Termites are one of the worst kinds of pests a person could have in their home. Unlike other pests, termites do not bite but that does not mean they do not cause serious problems. Every year, termites cause approximately $5 billion in damage to homes, and they can quickly destroy a structure. It is for this reason it is so important to identify when termites have invaded your home, so you can take the necessary steps to get rid of them.
Structural Damage
Due to the fact that termites have to cause structural damage in order to survive in a home, it seems obvious that this is the first sign to look for. However, there are some signs of structural damage that occur earlier than others and it is important to watch for these so problems can be treated right away.
The first signs of structural damage caused by termites are often around doors and windows. Termites enter homes through these areas because the wood here is often exposed and gives them easy access. As termites start to chew through this wood, the frame can warp, resulting in a door or window that does not open or close properly. Sagging floors and ceilings, as well as crumbling baseboards, are other signs of structural damage from termites.
While these problems can be an early sign of a termite problem, it is important to note that they can also be caused by other factors. For example, seasonal changes in humidity can also cause windows and doors to warp and become difficult to open and close. To determine the root cause of the problem, you should call an Austin pest control expert who can inspect the trouble spots in your home and determine if the issue is caused by termites.
Damaged Wallpaper or Paint
As termites chew on wood paneling and cardboard within walls, they create tunnels and small pin holes, which they use to exit the space. As they do this, they can cause damage to the wallpaper or paint on a wall. The wood may start to buckle, paint may start to blister and bubble, and wallpaper may start to peel or become discolored. If you see these signs, you should also look for other signs of termites, such as the small pinhole termites have eaten through, as well as narrow, sunken winding lines the pests create as they travel and move through the space.
Although termites do sometimes cause damage to wallpapers and paint, this is not always the case. Sometimes, the paint or wallpaper has to actually be removed before the damage can be seen. It is for this reason that so many homeowners do not realize they have a termite problem until they start to do renovations and home repairs. In some cases, people may peel back wallpaper if they suspect they have a termite problem to look for signs of a problem.
Discarded Wings
There are many castes within a termite colony and one of them is the swarmers that form a new colony. Swarmers have large wings and these termites are usually attracted to light. Once they have found a spot to mate and established a new colony, they will shed their wings. The wings are then often found around doors and window sills, as these areas are also well lit. Swarming termites also cannot survive indoors for very long, so it is also not uncommon to find dead termites along with the wings, or in the same areas in which termites discard their wings.
People often mistake swarming termites for flying ants, as they look very similar. However, there are some distinct differences. For example, the wings of swarming termites are the same size while the wings of an ant are uneven. Flying ants also look pinched around the waist, while termites have straight bodies throughout.
Mud Tubes
Many different types of termites have thin exoskeletons that can dry out very quickly. To protect themselves as they make their way from a colony to the food source, they will create mud tubes. Mud tubes have the appearance of narrow veins along the exterior of a home. They are found on the ground and are directed towards areas of a home where wood is exposed. Again, not all mud tubes are a sign that termites have taken over, so it is important to look for further signs.
If you have found mud tubes outside of your home, break off a piece and see if there are live termites inside. If there are, it is a clear sign of a problem. If you do not see termites inside, leave the tube and go back later to see if it has been repaired. If it has, it is an indication that the termites have repaired it. Even if you do not see termites and the tube is not repaired, it may simply mean termites have gone to another area of the home that contains a better food source.
Droppings
Also known as frass, termite droppings are a clear sign of termite activity. Only drywood termites leave droppings that are visible to humans and these are shaped like pellets and have a color similar to wood. Many have likened the appearance of termite droppings to shavings and sawdust. Subterranean termites, on the other hand, use their droppings to create the mud tubes they use to travel to and from a food source.
Our Pest Control Experts in Texas Can Identify a Termite Problem
If you think you have a termite problem, our Texas pest control experts at Stride Pest Control will perform a full inspection to detect any issue you may be dealing with. If signs of termites are found, we will then review a full plan with you to eliminate the pests once and for all so you can take your home back and further damage is prevented. Call us today at (512) 777-1339 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.