Termites are common household pests. These creatures can be found in many houses in the United States. Their primary source of food is cellulose. Therefore, they love to feed on trees and other wooden structures. They can cause significant property damage by chewing down the furniture in your home. Repairing it can cost you thousands of dollars. Getting rid of termites is crucial to save your property from significant destruction.
Homeowners should inspect their houses regularly to identify any signs of termite infestation before it is too late. If you have a termite infestation. If you are looking to get rid of pests in Fort Worth you are highly advised to contact a pest control expert. They will inspect your property thoroughly and come up with an effective treatment plan. Meanwhile, read this blog to learn about some common signs of termite damage that you should not overlook.
Common signs of termite infestation.
1. Hollow-sounding wood.
A common sign that homeowners often overlook is hollow-sounding wood. When termites chew through your wooden structure, they leave behind a thin layer of sound. This makes a hollow sound when you tap it. It also causes the wood to become discolored or loose.
People often mistake this for other issues, such as moisture damage and settling. You should regularly inspect your house by tapping the wooden structure with a hard object. If you hear any hollow sound, it may be a sign of termite infestation.
2. Termite frass.
Another sign of a termite infestation is termite droppings or frass. It appears brown in color and can accumulate beneath the damaged wooden structure. If you see termite frass, it is a clear indication that termites have already invaded your property. Homeowners often overlook these droppings, thinking they are debris or mud.
Regularly inspecting underneath wooden structures can help you identify this common sign of a termite infestation. If you notice termite droppings around your property, contact a pest control professional immediately.
3. Mud tubes.
Mud tubes are another sign of a termite infestation. While searching for food, termites often create mud tubes or tunnels that connect their underground nests to the food source. These are created by mixing soil, wood particles, and termite saliva. They also store their food in these tunnels, such as wood chips and mud.
Termites build these tunnels underground, beneath furniture, or within your home’s brickwork. These tunnels often get mixed with the surrounding soil or foundation and may become difficult to see.
4. Peeling paint.
While peeling paint may seem like a moisture issue, it can also indicate a termite infestation. When termites make tunnels inside the foundation of your walls, they often cause these areas to become swollen.
If you notice your paint is peeling or the wall appears bulged out, it is advisable to investigate it further to know the cause. However, if you choose to ignore this issue, the problem can get even worse.
5. Swarmers or discarded wings.
Discarded wings or swarmers are a strong indication of termite infestation. When termites grow into adults, they develop wings and leave their colony to swarm. After mating, the female termite sheds its wings and lays eggs to start a new colony. You can see discarded wings near your windows, doors, and other areas where termites have emerged.
Taking immediate action on seeing swarmers can prevent termites from forming colonies and prevent further damage. Termites mainly swarm during spring or fall. Therefore, if you notice discarded wings in these seasons, call a pest control professional immediately.
Hire a professional today!
Termites can feed on your wooden structure and break the integrity of your home. If you notice any of the above-mentioned signs, contact a pest control professional in Fort Worth to get rid of the problem today.