How do you know if you have termites?

If you suspect that you might have termites, it is important to know how to identify them. Termites can cause significant damage to your home if they are left untreated, so it is important to get rid of them as soon as possible. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs of a termite infestation and what you should do.

Maze-like patterns in furniture, floorboards, or walls, are a common sign of termites that are easily recognizable. If you see these patterns, it is likely that there is an infestation. However, there are many more subtle signs that you might have termites. For example, wood may crumble or be damaged. You might also notice that your doors or windows are sticking, or that there are small pinpoint holes in your walls. Let’s dive into some lesser-known signs that will help you determine if you have termites.

Signs on Walls and Ceilings

Discolored or Drooping drywall

Discolored or drooping drywall is another sign that you might have termites. This is because the termites are eating away at the wood, causing it to become weak and eventually collapse. If you see this in your home, it is important to call an exterminator as soon as possible.

Peeling Paint

Peeling paint that resembles water damage is caused by termites bringing in moisture. The termite galleries will be humid since termites need moisture. Because any moistened surface will react, the painted surfaces over a termite infestation may peel or bubble. There are various causes of peeling or bubbling paint on a structure. Some of them, however, might be a hint that there are termites.

Hollow Sounding Wood

Wood that sounds hollow when tapped is another sign of termites. This is because the termites have eaten away at the inside of the wood, leaving only a thin layer on the outside. If you tap on a piece of wood and it sounds hollow, it is best to call an exterminator.

Signs on Floors

Buckling Floorboards

Buckling wooden or laminate floorboards is another sign of termites. This is because the termites have eaten away at the supports rather than the boards themselves. This causes the floor to sag dangerously.

Squeaky Floorboards

Squeaky floorboards are another sign of termites. This is because the termites have eaten away at the wood, causing it to become weak and eventually collapse. If you hear squeaking when you walk on your floor, it is best to call an exterminator.

Loose Tiles

Tiles loosening from the added moisture termites can introduce to your floor is a sign of a termite infestation. Just like peeling paint, there are more causes of this type of damage, making it a commonly overlooked symptom.

Other Signs to Look For

Sticking Windows or Doors

If your windows or doors start to stick, it is possible you have termites. Because they feed on the cellulose in wood, termites are attracted to regions such as windows and doorframes that expose and allow for easy access to wood. This deterioration will often make windows and doors harder to open and close.

Wings and Swarms

Another sign of termites is the presence of wings or termite swarms near doorways, windows, or light fixtures. These wings are shed by mature termites as alates, or reproductive termites, leave their nests in search of mates. Termites that swarm are drawn to light, so they frequently congregate near windows or light fixtures.

Mud Tubes

Subterranean termites form tunnels (sometimes known as galleries or tunnels) with mud to connect their colonies with above-ground food sources. These tubes are made from soil and wood combined with termite saliva. Subterranean termites require moisture to exist and are prone to dehydration. Above-ground mud tubes keep moisture locked in, protecting termites from dry air and predators.

Next Steps

If you see any of these signs around your home, it is best to call an exterminator. Termites can cause a lot of damage to your home, and the sooner you catch them, the better. An exterminator will be able to confirm whether you have termites and help you get rid of them.

At Dominion Pest Control, we have over 20 years of experience dealing with termites. We use the latest technology and techniques to get rid of them quickly and efficiently. If you’re in the Lancaster area and need assistance, call us at (717) 393-7879 or contact us here. Don’t wait until it’s too late!