Termites can cause serious damage to your home, especially if it has a wood frame or wooden structures. These tiny insects cause billions of dollars in damage worldwide each year. As soon as you see signs that you might have termites, it’s time to get an inspection. When it comes to termites, it’s better to be safe. Here are some of the most common signs of termites:
Termite Wings and Frass
Typically when you have a termite infestation, you’ll find what they leave behind long before you see the actual termites. When termites swarm, they discard their wings once they’ve found a home to colonize. Along with their wings, they leave their droppings, known as frass, behind. If you see what looks like sawdust and/or tiny insect wings clumped in certain areas, you probably have termites.
Mud Tubes or Tunnels
If you believe you have termites, check your walls for evidence of mud tubes. Termites create tunnels to travel around, which are known as mud tubes because they are often made of natural materials like mud. Termites use these tubes to travel between their nest and food source. If you find pencil-sized holes on the wall, try knocking next to them. If the wall sounds hollow, you’ve located a mud tube.
Visible Damage to Wood
Once termites infest your home, they feed on wood constantly. This means the longer they’re in your home, the more damage they will cause. You can look through your home to find signs of this wood damage. Sagging floors are one of the most common signs of damage caused by termites. You can also try knocking on the wall next to suspected termite activity, regardless of whether you see a mud tube. The wall shouldn’t sound hollow. If it does, you likely have a termite problem.
Strange Noises or Odors
As termites move through wood, they can make clicking or rustling noises. Their habits can also lead to a mildew-like odor. Unfortunately, these noises and odors are similar to ones that happen for other reasons. However, if you notice these smells and sounds with no other explanation, you may want to get a termite inspection.
Difficulty Opening or Closing Doors or Windows
Termite damage can cause structural problems in your home, from the walls and foundation to doors and windows. If you have trouble opening or closing doors or windows that weren’t difficult to open or close previously, it may be a sign of a termite infestation. Their eating habits can cause windows and doors to become misaligned, which makes them difficult to maneuver.
Command Pest Control has decades of experience helping homes and businesses deal with termite infestations. We offer termite inspection and termite control services in Pompano Beach and surrounding areas. Depending on the scale of the problem, you can choose between spot treatment, tenting and no-tent fumigation. Call us at 954-943-0008 or contact us online to schedule a free inspection.
