Some types of household pests present a significant threat to the safety and the well-being of your home and family. One of the most harmful pests you might find in your house is the termite. Termites can do tremendous damage to the structure of your home as they eat through wooden materials. Here are some of the signs of termites you want to know.
Stuck Windows or Doors
One of the first signs of termites many people notice is windows or doors that are harder to open and close than usual. Termites often enter the home through door and window frames because the wood is an easy food source. When termites damage the frames, it may warp surrounding materials, making opening and closing the windows and doors more challenging.
Problems With Paint and Wallpaper are Signs of Termites
Termites create small tunnels and holes in the wood and building materials to navigate your house. This is not always immediately noticeable, but you might notice signs of termites burrowing beneath wallpaper and paint if you pay close attention. Check your walls for:
- Discolored or peeling wallpaper
- Bubbles in the paint
- Tiny pinholes where termites have eaten through the wallpaper
- Dented, cupped, or recessed parts of the wall
- Narrow, raised lines that go across the wall without a logical pattern
- Warping wood
Piles of Wings are Signs of Termites
Swarming termites have left their colony and are looking for a new place to nest. Some homeowners notice flying termites around the home. Once these termites find a food source and place to start a colony, they shed their wings. You may see small piles of discarded wings around your house. Call a pest control professional to inspect the home and discuss the best treatment plan.
Mud Tubes on the Walls or Siding
Some types of termites travel through mud tubes to their food source. If you see brown tubes composed of mud on the foundation, in the basement, or on the walls of your home, this is a sign of termites. Have a professional inspect the area to find other indications of insect damage.
Premier Inspection Services provides home inspection services to Upstate New York. Contact us to schedule our services.