At times it is easy to detect termite infestations. However, other times, some termite infestations are not easy to note. As a result, ongoing damage occurs. The damage can continue for years in some instances, causing irreparable damage. Therefore it is advisable to check for termite infestation signs. Remember that these signs are not obvious and are not ideal for protecting your home investment from damage arising from termites.

1. Frass

Frass is a sophisticated term for a material that wood damaging insects produce. Where dry wood termites are concerned, it signifies the presence of fecal pellets that termites propel from their tunnels. These droppings are hard and dry. They are found on floors near baseboards, window sills and different hardwood.

The droppings are also present beneath hardwood furniture or wooden fences. Subterranean termites cannot produce frass as their feces remain in their tunnels. For this reason, it is challenging to detect these termites, making them more destructive.

2. Damage

You might notice the damage that dry wood termites cause. The damage occurs to hardwood, and if these tunnels are exposed, the trenches are arranged together. Subterranean termites mainly eat the wood interior.

It is hard for you to note the damage unless you undertake some renovations. The tunnels that subterranean termites create feel gritty when you touch them. The subterranean termites propel the soil upwards into their tunnels for moisture sustenance.

3. Shelter Tubes

If the air is dry, the subterranean termites do not survive for long. Because of this, they build shelter tubes that run from the ground to your home’s wood. They are called mud tubes since they are created using soil and saliva. The termites create the tubes in damp and dark areas.

4. Hollow wood

If termites are present inside your home’s wood, you can notice it because the wood has a tapping sound. If timber is infested, it does not produce a tapping sound. Instead, it produces a hollow sound, showing there may be termite tunnels inside.

5. Clicking

Termites rarely make any noise. However, you may hear clicking inside a section of wood. It happens when a termite predator enters termite tunnels. Soldier termites bang their heads on the tunnel walls. They do it to caution the other termites of imminent danger. Therefore, they produce a noticeable clicking sound. Clicking is a likely indication of severe infestation.

6. Swarmers

When property owners see swarms, it prompts them to seek help. It is hard to ignore termites when they appear in your business or home. However, when swarmers are outside, you may not notice them. Swarms do not survive for over 30 minutes.

Below are some points you need to know about swarmers:

• They are dark orange or black with long white wings with round tips.

• A termite swarmer’s wings are piled on top of one another.

• Swarmers are around 3/8 inches long only.

• When mating, the swarmers shed their wings. The wings are the only sign that a swarm exists.

Termite signs & control

At times water damage and termite damage may look the same.

Exterior signs of damage caused by termites include:

• Buckling wood

• Swollen ceilings and floors

• Noticeable mazes in furniture or walls

• Additionally, termite infestations can produce a scent similar to mould or mildew.

Do you suspect you have termite activity? If so, it is best to get the help of an expert termite control firm. After the elimination of the termites, you should have termite damage repairs. The key to alleviating a termite problem is handling it early. It prevents more damage from occurring.

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