Did you know that there are far more termites than humans on the planet? In fact, scientists estimate that the biomass of all termites is as great—or even greater—than that of people.
This “fun fact” may not seem so fun, of course, when it feels like all of those termites are currently living in your home! Whether you’ve spotted evidence of termites or you’re not sure you have uninvited guests, it’s always a good idea to know what to look out for. As you check your home, here are the five key signs termites may be an issue.
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Termite Droppings
Termite droppings, or “frass,” can be a key sign of an infestation, especially if you have drywood termites. While subterranean termites use their frass in their tunnels, drywood termites push theirs out of their nest.
Termite frass looks like small mounds of tiny, dark pellets. They may resemble coffee grounds or sawdust. Either way, finding these piles is an indication of termites in your home!
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Signs of Swarms
If you have a termite infestation, chances are that you’ll find their discarded body parts lying around. Because termites drop their wings once they age, termite wings are a common sight during an infestation.
They may appear near entry points like doors and windows, or you may see them near light sources in darker areas such as basements.
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Hollow or Papery Wood
Even if you haven’t had any actual termite sightings, you may be able to tell you have an infestation by the quality of the wood in your home.
Because all types of termites chew through wood in their search for cellulose, you may find that the infested parts of your home have hollowed-out wood. Knocking or tapping questionable areas may give off a papery, hollow sound. You may even discover termites only once the wood gives way under just a hint of pressure!
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Damaged Wood
In addition to hollow wood, you may notice wood damage from tight-fitting doors and windows. Though this can be a sign of humidity or dampness in some areas, it can also be a sign of termites. Because these pests produce moisture of their own when eating, it can cause your wood to warp and make entry fixtures hard to open or close.
You may also spot what appears to be blisters in your wood. Subterranean termite damage can look like blistering water damage at a glance, but termite treatment services can identify the root cause and take care of the pests if needed.
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Clicking Noises
It may surprise you to know that termites actually make noise! Termite soldiers bang their heads against the wood or shake their bodies to communicate, especially when their nest is disturbed.
These sounds are often only possible for us to hear when they gather in large numbers, but you may notice them if you press your ear against infested wood.
Stay Alert for Evidence of Termites
Identifying termites isn’t always easy, but these signs can help you make an educated guess about your pest problem before you call in an expert. Termite damage can be a costly problem to fix, so be sure to stay alert for evidence of termites around your home, and to get your regular preventative treatments as necessary!
Want more of the key tips you need? Check out our other blogs for additional helpful guides!
