How to Inspect for Termites

Written by Posted On Tuesday, 29 October 2019 13:38
How to Inspect for Termites How to Inspect for Termites How to Inspect for Termites

Termites are notorious for compromising the structural integrity of a home and causing significant damage. The worst part is that they can do all that without anyone even knowing. To keep your premises safe from termite damage, it’s important to have your home professionally inspected for termites. Learning how to inspect for termites can save you from having to spend thousands of dollars to repair damages.

How to Inspect for Termites - Signs of a Possible Infestation

This article points out some of the most common signs of a termite infestation. It highlights the red flags signaling the presence of termites that homeowners need to keep an eye out for.

Swarmers or Discarded Wings

Swarmers are young male and female winged termites. These flying termites leave their nest to find a mate and establish a new colony – which could be in or near your home. Some species swarm at night and are likely to be attracted to light sources while others swarm during the day. Termites lose their wings shortly after finding a mate so discarded wings could also be an indication of an infestation.

Mud Tubes

Subterranean termites like to build mud tubes that typically serve as bridges between the wood they consume and their colony. These tubes are made of tiny pieces of wood, soil and debris and used to not only protect the termites from predators but also conserve moisture.

Termite Droppings

This is a key sign of a potential infestation, especially drywood termites. Drywood termites, push the droppings through small holes near their nest. As such, seeing small black marks is an indication of an infestation.

Tunnels in Wood

Tunnels are not easy to see from the outside but if you see them in pieces of broken timber near your house, that’s a sure sign that you may have a termite infestation. Tunnels are one of the ways termites spread and travel.

Hard to Open Windows and Tight-Fitting Doors

Warped doors and stiff windows are often related to signs of hot and damp weather, but they could also mean termites. The moisture produced by termites when they eat and tunnel through window and door frames can cause the wood to warp, making it difficult to open windows and doors.

Inspecting for Termites

For a thorough inspection, you will need a good flashlight, pocket knife or screwdriver and coveralls. You may have to crawl into crawl spaces and look at possible spots carefully. A complete inspection would mean locating damaged wood and exposed shelter tubes.

Start the inspection in the basement and look out for activity of swarmers and mud tubes. Also, consider getting help from a professional pest control company.

Bottom Line

The tips mentioned should guide you on how to inspect for termites. Pay close attention to any wood construction in the basement and crawl space as well as the wood under porches, basement window frames, supporting piers, support posts, joists, subfloors and sills. You also want to check any scrap wood on the exterior, exterior frames or basement windows, fence posts, and old tree stumps. If you are unsure, you can always seek professional help to inspect your home.

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