Warning Signs That Your Home May Have Termites
Termites are among the most destructive pests you will ever need to worry about invading your home. While an infestation can be present for years before you are aware of it, termite damage that is allowed to continue for an extended period of time without intervention will result in significant damage to your home's structure that can be quite costly to repair or can even result in your home becoming unsafe for you to live in. This is why it is so important to learn the warning signs of termite infestation so that you can take a proactive approach to termite control. If you notice any of the signs below in your home, you will want to call in a professional termite exterminator right away.
Blisters In Your Wood Floors
One of the most common places to find a termite infestation in your home is in the home's subflooring. As these wood-eating pests consume the home's wood subfloor the resulting damage will often present itself as blisters on the wood or laminate flooring above. These blisters closely resemble water damage and can often be misdiagnosed by homeowners as moisture-related damage. If you notice any blistering on the floor in your home, do not simply assume that you have water damage. Instead, be sure to have your home inspected by a professional termite control service to ensure the damage is not the result of subterranean termites.
Wood Surfaces That Sound Hollow
Part of what makes termites so dangerous is that they consume wood from the inside out. So while your wood surfaces may look intact from the outside, the inside of this wood can become hollow as the termites consume it. If you take the time to knock on wooden surfaces such as window and door frames around your home, you will find that wood that has been damaged by termites will sound hollow. Calling in a termite exterminator as soon as you notice a difference in the way your wood sounds when you knock on it can help to minimize the damage termites are able to cause and ultimately help you to avoid more costly repairs.
Mounds Of Sawdust
As termites consume the wood in your home's structure they will leave behind what appears to be wood pellets or sawdust. What you are seeing is actually termite excrement. The most common place to find this excrement is around the exterior of your home. This particular warning sign can be a bit more difficult for individuals to spot if the exterior of their home is surrounded by landscaping that makes it harder to visually inspect the home's foundation. To ensure this warning sign does not go unnoticed you should consider the use of an annual termite control service.
For more information, contact a termite control service today.