Termites might be beneficial to the environment, but their eating habits are harmful to humans and their wooden constructions. A termite infestation can severely damage your home and lead to costly consequences. But how do you know your wooden boards aren’t merely old? What are the signs of a termite infestation? Keep reading to find out!
Common Signs of Termite Infestation
Termites chew through wood to break it down to
cellulose, which is what they eat. This can lead to wood damage below and behind surfaces like hardwood floors or walls. When termites feed on wood, they leave small tunnels. If you knock on a wooden structure and hear that it sounds hollow - then it might be weakened by termites.
Mud tubes are another sign of termite infestation. They look like small tunnels that serve to protect termites from dry environments during their quest for a food source, or a new nest location, and they also offer protection from predators. These tubes are usually made of small pieces of soil and wood. If you find a termite mud tube on your property, determine a centre section and break it. If you notice repairs to the tube over the next few days - then you definitely have a termite problem.
Wall cracks can also form due to termite damage. The more termites burrow into your walls, the more the walls start to collapse. Another harmful side effect is weakening your home’s foundation to the point that the supporting structures start sinking. If you suspect you have a termite infestation on your hands, cracks in your walls can confirm your suspicions, along with other signs of termite infestation
When mature termites leave their nest to start a new colony, they take flight. Soon after that flight, they shed their wings. You can notice transparent wings lying around or pile up in spider webs or surfaces around the foundation of your home - like window sills.
