What Are the Signs of a Termite Infestation?

Especially because termites are very rarely seen, it’s essential to know what signs to keep an eye out for when trying to figure out if you have an infestation. The most common signs that signal the presence of termites include:

• Damaged or hollow-sounding wood
• Mud tubes
• Termite droppings (known as frass)
• Swarmers or piles of shed wings
• Blisters in wooden flooring
• Cracked or bubbling paint
• Small holes in drywall

Finding Termite Evidence in Your House

Termites are notoriously difficult to catch in the early stages, and unfortunately are often only noticed when extensive damage has already been done. By knowing the signs of termites and staying vigilant about inspecting your own home for them, you might get lucky enough to catch onto the presence of termites early on. If you’re a property owner looking for evidence of termites, make sure to keep an eye out for the following things:

1. Structural damage: If you notice holes in your walls, mud tubes or cracks near the home’s foundation, blisters in wood floors, or peeling paint on walls, you may have termites. If you knock on any wood suspected to be infested and hear a hollow noise in return, you may have termites.
2. Physical evidence of termites: Seeing termite droppings or frass, which look like small pellets, discarded wings, or actual swarmer termites are the biggest indicators of an infestation in or near your home.

Less Noticeable Signs of Termite Infestations

The very thing that makes termites so dangerous is the fact that they are silent offenders and difficult to detect, even by a professional. Although the following signs are rare and may not necessarily indicate termites, they may help lead to further inspections that can locate the wood-boring pests. Strange zigzag markings that appear to be raised on surface walls, a distinctly musty odor, wall discoloration, squeaky floorboards, or loosening tiles on the floor may all help determine whether or not you have termites in your home. In any case, the best way to diagnose a termite infestation is by calling a professional to inspect your home for you.