What Does Termite Damage Look Like?

Because termites are rarely seen, diagnosing an infestation requires knowing what the damage they cause looks like, which often manifests in tunneled-through or hollow wood.

Although termite damage is often well-hidden within the structure of a home, established or severe infestations will start to show obvious signs. The appearance of termite damage can vary but generally is diagnosed through wood damage, broken flooring, sagging ceilings, and more.
The most visible signs may be seen in the following areas of the home:

Walls
Ceilings
Foam insulation
Slabs
Drywall
Flooring
Tiling
Windows

What Does Termite Wood Damage Look Like?

Everyone knows that termites feast on wood, but what does a board or piece of wood look like after it’s been infested by a termite? A quick search online will show you photos of the destruction termites cause to wood, but in general, wood is affected by termites in the following ways:

When termites feed on the cellulose inside of wood, the wood source will eventually become brittle and hollow.
Piles of wood or timber infested by termites will look like they’ve been completely carved and tunneled-through.
In some cases, you may notice wood shavings or wood that looks rather splintered.
In infestations that have been ongoing for some time, wood structures can begin to look warped or bent, which is often confused for water damage.

Noticing the Signs of Termite Damage

If you’ve noticed any of the aforementioned signs of damage, you very likely have an established termite infestation. Because it takes a long time for termite damage to become noticeable, it’s important to have professional pest control services to prevent infestations. The damage caused by termites is often confused for other structural problems, which is why it’s essential to recognize the signs of their destruction and take initiative in having a professional investigate your home.

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