It’s no secret that owning a home comes with its share of difficulties. Things like leaky roofs, plumbing issues, and electrical problems are something you’ll need to be fully prepared to deal with.
One of the most outstanding issues you could face, though, is a termite infestation. And, it’s imperative that you understand how to recognize one as soon as possible.
Let’s take a look at the signs you should watch out for.
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Damage to Your Home’s Wood
As you might expect, this is the primary sign that you should watch out for when it comes to recognizing a termite infestation. Unfortunately, wood damage caused by termites isn’t always immediately noticeable.
When termites feed on wood, they do so from the inside out. This means that damage is often not apparent until a significant amount has occurred. You can help screen for damage by tapping on wooden surfaces you believe to be infested by termites.
If it produces a hollow sound, you can be sure that there’s an issue.
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Discarded Termite Wings
When termites leave their nest and look for a location to start a new colony, they do so in massive groups known as ‘swarms.’ The termites that search for new locations have wings so that they can cover as much surface area as possible.
When they find a suitable location for a new colony (such as a home), they will discard their wings at the entry point. The presence of insect wings near your home’s entry points is one of the most common signs of termite infestation, so be vigilant during your investigation.
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The Formation of Mud Tubes
Termites thrive best in underground environments. This means that they will attempt to create a simulated underground environment when they begin to colonize within your home.
The end result is the creation of mud tubes, which are pencil-sized structures that termites create alongside the base of the home. You can visit this resource to learn more about the most common types of termites.
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Paint Damage
Since termites can only survive when they protect themselves from dry air and sunlight, they also tend to colonize underneath the surface of the wood they’re feeding upon. While living in this location, termites will bring moisture with them in order to sustain themselves.
This could easily cause your home’s paint to bubble or peel. Although this sign on its own isn’t a guarantee that you have a termite infestation, it could be used as supporting evidence while searching for other indicators.
Recognizing a Termite Infestation Might Seem Difficult
But, the above information will help you ensure that you notice the signs as soon as possible. From here, you’ll be able to take the necessary steps to handle your home’s termite infestation and minimize the amount of damage that occurs.
Want to learn more info you should keep in mind? Be sure to explore what the rest of our blog has to offer.
