Termites can cause significant damage to homes, especially when left unchecked. If you notice any signs of a termite infestation, then it’s important to get in touch with a pest control expert immediately.
Here are the top ten warning signs that you may have a termite problem in your house.
Signs of a Termite Infestation
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Hollow or Flaking Wood
Termites love to eat through wood. So, you might notice hollow or flaking sections of wood around your home if you have a termite problem. This is a clear indicator that you may need a professional to come out and take a look at the situation.
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Holes in Wood
Seeing holes in wood is a sign of termite infestation, but in most cases, you usually won’t see the insects themselves unless they happen to be chewing or tunnelling right at that moment.
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Tight Doors or Windows
If you find it difficult to open or close your windows and doors, then this could be a sign of termite infestation. Termites can weaken wood by eating away at it over the course of weeks and months.
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Droppings
Termites leave droppings behind as they eat their way through wood. If you notice piles of tiny objects that look like grains of rice around windows or doors, this could be evidence of an infestation.
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Discarded Wings
Discarded wings are another tell-tale sign that you may be dealing with termites. If you see any discarded wings around your home or property, then there is a very good chance that they came from mating termites.
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Mud Packing
Termites use mud for protection from predators and moisture, so if you see mud packed around your foundation walls or near your windows, then you might have an infestation. The mud will look like little pellets on window sills or walls near where the termites are nesting.
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Sagging Flooring
Termites eat wood, which causes sagging floors when it gets too weak to support the weight of the structure above it. You may notice that one side of a floorboard is pulled down farther than another side. This is usually due to termites eating away at the middle of the board.
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White Ants
If you spot white ants around your home, then you could be dealing with termites. The white scales on some termite bodies can lend the insects a “white ant” appearance, so take care not to confuse them with other ants.
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Damp Spots
Damp spots throughout your home can also be a sign of termite infestation. The insects will leave behind small piles of mud as they travel through the house. These mud piles are called frass, and they’re made up of wood chips, faeces and urine.
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Clicking Sounds
This is a clear sign of a termite infestation. The sound can come from the wings of flying termites who are mating or swarming around your house or from the termites gnawing away at the wooden features throughout your home.
Conclusion
Well, we hope this guide has helped you understand the warning signs of a termite infestation. If it turns out that you do have termites in your home, then be sure to call a professional pest control company for your termite removal as soon as possible before the situation becomes worse.