One of the most common issues Glen Burnie homeowners deal with is termite infestations. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reports that termites cost Americans property damage worth $5 billion each year. If you notice any signs of termites in your home, it’s imperative to act swiftly and call us pronto to mitigate further damage!
Signs of Termite Infestation
If you spot adult termites, you may suspect an infestation. But what if you can’t physically see them and still suspect a termite problem?
As a homeowner, it’s essential to know and keep an eye out for the early warning signs of a termite problem. Staying vigilant and recognizing their presence before it escalates can mitigate further damage and save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in extermination or repair costs.
Here are the top 5 signs of termites to watch for in your Glen Burnie home:
Frass
Termite droppings or feces are known as frass. Fecal matter is a telltale sign of termites, particularly drywood termites. Termites make small holes in wooden materials they have colonized, through which they push their excrement and clean their nest.
Accordingly, frass is typically found in piles beneath window or door frames and is light tan to dark brown in color.
Drywood termite frass resembles granular pellets and often appears like sawdust or shavings. It’s dry to the touch. Subterranean termites don’t leave behind frass like drywood termites do but construct mud tunnels using their droppings.
Mud Tubes
Mud tubes are typically found attached to structures near the foundation and are a key indicator of subterranean termites. They build mud tubes with droppings, soil, and debris and use them to travel between the colony and food source. Mude tubes also serve as protection from dryness and converse moisture.
Stuck Windows or Warped Doors
Tight-fitting doors or stiff windows are also prominent indications of a termite infestation. Because termites eat through door or window frames, it may cause the wood to warp, making doors hard to open or close. Termites can also cause other structural problems, including crumbling or damaged baseboards or even sagging floorboards, walls, and ceilings.
However, it is essential to note that other factors can cause structural wood problems, such as the natural wood-rotting process or changes in humidity levels in different seasons.
Swarmers and Discarded Wings
Swarmers are winged termites that emerge from termite colonies to reproduce, typically once or twice a year. They are identifiable by their two pairs of paled-colored large wings. When a swarmer finds a mate, it will shed its wings, which look like fish scales.
You can spot the discarded wings around the home’s foundation, like entryways or windowsills.
Termite Damages
Termites can cause extensive damage to your home. Signs of termite damage include:
- Damaged, uneven, or bubbling paint
- Discolored or peeling wallpaper
- Blistering wood exterior
- Small pinholes on the wood surface where termites have eaten through
- Dented or sunken areas on the wood
- Hollow or blistering wood sound when knocked on
What To Do If You See Signs of Termites
If you have spotted signs of termites in your home and think you may be dealing with an infestation, it’s likely the termites are well-established and have been around for some time.
It’s in your best interest to have a regular professional termite inspection to detect the problem early and minimize the risk of costly and irreparable damage to your home.
