How to Detect Termite Damage

How do you detect termite damage?

1. Hollowed sounding furniture
2. Ceiling damage
3. Floor damage
4. Wall damage
5. Mud tubes
6. Discarded wings and swarmers
7. Piles of frass

 

Sure, termites are useful in breaking down nutrients from dead plants. However, that very same behavior leads to a threat to homes. Every homeowner needs to know about how to detect termite damage.

Termites are destructive pests and infestations are rampant. In the Philippines, the tropical climate encourages the growth of termite populations. This causes major property damage and costly repairs. Moreover, it is a growing health concern for people with asthma and allergic reactions as well.

If you’re a household owner who is neglectful of the many signs of termite infestations, it will be difficult to deal with the situation.

Free yourself from the worry of these wood-eating insects and familiarize yourself with all that you need to know about termites. It is important to check for any damage inside your house as it can comprise the whole structure. Here are some tips on how to detect termite damage. Read on!

 

Hollow Sounding Furniture

Termites chew up everything that is made up of wood inside out. They eat nonstop as well. This is why it’s important to check for wood damage in every household furniture. Try looking below and behind all surfaces.

These pests are always in search of cellulose found in wood pulp. Once they do so, termites will leave hollows that have a honeycomb pattern. If left undetected, these hollows can weaken the wood and ultimately result in comprised structural stability.

Slightly tap on the furniture you want to check. If it sounds empty, it is likely to be termite damage.

 

Ceiling Damage

Despite being elevated, rafters, ceilings, and beams are not safe from termite damage either. Be on the lookout for any ceiling that is sagging and cracked. This is evidence of termite damage.

 

Floor Damage

Even your floors are not guarded against termites. Whether it’s hardwood floors or laminated floors, these pesky creatures won’t be choosy with their targets. It pays to be extra cautious when it comes to unstable and squeaking floorboards. Once you notice that your floors have been slightly lifted up, that is a sign of termite damage.

 

Wall Damage

The earliest signs of termite infestations are easy to miss. Cavities and holes in walls can signify the presence of termites.

These pests love damaging walls because they are highly accessible from the ground. Once termites eat through drywall and wallpaper, they will leave tiny pinholes. Peeling or bubbling paint can indicate termite damage as well. A hollow sound when you tap on the wall.

 

Mud Tubes

There are different types of termites, but one thing is consistent for all: every termite species needs water or moisture in order to survive.

Subterranean termites are arguably the most destructive type. They are capable of creating large colonies and feed on wood at a much faster pace. These termites build mud tubes as their source of food and shelter.

Subterranean termites need to build tubes made of mud that are connected above-ground as a means of travel route to food sources. These tunnels may be as thin as pencils. Furthermore, it retains moisture to protect the termites from dehydration.

The mud tubes appear like dried and encrusted dirt. They can either be straight or squiggly. Once you spot these, it is important to let your local pest control services handle them. When a mud tube is destroyed without proper care, the termites will be cautious and continue to live underground.

 

Discarded Wings and Swarmers

Swarmers are young male and female winged termites whose primary role is reproduction. Furthermore, they emerge from their nests after the current termite colony matures. During springtime, they are on the lookout for the perfect area for creating new colonies. This is when they will shed their wings.

You might have already noticed the piles of discarded insect wings around your home or you’re on the lookout for them. Check near your doors and windowsills. Discarded wings are a common sign of termite damage.

 

Piles of Frass

Once termites eat through wood, they produce excrements called frass. The pests create tiny holes on surfaces to push their frass out of the nests.

When in piles, frass appears like sand or sawdust. Depending on the wood consumed, its color can vary from light beige to brown. You might see these one-millimeter pellets anywhere around your home. This is strong evidence of termite damage.

 

Key Takeaway

Don’t compromise the structure of your home. Learn how to detect termite damage by calling your local pest control service provider.

At Topbest, we value your properties. With years of experience in the pest control industry, we offer the best solutions for your termite problems.

Click here for a termite inspection today.