Termite Damage Signs

Termite damage signs are sometimes hard to pick out for those of us outside the industry. In some cases, detecting an infestation is even difficult for the seasoned professionals who make their living eradicating colonies and sparing homes further damage. But it is important in termite prone areas to recognize some of the warning signs so that if you are ever faced with a suspected infestation, you will take the warning early on and get an inspector out to your home immediately. Certain species of termites move quicker than others in causing destruction to homes once their colonies are established; but no matter what family of termite you are dealing with, you have to take great care to get the eradication process started as quickly as possible to prevent damage and make sure the correct treatment is in place.

Look for Evidence of Infestation

Subterranean termites prefer to dwell under the ground in loose, damp soil. They like the soil loose because it allows for easier burrowing to create the physical location of their colony. In the United States, physical evidence of damage by subterranean termites is not always obvious. In fact, it can often be quite hard to pick up. Even experts may have trouble, making careful expert inspection critical. Damage to the inside of a home, for example, may not even become visibly apparent until infestation is complete.

Termite damage signs do not appear in the inside of a home overnight. These signs can also be mistaken for other things at first. For example, sagging floors and ceilings are often mistaken for signs of water damage, sometimes a more obvious explanation than an infestation of termites. Yet these are very common evidences of infestation. Mud tunnels near the foundation of infested homes are another sign. But all too often we do not catch these clues until much harm has already been done.

Drywood Termites Live in Wood

The drywood species lives in wood, unlike the subterranean termite. They are commonly found inside the walls of a home or inside pieces of wooden furniture. Evidence of their infestation might only become visible after they have already burrowed deeply and caused a great deal of destruction. Sometimes the wood veneer cracks and the tunnels inside become visible to the naked eye, and infestation finally becomes apparent. Termite damage signs sometimes only come after tremendous harm has been done to a structure. These termite damage signs do homeowners little or no good. What they need is a way to detect the presence of a termite colony before immense destruction has already occurred.

Antique furniture pieces are particularly vulnerable among wood furniture items. The condition of the wood in these items makes the work of the pests that much easier to accomplish. Termite damage signs in new pieces of wood furniture and the walls and floors of a home are evidence of more widespread infestation. Extermination options should be immediately discussed with a professional inspector.

Watch for Signs of Infestation

Termite damage signs are not obvious to those of us who are not looking for them. But if you begin paying closer attention to your home, you may begin seeing more signs of trouble. Homeowners who read up on these things and who know what to look for are much more successful at detecting infestation early and reducing overall destruction to their home's structure, furniture, and so on. Termite evidence can come in many different forms, most of them subtle to the untrained eye. Learn how to look for termite damage signs and prevent further destruction to your home.