Signs of Termite Infestation

 It is important for homeowners to recognize the signs of a subterranean termite infestation. Subterranean termites may be detected by the sudden emergence of winged termite swarmers, or by the presence of mud tubes and wood damage.

Swarm: Winged termites emerging indoors or outside often the first sign of a subterranean infestation. Swarming termites are attracted to light. Therefore, swarmers indoors are often found around lighting fixtures, windows, doors and vents. Also, large numbers of discarded termite wings on windowsills, floors or in spider webs are a sure sign of infestation.

Mud Tubes: The termite foraging tubes extend from the ground to the infested wood. The tubes provide shelter for the foraging termites. The tubes are muddy looking in appearance, flattened and about the width of a pencil. They are most obvious when they extend over concrete foundations and other exposed surfaces. However, the tubes are often less visible, running along cracks, underneath flooring, or behind siding and baseboards.

Wood Damage: Termite damage to the wood’s surface often is not evident because termites excavate galleries within materials as they feed leaving the grain and exterior surface intact. However, the galleries can be detected by tapping the wood every few inches with the handle of a screwdriver. The damaged wood sounds hollow and the screwdriver may even break through the wood into the galleries. If the galleries are active the worker termites will be observed inside.
If you suspect you have termites don’t delay. Call a qualified professional for an inspection and to discuss your treatment options.