A termite infestation is a major problem that can cause costly structural damage if it’s not caught in time. Here are some common signs to look out for that’ll help you determine if you have termites in your home.

How to Identify Signs of Termites

Identifying if your home has a termite issue is possible when you know what to look for. Fortunately, termites often leave behind obvious signs of their presence. Some of the best indicators include discarded wings around your home’s foundation and windowsills, mud tubes found along the foundation, and flying termites that have come out from their nests to search for new territory. By paying close attention to other small details such as damaged or hollow wood and peeling or bubbling paint, you can prevent damage before it progresses.

Damaged Wood

Damaged wood is one of the most obvious signs that termites might have invaded your home. Look for tiny holes left in walls or floors, especially in warmer seasons. These holes don’t look serious, but they are often an indication that flying termites could be destroying the structure of your home. Hollow wood is another sign of damage caused by chewing termites looking for cellulose, which can be identified by knocking on it.

Peeling Paint

Peeling paint that mimics water damage is another sign of possible termite infestation. One of the reasons bubbling, peeling, and cracking paint may occur is due to the creation of moisture that comes along with termites. These chewing termites can also destroy the wood directly behind a painted wall, creating a similar effect since there is no longer any material behind the paint.

Signs of Termite Swarms

Seeing termites is a surefire way to deduce that your home has a real problem. Depending on the time of year and hour of the day, mature swarmers may have left their nests to create new colonies elsewhere. These destructive insects are usually active during the spring and fall and ordinarily, appear in the morning or afternoon. If you notice bugs flying around the interior and exterior of your home that you’ve never seen before, enlist the help of a professional exterminator to determine the origin and species of the insects.

Mud Tubes

Mud tubes are also an indication that termites are hard at work. These unsightly pencil-sized tube systems are caused by subterranean termites foraging for food. They serve to protect colonies from external threats while preserving the moist environment they need to thrive. You can find them wherever your house connects to the ground, so be sure to thoroughly and frequently check the perimeter of your home to catch the problem before it turns into a major issue.

Discarded Wings are Signs of Termites

Discarded wings are a definite sign that termites might have found a good place to start a new colony. These flying species of termites twist off their wings not long after they take flight and are some of the most destructive. Common areas where these wings can be found include windowsills, other access points, and anywhere around your home’s foundation.

Sevens Property Inspections provides home inspection services to New York City. Contact us to schedule an appointment.