6 Signs of Termite Infestation You Should Never Ignore

“Do I have termites?” As a homeowner, that’s a question you could ask if you live somewhere with a warmer climate. Another question would be, “If it’s not termites, could it be carpenter ants?”

Both home invaders can chomp through your home’s wood frame. To get rid of the problem, you need to identify the culprit correctly.

One way to do that is to check the insect’s appearance. Termites are more rectangular, while ants have a distinctive waist. However, if you can’t see them, there are other ways to tell.

Let’s talk about the signs of termite infestation so you can decide on how best to control and prevent it from ruining your home.

Table of Contents

1. Poops! What’s That?

One sure sign of termite infestation is frass, or the wood-colored droppings termites produce as they consume wood.

These droppings look like pellets, wood dust, or shavings inside or outside your home. Keep in mind that visible frass is specific to drywood termites. If you have subterranean termites, you’ll see mud tunnels instead.

2. Why Won’t This Door Open?

Windows or doors that are suddenly more challenging to open or close are one of the early termite infestation signs.

Don’t forget that windows and doorframes are often exposed, providing easy access for termites. Once these insects eat through the wood, these structures could warp, making it difficult for people to open or close them easily.

3. Swarm Today, Isn’t It?

If you’re looking for visible termite signs, keep your eyes peeled for swarmers or the discarded wings of young female and male winged termites.

You’ll find these near doors and windowsills. They could also be pretty near a building’s foundation, especially if there are woodpiles outside.

Now, if you’re a building owner, it’s always best to know when it was last treated for termites. You can click here for more information.

4. Who Wrecked My Wallpaper?

Do you see tiny holes in your wallpaper? You can file it under “signs of termite infestation in a house.”

These exit holes or tunnels are also called termite galleries. They’re most apparent when the paint or wallpaper has been removed, usually during home repairs and renovations.

Termite damage could also appear as bubbling paint, peeling wallpaper, and buckling wood if you can’t find holes or tunnels.

5. You Mud?

Yes, mud tubes were already mentioned. However, subterranean termites aren’t the only ones that create them.

Formosan termites also build mud tubes, often near the home’s foundation. You’ve found mud tubes if you see narrow veins that start from the ground and continue toward areas with exposed wood.

6. Other Signs of Termite Infestation

If you knock on a piece of wooden furniture and it sounds hollow, your termite problem could be worse than you initially suspected.

Don’t wait until your floor or roof is sagging. You can hope it’s wood rot, but why take the chance? Get a professional inspection as soon as possible and go for treatment if needed.