Definite Signs You Have a Termite Problem in Your Home

Termites. The bane of property owners everywhere. They're active all year long, are found in 49 states, and cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage yearly. The best way to avoid potentially catastrophic damage is to be proactive. That includes scheduling a yearly inspection, and becoming familiar with the signs of termite activity.

Small insects flying near windows and leaving their discarded wings (all of the same size and looking like tiny shredded fish scales) near entry points to your home is a big first clue to their presence. This activity is most prevalent in the spring months, as the weather warms. Termite droppings, which look like small, ridged, wood-colored pellets, are another sign. Dried mud tubes near exterior foundations are also an indication. These are possible signs of two distinct though equally problematic termite varieties.

Drywood termites feed on cellulose found in wood and will burrow relentlessly to find it, leaving long tubular grooves that weaken and cause structural damage to wood-based walls, floors and ceilings.

Subterranean termites live underground in loose, damp soil. Their damage sometimes looks like water damage, and may not become apparent until their infestations are full-blown. Visible signs of subterranean termite damage include buckling wood, swollen or warped floors and ceilings, areas that appear to be suffering from slight water damage. Termite infestations can also exude a scent similar to mildew or mold.

Termites can damage laminate flooring, which may blister and sag or feel more spongy in certain areas. Checking underneath this flooring can help to reveal termite activity. New or unexplained cracks on internal walls could be a sign of termites consuming the cellulose found in wooden walls. These visible cracks could be a sign of termite activity within. Wooden ceilings, beams and rafters are at as much risk as wooden materials nearer to ground level. Look for new cracks on ceilings and moldings.

A lot of foundations nowadays are made of concrete. Termites don't eat concrete, but they're able to squeeze into any crack within these concrete blocks and from there gain access to floor joists, which are still made out of wood. A special termite barrier is often used to prevent migration and infestation through any foundation cracks. Crawl spaces are also at risk, as their foundations often include wood as a building material. Infested windows and doors may become difficult to open, as tunneling and eating may warp the frames.

Excess moisture in your home due to loose, broken or damp roof tiles can attract termites. Broken roof tiles are a big source of moisture, which will attract termites and allow them access further inside. Once they're in, termites are able to migrate through a property easily and feast on wood structures throughout. Replace any damaged or water-logged roof tiles as a preemptive measure.

As mentioned, termites typically feed underneath wood surfaces, making them invisible without specific inspection. As they bore through the wood, they create hollow caverns underneath the surface, weakening them and making the actual structure sound hollow if it's tapped or knocked on. All wood within a structure is essentially at potential risk and should be checked.

Prevention can go a very long way to insure your valuable property is termite-free, and regularly scheduled professional inspections can help assure this.