Termites are a very real problem for homeowners and commercial property owners. They get into your walls, under the floorboards, and into the woodwork, destroying your property. If termite colonies do take up residence in your home or building, your entire structure can be severely compromised and result in expensive repairs. In fact, termites are estimated to cause $5 billion in damage to properties in the United States each year.

The best way to reduce the damage caused by termites is to catch the infestation in the early stages. However, this is easier said than done, as termites are difficult to spot. They can eat away at your furniture for ages before you notice them. That being said, if you know exactly what to look for, you might be able to see the signs of infestation early on and protect your home from further damage.

Discarded Wings

Termites shed their wings when they mature. So if you notice discarded wings, there is a high chance that a colony of termites is hiding in your home. After shedding their wings, termites cannot fly and are usually found near windows and doors, where there is a lot of light.

Stuck and Stiff Doors

Stuck and tight-fitting doors are a sign of termite infestation because termites eat away at the wood, weakening the structure. Termites can cause doors to swell and become difficult to open or close. In some cases, termites can even cause doors to warp and become completely unusable.

Mud Tubes

Termites use these tubes to travel between their nests and the wood they are feeding on. Mud tubes are usually about the thickness of a pencil and can be found on the outside of your house, as well as on trees, posts, and other wooden structures.

Termite Droppings

When looking for signs of a termite infestation, one of the first things to look for is termite droppings. These droppings are small, brown, and pellet-shaped. They are typically found near areas where termites are active, such as around termite tubes or in areas where wood is damaged.

Hollow Wood

Termites are one of the most destructive pests when it comes to wood. They can tunnel through wood, eating away at the cellulose that gives the wood its strength. This results in wood that is structurally weak and can easily collapse. One of the most obvious signs of termite infestation is hollow wood. This is because the termites have eaten away at the inside of the wood, leaving only a thin shell. Hollow wood is a serious problem because it means that the termites have already caused a lot of damage and the structure of the wood is at risk of collapse.

Termite infestations can sneak up on you when you least expect it. They can funnel through your walls and foundation, causing irreparable damage to your property. If you notice any of these signs or suspect there’s a termite infestation in your home, contact Ultra Safe Pest Management immediately at 866-472-5858.