The Early Warning Signs of Termites

As a homeowner or business owner, the last thing you want to deal with is a termite infestation. These little insects can do thousands of dollars of damage to your property, and you might not realize that you have termites until it’s too late. 

It’s best to catch an active termite infestation as soon as possible. You can save money on repairs by taking action right away before the problem becomes severe. This can also reduce the time it will take to make necessary repairs. 

Knowing the early warning signs of termites is the first step. The short guide below details some things you should look for throughout your property to determine if termites might be present. 

Early Warnings Signs of a Termite Infestation 

Some signs of an infestation are easier to spot than others. For example, seeing termites in your home or business is a clear indication that they have invaded your property. Therefore, learning what they look like is helpful. However, in some cases, you might not see the insects themselves — instead, you might see the damage they leave behind. 

There are many different types of termites, including subterranean termites, drywood termites, soldier termites, and more. Regardless of termite species, the signs of termite damage remain the same. 

Regularly check the perimeter of your property, and pay close attention to changes in how it looks. If you notice any of the following signs of termite activity, it’s a good idea to have a professional termite inspection done.  

Hollow Wood

Termites eat wood, so it’s no surprise that hollow wood is a typical sign of a termite infestation. You can’t see all of the wood throughout your property because some of it is behind the walls, but there’s an easy way to check for hollow wood. Simply knock or tap on the walls of your home or business. If they sound hollow, a termite colony might be to blame. 

These insects can consume large amounts of wood, leaving behind patches of hollow wood. This damages your structure, and stopping the infestation is the only way to prevent further damage.

Pseudo Water Damage

What might appear to be water damage could be a sign of termites. If you notice an area of your property that looks like it might have been damaged by water but can’t find any leaks, call a termite professional to assess the structure. 

This sign of termites might seem a bit strange, but it actually makes sense. Termites damage wood and the damage could end up leaving markings on plaster, drywall, and the outside of the wood they’ve invaded. 

Buckling Floorboards

There is a common misconception that termites tend to live mostly in wooden structures like walls or rafters. This isn’t true, as they can be found in floors and subflooring. If you start to notice disturbed floorboards or buckling, sagging, or blistering floors, you may be seeing evidence of an infestation. Also, if the floorboards have become increasingly creaky or squeaky, or you’re noticing a strange new pattern on the floor, those might be signs of an infestation that needs to be addressed. 

Inspect your floors regularly to look for signs of termites. This includes laminate and wood as well as tile. Remember, termites might be under the tiles, eating away at the subflooring, causing them to buckle and loosen.    

Discolored or Peeling Drywall

You might not think that termites could affect drywall because it isn’t made of wood. But they actually can do damage to this part of your property as well. How is that possible? It’s simple: Drywall is made of paper, so it is another food source.  

If you notice a change in the appearance of your drywall, termites might be to blame. Signs include discoloration, so if you notice that a section of your drywall is looking off in terms of its color, consider that you might have termites. Also, peeling drywall may indicate that termites are causing damage behind the wall, and you need to tackle the problem immediately before it worsens.  

Piles of Wings

One of the more obvious signs that you have a termite problem is if you find piles of their wings inside or outside your property. These might be found on the floor, around your windows, and on window frames.  

Certain termites, known as termite swarmers, grow and shed their wings as they go through their life cycle. More specifically, the winged termites lose their wings when they are ready to start a new colony. If you have a large number of termites living on your property, you may start to find piles of wings.  

Strange Etchings in Wood or Drywall

Termites make their way through wood as they eat it, creating tunnels, mud tubes, and paths that look like a maze. These can appear as strange etchings in your drywall or wood. Look for odd patterns on your floors and walls. It’s also a good idea to check any wood furniture. 

This is another sign of termites that should be taken seriously. If you notice this type of change in any area of your property, you are likely looking at a serious infestation.

Catch an Infestation Early With a Termite Inspection 

Termites can be a nightmare, and the cost of repairing the damage they leave behind could leave you in shock. These insects cause serious problems for property owners, and the worst part is that they can go undetected for a long time, all while eating away at the structures that hold your building together. They aren’t just unsightly — they can weaken your property to the point of making it unsafe. 

The best way to tackle termites is by becoming aware of them as soon as possible before an infestation even happens. Keeping an eye out for the signs of termites is a smart move. However, you might not be able to see all the signs of termites on your own, even if you have a general idea of what to look for. 

Hiring professionals is the best way to determine if you have a termite problem, even if it’s a minor one. At Budget Brothers Termite & Pest, we’re experts in termites. We can perform inspections and provide elimination services if we find any termites.We’re always happy to answer your questions about termites and other pests. Contact us anytime to learn more about our services.