Termites are pests that might go undetected by homeowners since they live in hidden places behind walls and under floors. Since they can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home, so it’s important to know and check for the signs of termites. Termites are active in the spring as they look for new places to start a colony. Look for the following signs to keep your home safe from these pests.
1. Piles of Frass are Signs of Termitesyou forgot
Small piles of termite excrement are common signs of a termite infestation. Termite droppings are called frass and look like ground coffee or sand. You may see deposits of frass in piles around door frames, windowsills, baseboards, and underneath small holes in wood.
2. Swarming and Discarded Wings
Termites swarm when looking for mates and searching for a new location to start a colony. Often you will not see them swarming, so keep an eye out for their discarded wings near doors and windowsills. Their discarded wings are usually the first sign of a termite problem because it means they are starting a colony on your property.
3. Signs of Termites Include Mud Tubes
Termites build mud tubes to protect themselves as they search for food sources like the building materials in your home. They are about the width of a pencil and are usually found on the outside of the foundation. To see if the tube is actively being used by termites, break it open and then check back later to see if it has been repaired. If so, you have a termite problem.
4. Rotting Wood
The different home materials that are susceptible to termite damage include softwoods and hardwoods, and non-wooden materials like drywall and insulation. Rotting wood is an attractive food source to termites. Look for signs like warped surfaces, peeling paint, and moisture stains to find areas of excessive moisture and make any needed repairs.
Catawba Island Home Inspections provides wood-destroying insect inspections to Northwest Ohio. While termites are the most damaging type of wood-destroying insects, there are other types of insects that can cause damage to your home. Contact us to schedule an appointment to prevent infestations by termites and other wood-destroying insects.