Detecting termites early can save you a lot of trouble and money in the long run. Here are some common signs to look out for to determine if your home might have a termite infestation:
1. **Mud Tubes**
Termites build mud tubes as protective tunnels between their nest and their food source (your house's wood). These tubes are usually about the width of a pencil and can be found along your home’s foundation, walls, or beams.
2. **Damaged or Hollow-Sounding Wood**
Termites eat wood from the inside out, which can cause wood to sound hollow when tapped. If you notice any wood that seems weak or crumbles easily, termites could be the culprit.
3. **Frass (Termite Droppings) **
- Drywood termites leave behind small, wood-colored droppings called frass. It may look like coffee grounds or fine sawdust. You might see these piles near windowsills, door frames, or other wooden structures.
4. **Swarmers or Discarded Wings**
- Termites reproduce by sending out swarmers, which are winged termites that leave the nest to start new colonies. If you see winged insects around your windows or doors, especially in the spring, or find discarded wings, it could indicate an active infestation.
5. **Sagging or Bubbling Paint and Uneven Walls**
When termites damage drywall, it can cause paint to bubble or look uneven, as moisture is often trapped between the wall and the paint. This is a potential sign that termites may be feeding within the walls.
6. **Tight or Hard-to-Open Windows and Doors**
As termites consume wood, it can cause it to warp and affect the structure of door and window frames, making them harder to open or close.
7. **Head Banging Sounds**
Soldier termites sometimes bang their heads against the walls to alert the colony of danger, creating faint clicking sounds within your walls. It’s a very light but noticeable sound if you know what you are listening for. If you suspect you hear termites – call a professional for a free inspection immediately as your walls are probably infested with termites.
**What to Do If You Suspect Termites**
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to contact a pest control professional like Kilter Termite & Pest Control. They can perform a free termite inspection and recommend a custom treatment plan. Kilter’s Stay in Your Home Termite treatments KilFoam® and KilGuard® are top rated Non-Tenting termite treatments in CA.
