Do you know termite colonies cause as much as $5 billion worth of damage to homes and property in the U.S. every year? With this capacity for destruction, it’s important to learn the warning signs of termite infestation.
In this article, we’re going to cover three of the major red flags for termites you need to know. Being able to identify these signs as early as possible is a big help towards limiting the damage to your property.
Keep reading to find out exactly how to recognize the warning signs of termite infestation.
3 Red Flags that Indicate Your Home has Termites
1. Soft Knocking Noises
One of the best ways to find out if your home has termites is by listening closely to any exposed wood. It is by no means obvious, but termites produce a soft knocking or clicking noise that is audible when you position yourself close to the wood.
The noise is caused by the termites banging their heads or their bodies against the wood, in order to pass along a warning of danger to the rest of the colony.
Hearing this noise should be an immediate warning to call in a pest inspection team, and termite tenting might be a potential solution to your problems.
2. Hollow Spots in Exposed Wood
Next, noticing hollow spots or small holes in exposed wood is another sign that you might have a termite infestation. These are easiest to see in any broken timber on your property, resembling small tunnels.
Small holes also appear in drywall. Often, the first time someone realizes they have a termite problem is when bits of drywall or wood fall out when you apply a little pressure.
A bonus tip for checking for hollows in wood is by knocking on the area and checking for a damaged or papery feel.
3. Discarded Wings
The final warning sign of termites is to look for a cluster of discarded wings. Termites lose their wings after the mating process, so if you notice huge groups of shredded wings, call an inspection team immediately.
The wings are black and very small, but not to hard to notice. Interestingly, termites are attracted to light, so you will often find the discarded wings near windows or on windowsills.
Another bonus tip is that termite’s wings are also a great way of distinguishing termites from flying ants. A termite’s wings are drooping and equal in length, whereas an ant’s wings are two different lengths and bend at a ninety-degree angle.
Now You Know!
Having discussed the three main warning signs of termite damage, you now know what to look for in your home. As much of the destruction from termite colonies remains invisible for a long time, it’s crucial to be extra vigilant for these red flags.
If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below. You will also find other links to articles below that will take you to more excellent articles about all things design for your home or business.
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About the Author: Patricia Davis Brown
