cover damage caused by termites, and this type of damage can even lower the selling price of your home should you choose to list it.
FAQs
What does old termite damage look like?
Old termite damage can present as hollow-sounding wood, dried mud tubes, and damaged or cracked paint. If a house previously had a termite problem but no longer does, there will be no signs of a live infestation, such as fresh mud tubes.
Do termites come back to previously damaged wood?
Yes, termites can come back to previously damaged wood. One of the most common reasons termites may return to previously damaged wood is if there is still moisture present or if the wood is in contact with the ground.
Can I sell a house with past termite damage?
While it is possible to sell a house with past termite damage, it is imperative that you first address the issue before listing your home.
You should also disclose the previous issue with the buyers so that they are aware of what they’re getting into, and be sure to present documentation showing that the termite infestation has been professionally treated and resolved prior to closing.