1. Droppings Indicate You Have Termites in Your Home
One of the most important signs to look for when checking for termites in your home is droppings, also known as frass. Although the termites may be tough to detect, an inspector will look for termite droppings that indicate you have an infestation. If you see areas in your home with mounds of pellets, this is likely termite frass. The droppings resemble tiny coffee grounds or sawdust and will be in close proximity to the termites.
2. Clicking Noises
Although termites are known to be inconspicuous when they’re destroying your home, you may still hear noises coming from your walls. Listen carefully for clicking noises caused by the movement of termites within your walls.
3. Difficulty Opening Doors and Windows
Once you have termites in your home, it may be difficult to open doors and windows in the house due to the damage that has been caused to the wood. You may have to use a significant amount of force to open a window or close a door, which can become a headache over time and can affect the structural integrity of the building.
4. White Ants
Many people mistake termites for white ants due to the light color and small size of the insects. Keep in mind that the termites can look transparent and have straight antennae. They also have two sets of wings and a wider waist compared to ants.
5. Wings
Termites can leave behind wings as they munch on your home, which is another sign that they’re in the building. They often lose their wings once they find a mate before they start a new colony. Check for wings in visible areas before hiring a professional to perform a more thorough inspection.
6. Mud Tubes
Another sign of termites in your home are mud tubes. Mud tubes are thin tunnels on the outside of exposed structural wood that termites use to travel from place to place in search of food. If you see something that looks like a mud tube, break it open to see if insects are inside. Even if you don’t see any, keep an eye on it to see if it gets rebuilt.
It’s important to know the signs to look for when identifying termites so you can protect your home and resolve any issues. With the help of a professional, you can be proactive with your approach to tackling termites and restoring the damage that has been caused.
Peconic Home Inspections serves Long Island with home inspection services, including WDO/termite inspections. Contact us to book an appointment.