Termites are active year-round, destroying homes and businesses by excavating or eating wood structures from the inside out. Once these pests infest, they are known to destroy the structural integrity of buildings and homes, causing millions of dollars in repairs. The step in preventing termites is knowing the signs of an infestation, so you’re prepared. Check out our top 5 termite signs you should be aware of before a termite infestation gets out of hand.
Swarms
The earliest and most noticeable sign of termites is spotting termite swarms in your area. In Florida, you can see these swarms as early as February! Termites begin to swarm when they are ready to reproduce and establish new colonies. Once you see termite swarms, this is a good indication that an established colony is nearby and that a new colony is forming.
Mud Tubes
Mud tubes are an indication that subterranean termites, a species of termites, have been infested. These termites are known to build tunnels, or mud tubes, to reach a food source. Termites build mud tubes to travel back and forth between your home and their nest. Mud tubes are usually the size of a pencil, found on walls, ceilings, floors, exterior surfaces, and on the sides of slabs.
Piles of Wings
When termites swarm and leave their nest, they are often looking to start a new colony and reproduce. Once the termites mate, they lose their wings. These discarded wings are often found near doors and windowsills. Once you spot these, it’s a notable sign that they have entered and infested the home.
Noises
Did you know you can hear a termite infestation? It’s true! If a colony is large and established in your home, you could hear a faint clicking or knocking sound behind walls or in other voids. These noises indicate that solid termites are banging their heads against wood or vibrating their bodies to indicate danger is imminent. While rare, you can hear worker termites chewing through the wood of your home too.
Damaged Wood
An easier termite sign to find is seeing wood damage in your home’s interior, exterior, or both. Signs can include wood that is buckling, dented or sunken areas, and crumbling baseboards. Another easy sign to spot is when windows or doors warp and don’t open and close smoothly. Once you notice any of these signs, it’s best to get a termite inspection as soon as possible.
If you suspect that you have termites invading your home, it’s best to reach out to your local pest control company. These professionals will set you up with an inspection and treatment plan for your home.
