Termites are a nightmare for homeowners across the country. These silent destroyers lurk behind your walls, chewing away at your wood from the outside. If left undetected, these pests can cause severe structural damage to your home.
Knowing the signs of termite damage can help you identify an infestation and call for help right away. Learn more about these insects and their destructive behavior in the guide below.
Signs Of Termite Damage You Should Look Out For
Knowing the early warning signs of termites can help you catch an infestation before it causes major devastation to your home. Termite damage is often mistaken for water damage since the features are very similar. Swollen ceilings or bubbling wallpaper could indicate that termite damage is looming beneath the surface. Buckling wood paneling or flooring is also a symptom of termite damage. Termites will also leave small pinholes in wooden framing and furniture.
There are two types of termites that commonly infest homes: drywood and subterranean. Drywood termites burrow deep inside wooden structures and feed voraciously on them to build their colonies. Because the damage happens from the inside out, many homeowners don't notice until it's too late. Drywood termites build labyrinths of mazes that could ultimately lead to a home's structural collapse. Subterranean termites build their colonies in damp soil and make mud tubes to travel to and from food sources. People frequently discover their mud tube networks on foundations and masonry walls.
Just A Few Termites Or An Infestation?
You may think that spotting a few termites in your home isn't a cause for concern. However, it's usually a significant warning sign of an infestation. Many homeowners report seeing winged termites in their homes, also known as termite swarmers. These bugs look a lot like flying ants and are commonly mistaken for them. Noticing even just a few of these swarmers means there are many more termites hiding somewhere else.
When a termite colony reaches capacity, it will send out winged swarmers to build a new habitat. These insects are attracted to light sources and will follow light until they reach the soil to establish a new colony. If the old colony’s location is inside your home, these swarmers will typically get stuck along window sills and doorways in an attempt to make it outside. Many swarmers die because termites cannot survive without soil for more than a few hours. Swarmers are a big sign of a larger termite problem, and you should get in touch with a pest control professional right away.
Repairing Termite Damage
Depending on how extensive the termite damage is in your home, there are several ways to repair it. Here are some of the most common methods available:
- Wood Fillers: People use this putty-like substance to fill the channels and grooves created by burrowing termites. After applying the filler, let it dry completely and sand it down to create a smooth surface. Filler is best for dry wood, as moisture can cause new cracks to form.
- Wood Hardeners: This solution works best for minimal termite damage. Choose a wood hardener in the color of the wood you are looking to fix and the level of damage sustained. Consider adding a wood sealant to cut off any oxygen to any termites that may still be lurking about.
- Wood Replacement: Unfortunately, when damage is severe enough, some wood will need to be replaced entirely. If the damage is isolated, you may be able to remove the damaged portion only and use new wood in its place. For severe damage, you may have to work with a contractor experienced in termite damage renovations.
The best way to avoid having to repair your home is to keep termites from destroying it in the first place. At the first signs of termites, contact the termite control experts at American Pest Solutions.
Total Termite Control Services: No Problem Too Big Or Small
American Pest Solutions has extensive termite removal experience and uses the latest extermination technology. We've been a trusted source of pest control in Western Massachusetts since 1913. If you have a termite infestation, give us a call today to learn more about how we can help.