When it comes to termites, no one is safe. Nationwide, termites inflict an estimated $5 billion in damages per year.
The trick is early detection and knowing what to look for. With the right eye, you can avoid costly damages to your home and property; minimizing or avoiding the problem will only incur higher costs and further damage.
The first thing to understand is termites are not limited to a particular time of year or season— they’re a year-round nuisance.
Termites are sneaky, secretive and can live in your home for years without detection; spotting them can be challenging, so it’s important to know what to look for.
1. Swarmers
During the spring, termite colonies are prone to producing “Swarmers.” The small flying insect can be seen flying near your windows and leaving behind their “discarded” wings.
Typically spotted during the day time, Swarmers are an unfriendly reminder termites are present.
2. Floor Damage
Don’t be fooled– termites can damage laminate floors, as well as they can wood. Check for excessive blistering or sagging spots in your floor.
If a particular area feels “spongy” or “springy,” remove the floorboard to investigate further.
3. Wall Damage
A termite favorite is the cellulose found in timber– making your walls an especially tasty snack.
Check your walls for odd or unexplained cracks, as it may be a sign of an unseen termite colony.
4. Ceiling Damage
Wooden structures in the ceilings, beams, rafters or attic are all fair game for termites. As with your walls, check for cracks in the ceiling, corners and molding.
5. Sticking Doors and Windows
Termites like to tunnel and eat their way through doors and frames. As a consequence, doors or windows may become hard open or begin to “stick,” as the structure becomes misshapen and irregular.
6. Garden Damage
Outdoor structures such as your porch, deck, swing set, fence, wooden posts or trees could be at risk, especially as they’re exposed to greater moisture.
Treat your outdoor space, the same as you would your home– check for cracks, “spongy” or “springy” texture and excessive signs of decay. If gone untreated, termites could lead to collapse.
7. Damaged Roof Tiles
Damaged or waterlogged roof tiles are a prime termite gateway into your home. Termites are easily able to maneuver their way through even the tiniest of cracks and make themselves at home.
To avoid, have your roof inspected and replace any damaged, cracked or waterlogged tiles, right away.
8. Frass
Also known as termite droppings, frass is a clear sign of a colony. While droppings cause no harm, they’re an obvious indicator of termite eating. Frass is powdery and light in appearance, very similar to sawdust.
We Can Help!
Already noticed one or a few signs of termite damage in your home? Schedule a professional Termite Inspection with our knowledgeable team.
We guarantee an inspection of your home within 48 hours of calling– AND we’re open 7 days a week!
Schedule your inspection now or give us a call at 469.818.5500.
Image attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/animal-insect-termite-1299394/
