Don’t Let Them Eat Away! Find Out About the Warning Signs of Termite Infestation in Your Home

If you’re a homeowner, then you know that there are always little things that need to be fixed around the house. But if you’re not careful, those little things can turn into big problems – and expensive ones at that. Take termites, for example. Termites may seem small, but they can do a lot of damage to your home if they’re left unchecked. Not to mention, getting rid of them can be a huge hassle.

However, it’s important to nip the problem in the bud before it gets out of hand. Here are a few important bits of advice, from how to get rid of them to preventing them from coming back.

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Signs You May Have Termites

According to termite inspection experts from Any Pest Control, the first step is being able to identify whether or not you have termites. Unfortunately, these pesky critters are experts at hiding, so this can be easier said than done. However, there are some telltale signs that you may have an infestation on your hands:

Visible mud tubes on the exterior of your home: Mud tubes are made by termites as they travel back and forth from their nest to your house in search of food. They act as both a shelter and a highway, and they’re usually about the thickness of a pencil. If you see mud tubes on the exterior of your home, it’s a good indicator that you have termites.
Swarms of winged insects around your home: Every spring, termites swarm to mate and start new colonies. These swarms usually take place near sources of light, so if you see a bunch of winged insects near your windows or doors, there’s a good chance they’re termites.
Crumbling wood or thin sheets of paper: If you tap on a piece of wood in your home and it sounds hollow or crumbles easily, it may be because termites have eaten away at the inside of it. Another way to check for termites is by holding a piece of thin paper up to a suspected area; if the paper tears easily, then chances are you have termites.
Rustling sounds coming from your walls: This one may seem kind of strange, but if you’re hearing faint rustling noises coming from your walls, it could be because there are termites inside them!

And before you start any home modification project, it’s important to do a thorough inspection of your home to look for any signs of termites. Here are specific areas of your home where you should keep an eye out for termites:

Wooden Structures

One of the most common places to find termites is in wooden structures around your home, like beams, rafters, and eaves. If you suspect that there may be termites in any of these areas, it’s important to have a professional come out and inspect them as soon as possible. Left untreated, termites can cause serious damage to these wooden structures, eventually leading to collapse.

If you suspect that there may be termites in your home, there are a few things to look for. First, check for small holes in wood surfaces or sawdust near these holes. Termites typically eat wood from the inside out, so this is a telltale sign of their presence. You should also look for wings near doorways and windows, as these may be signs that termites are entering your home. Finally, pay attention to any changes in the soundness of your floors or walls; if they start to creak or feel spongy, this could be a sign of serious termite damage.

Soil Contact Points

Another area where you’re likely to find termites is around points of contact between your home’s foundation and the soil. These points include cracks in the foundation, expansion joints, and weep holes. These openings provide easy access for termites into your home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of infestation. If you see wings or mud tubes around these areas, that’s a good indication that there are termites present and you should call a professional immediately.

Also, if you’re planning any kind of landscaping project that involves turf installation, it’s important to be aware of potential soil contact points for termites. One way to do this is to make sure that the turf is installed well above any potential contact points. This may mean excavating a bit deeper than usual, but it’s worth the effort to avoid long-term problems.

Vents and Attic Access Points

Termites can also gain access to your home through vents and attic access points. Be sure to inspect these areas regularly for any sign of activity, like wings or mud tubes. It’s also a good idea to keep these areas clear of debris so that you can more easily spot any potential problems.

For example, if you’re planning a bathroom renovation in your home, be sure to check for termite activity first. Bathroom renovations are great, big endeavours and it’s a shame if termites will put a stop to it. These critters are attracted to moisture, so they’re often found near pipes and other sources of water. They can also squeeze through very small spaces to get into your home. So when renovating a bathroom, it’s important to be aware of these. That means you may need to caulk around vents or cover attic access points with screening. Taking these precautions will help to ensure that your renovation doesn’t unwittingly invite termites into your home.

Conclusion

Don’t let termites eat away at your house – literarily! These tiny pests may seem harmless but given enough time could do some serious damage to both the structure and resale value of your home. Be sure to keep an eye out for any warning signs listed above before you embark on any home projects. Contact a professional pest control company immediately if any are found!