The Subtle Signs of Termites Most Homeowners Miss

The arrival of spring may bring beautiful blooms and warmer weather, but it also comes with increased termite activity. Given how destructive termites can be, spring is the time to be vigilant. Unless you have a pest control service that monitors for termites, you should be checking around your house for these pests yourself. Here’s how. 

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How to Identify Signs of Termite Activity

Termite Wings

As warmer weather arrives, termites begin to appear in small swarms. The problem is these swarms don’t last for long and can be difficult to spot. What’s easier to find are the wings the termites shed when they switch from reproduction mode to colonizing mode. These shed wings will often be found around windowsill, vents, doors, and water sources and are a clear sign that termites are looking to set up shop in your home. 

Mud Tubes

Termites build mud tubes that extend from their shelters in the soil along the foundation of structures to your home, where they feed on wood cellulose. These tubes, which look like small brown pencil sized tunnels, are designed to protect them from dry air and predators as they travel from nest to food source. 

Damaged Wood

Termites feed on wood cellulose. Since termites burrow into wood and eat it from the inside out, damage often isn’t visible until it’s too late and there are structural problems. If you find mud tubes, tap the wood around it and listen for a hollow sound. 

Structural Damage

As termites feed on wood, they gradually weaken its structural integrity. Look for bulging ceilings, stuck doors, and sagging floors, all of which are an indication of termite damage. 

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Where to Look for Termites

There are several places you’ll want to inspect while checking for termites:

The Foundation

This is the most common entrypoint for termites and hence the first place you should look for them. Look for mud tubes that extend from the exterior walls down to the soil. If you’re on a concrete slab, you’re not safe. Termites will create very short tubes that connect to small cracks between the foundation and exterior walls, so look carefully. 

While you’re there look for any drainage issues around your foundation and address them as moisture creates an ideal place for termites to set up their colony. 

The Basement

These dark humid spaces are ideal for termite activity since termites love moist environments. Inspect walls, floors, and beams for termites. Look for mud tubes and check for signs of damaged floor joists or beams.

Wooden Structures

Check decks, fences, garages, sheds and other outdoor wood structures that can attract termites. Specifically, you’ll want to look at where the wood meets the soil.

The Attic

Heat and moisture make the attic an attractive place for termites to feed. Look for any moisture, which termites require for survival. Check the rafters and beams for any termite activity. 

Crawl Spaces

Crawl spaces are often humid and sometimes harbor water, making them ideal environments for termites. Check the interior foundation walls for mud tunnels and carefully examine floor joists and beams for termite damage. 

Windows and Doors

These are common places where termites can exist. Look for mud tunnels leading to the frames around these openings. 

When to Call a Professional

If you find any sign of termite activity while making your inspection, call a professional pest service right away. Termites can do catastrophic damage to structures if left unchecked, and getting rid of them requires a professional. If you’re not confident in your abilities to spot termite activity, consider hiring a termite service to make regular inspections. It’s worth the investment.