3 Common Signs of Termite Damage

Termite damage is something that you should always be on the lookout for when you own a home. If a termite infestation is left to grow you will find the potential to get hurt is more than likely. In most cases you will not see the damage being caused because termites are the Ninjas of the insect world. All of their damage is done underneath the surface. If you can visibly see the damage, then it may already be too late. Termite damage can be spotted once you learn what to look for and the article below will share those signs with you. Keep in mind that you will have to look hard and keep a keen eye because most of the damage is under the surface of the wood.

1 - Watch for Swarmers

A “swarmer” is the name given to winged termites. Seeing them does not indicate termite damage, but it does show you they are around. When you know there are termites in the area it is a good idea to begin looking for signs of termite damage. Termite swarmers are always part of an established colony and are both male and female. Swarmers are very eager to mate and begin their own colonies. Swarmers are often confused with winged ants but you can easily tell the difference as swarmers have a thick middle, their bodies are soft, the wings are equal in length and the antennae are straight and bead-like. The swarms typically can be seen in March and May during the day. The swarms happen for very short periods of time (less than an hour). An easy trick to notice their presence is to look in cobwebs (if inside) and on the floor for wings. Their wings are easily detached and may be your only sign to their existence.

2 - Mud Tubes

One major sign of having termite damage and infestation are mud tubes. Mud tubes are hard to spot and represent shelter for termites. Think of them as an ant farm tunnel system in your walls. If you happen to spot mud tubes on any level, but the ground level then you have a secondary infestation. The mud tubes are airtight and made from a combination of soil and plant life. They protect termites as they move through the walls. Check along the foundation of the building as well as in crawl spaces and the basement. They will be discolored sections of wall running vertically. A popular area to look would be around joists and beams.

3 - Damaged Wood

If you can spot wood damage then you may be too late as that means the wood is far gone and probably cannot be salvaged. Termites will digest the wood and the leftover material is very loose and often dry. If you can touch a piece of wood and your finger goes through it then you have a serious problem. Tap the wood and if it sounds hollow then there is a problem. This can include firewood sitting outside against the home.