Termite damage is something that can happen in any home. Even an uninviting, drafty old house can have termites living in it. Whether your home is new or old, there are some telltale signs that you should be on the lookout for.
Unfortunately, termite damage and other wood-destroying insect problems aren’t always obvious at first glance. You probably won’t see the little pests scurrying about before they do their worst, but if you learn to spot their warning signs, you can take action quickly by calling Phoenix Pest Control to save your home from further destruction.
Here are some clues to look out for as a sign of termite damage:
1. Discolored Wood Walls and Flooring
Termites need moisture to thrive and survive since it helps them digest wood. So, the first sign of damage they cause is discoloration as they draw moisture out of the wood.
Look for discoloration in areas where the wood is more exposed, such as by windowsills, around the edges of door frames, under outlets and switches, and inside the bottoms of drawers.
If you see signs of dried-out walls or discoloration as described, you’ll want to inspect the area closely and get local pest control near me to determine if you have a termite problem.
2. Rot or Mold
Termites’ saliva contains tiny pores that, when left untreated, can grow into mold. If you see mold growing in areas where there isn’t a lot of moisture, then you could have a termite problem.
Areas of rot or mold should be treated at once, as they are likely to cause further damage to the surrounding drywall and structure.
3. Sagging Timbers or Floors
As termites work their way through your home, they consume the wood they’re in the process of digesting. This leaves the wood in your subfloor and joists less sturdy, and it can cause them to sag or warp.
If you notice that your floors or ceilings are sagging, there’s a good chance you have a termite problem. This can sometimes be seen in the corners of rooms where two walls meet, but it’s more common on the edges of rooms, by baseboards, and by the tops of window and door frames. You can also check for unevenness or gaps in your subflooring, as this is also a sign of termite damage.
4. Distorted Window Frames or Sills
Termites don’t just eat the inside of your home’s wooden structure; they can also feed on the wood of window frames or sills. Look for distorted or cracked window frames and sills as a sign of termites. You’ll probably see it most often in old, drafty houses.
5. Mounds of Mud and Dirt in Strange Places
Termites create mud as they tunnel through your home’s wooden structure. This mud can splash out onto the walls and get into the walls and floors of your home through gaps in the timbers.
They use it to expand and strengthen the tunnels they create. You might see mud or dirt mounds around windowsills, the baseboards of your home, and in the corners of rooms. It usually has a crumbly, sandy texture and can also be brownish or reddish in color.
Get In Touch With Phoenix Pest Control Today
The best way to avoid termite damage is to keep your home termite-free. That way, you won’t have to worry about any telltale signs of termite damage. You can do this by getting regular inspections, cleaning up fallen leaves and other debris in and around your home, and repairing any damage you find.
