Termites can be a nightmare for a homeowner. These pests are difficult to eradicate once they settle in and invade your home. A colony of termites can quickly cause damage as they start eating away at the wood. They aren’t always easy to locate, either. Termites damage the wooden components of your home and over time may cause structural issues. Learn to identify the signs of termites and contact a professional to prevent major damage to your property.

Mud Tubes are Signs of Termites

Mud tubes are tunnels that are made of soil and wood. They are often about the width of a pencil and may be found on wood piles or the foundation of your home. Termites build these tubes to provide shelter from predators and dry weather conditions while they travel from their nest in search of food.

Termite Droppings

Termite droppings are one of the obvious signs of termites. Also called “frass,” termite droppings look like sawdust, sand, or coffee grounds. You might notice small piles near the tiny holes termites have made in wooden products and components of your home.

Noises in the Wall are Signs of Termites

Termites make noise when eating and also when they feel threatened. You can actually hear them when the house is silent. You might notice a papery rustling sound when they are building a tunnel and active near the outer surface of the wood.

Discarded Wings

Discarded wings are one of the first signs of termites you might notice. Swarmers are winged adult termites that come from a nest. They leave their colony to start a new one elsewhere and shed their wings once they’ve relocated. If you see a pile of tiny, white wings, this could mean that the termites have settled into your home.

Hollowed or Damaged Wood

Wood is appealing to termites, especially drywood termites. They prefer damp or rotting wood and will devour it from the inside out. You can’t see the damage to the interior of the wood, but if you tap the wood and it sounds hollow, schedule a termite inspection. A home inspector can advise you on necessary steps to take if they find that you have an infestation.

Aarrow Home Inspections offers inspections for buyers and sellers in the Triangle Area of North Carolina. Contact us to schedule our services.