Do you have termites in your house? The most common signs of termites include buckling and blistering floors, hollow-sounding wood, termite swarmers, mud tubes and frass and pellets.
- Subterranean termites can cause damage to subfloor, which can make your wood flooring look discolored or have a wavy appearance on the surface. Termites prefer softer wood and the damage may not be noticed until it is severe.
- Termites eat wood from the inside, subsequently creating maze or honeycomb shaped patterns. This type of damage can create major structural damage that can be hard to find.
- Swarmers are flying termites that left their original colony to find mates and start new colonies. This happens at certain parts of the year and may include hundreds or thousands of termites. Swarms are a sign of a termite infestation that has been around for many years.
- Discarded termite wings can be found near windows, doors and other home access points. Termites fly toward light and intentionally twist off their wings when they land.
- Stuck windows and doors suggest termite infestation because the damage they create can cause wood to buckle and warp, making it difficult for windows and doors to open.
- Subterranean termites nest underground and forage up to their food source, often a house structure. Mud tubes can be found in the ground leading to the house or any tree source, like a tree or shed. Their tunnels create an environment that helps them thrive while infesting your home.
- When termites eat flooring and subflooring, the tiles loosen and creak. Wooden floorboards buckle and blister, resulting in more noise when walking over damaged segments.
- Dipping ceilings, buckling support beams, and other severe structural damage can be caused by termites. Wood can fail due to the tunneling and this damage can be expensive to repair.
- Termites like wood in high moisture situations, and mold can indicate an environment termites would be drawn to. If you smell something musty in your home and can’t find the source, contact a professional for a termite inspection.
If you would like to learn about termite control for your home, please contact us for a free inspection. We offer residential pest control and commercial pest control for the greater Capital District area including Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga and Rensselaer Counties.