Signs of Termite Damage in a Home

The worst thing about termite activity is that a significant amount of damage is already being done by the time it becomes noticeable.

Termites are tiny pests that cause billions of dollars in property damage yearly. The worst thing about termite activity is that a significant amount of damage is already being done by the time it becomes noticeable. Unfortunately, most American home insurance policies do not cover termite damage. 

Termites remain active throughout the year. They can damage different structural home components, including floors, drywall, insulation, the area around windows and doors, beams, ceilings, rafters, and furniture. Early detection and treatment of termites are essential to limit damage and repair costs. Homeowners should perform regular inspections to check for signs of termite damage and immediately seek to eliminate them. 

Here are some common signs of termite damage in a home:

Mud tubes

Termites use pencil-sized mud tubes to travel between their nest and the food source. These tunnels also protect them from predators and provide them with the required moisture. Therefore, the presence of mud tubes along the home’s foundation indicates the presence of subterranean termites. If one notices these, immediately call a professional to do the needful. 

Damaged or hollow wood

Wood structures are most susceptible to termite infestation. Different termites can leave specific damage patterns on the wood. As termites eat wood inside out, sometimes identifying damage can seem hard. However, the wood becomes hollow as the termites eat through them. Compare wood in different areas to notice any difference. Any hollow or dull-sounding wood is a sign of termite damage. 

Drywall

Termites can also damage the walls while remaining hidden within them. Bubbling or peeling paint, holes, unexplained cracks, and blistering or swelling walls are other signs of termite damage. Blistering or sagging floors, and swollen panels, in certain areas are signs of termite activity. Termites can cause severe damage to the floors resembling water damage. If the wood around the door or window frames falls apart while touching it, and there is no other sign of water damage, or the windows and doors seem hard to operate, call a professional for an inspection.  

Swarmers

Spotting swarmers, or winged adult termites, emerging in large groups inside the home or on the exteriors is a cause of concern. Termites swarm out of their nests to mate or build a new colony. While some species swarm during the day, others swarm at night and are attracted to light. 

Discarded wings

When swarmers fly to create new nests, they shed their wings after they land, as they do not need the wings anymore. So finding a bunch of discarded long white wings near closed doors and windows, around the foundation, on the carpet, or in the garage corner shows that termites are damaging the property.  

Termite droppings

A prominent sign of termite damage is spotting termite droppings. Frass is a wood-colored dropping of dry wood termites which appears similar to sawdust. Termite droppings can accumulate as piles. Termites create holes in their tunnels to discard droppings and keep the tunnels clean. The bigger the piles, the more the extent of damage, as they are eating more. 

Get rid of termite infestation!

Once the termite damage is spotted, it is essential to eliminate the termites, remove the affected wood, and repair the damage to restore structural integrity. If a home has suffered termite damage, please call a repair professional to fix it.

Clover Valley Home Service offers reliable services in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, baseboard and crown molding, sprinkler repair, fence repair or replacement, yard work and cleanup, and fire defense space preparation services. Our work is guaranteed. Call (916) 742-3141 today!