Termites are some of the most damaging insects on the planet and if you have them, there is a good chance that your building suffers from some kind of damage. However, it can be tricky to differentiate between what is damage caused by termites and other damage.
Here are some of the things you can look out for to make sure that termites are not in your home.
Hollow-Sounding Timber
When termites feast on wood, they leave behind signs of their damage. One of the most obvious signs is hollow-sounding timber. Hollow-sounding timber is a sign of termite damage because termites eat the wood from the inside out, leaving a thin layer of wood on the surface. This thin layer of wood is known as the "shell." When termites have eaten away most of the wood in a piece of timber, and you tap on a piece of wood and it sounds hollow, chances are there are termites inside.
Tight-Fitting Doors
Tight-fitting doors are often a sign of termite damage. Termites can weaken the structure of a door frame, causing it to become misaligned. This can cause the door to become difficult to open and close. In some cases, the door may even become stuck in the frame.
Crumbling Wood
Another sign of termites is wood that is soft or spongy to the touch, as this is often a sign that the wood has been hollowed out by termites. Another sign is if the wood is discolored or has dark spots. This can be a sign of termite droppings or termites themselves. Finally, if the wood is cracked or broken, this can also be a sign of termite damage.
Mud Tubes
Mud tubes are a sign of termite damage because they are built by termites as a means to travel from the ground to their food source. Mud tubes are made out of dirt and saliva, and they are used by termites to protect themselves from the outside environment. Mud tubes are typically found on the outside of buildings or homes, and they can be an indication that there is a termite infestation. If you see mud tubes, it is important to contact a pest control professional to have the infestation treated.
Swarmers
Swarmers are a sign of termite damage because they are in the reproductive phase of the termite life cycle. When termites swarm, they are looking for new places to start colonies. If you see swarmers in your home, there is an active termite infestation that needs treatment.
Quiet Clicking
When termites damage wood, they typically leave behind a telltale sign: quiet clicking sounds. This is because termites communicate with one another by tapping their heads against the wood. If you hear these soft clicks, it's a sign that termites are present and that they're doing damage to your property.
Encino’s Best Termite Solutions can do far more than just kill pests. We care about long-term results and help you to create an environment that is safe for you and your family. Contact us today for more information!
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