Termite infestations can cause considerable structural damages to houses, but many homeowners aren’t aware that they have a problem until it’s too late. Early detection and termite control will keep these pests at bay and prevent thousands of dollars in property damage. Below are a few ways to tell if your house has an infestation. 

How to Determine if You Need Termite Control Services

1. Droppings

A clear sign of a pest problem of any sort is the presence of droppings. Drywood termites will expel their fecal matter from the tunnels they burrow through wood furniture, walls, or floors to keep their nests clean. As a result, you may notice small piles of tiny black pellets and a powdery substance near areas where they nest. Subterranean termites don’t expel their droppings. Instead, they use fecal matter, saliva, and mud to build dry, brownish tunnels throughout wooden objects.

2. Wood Damage

Termites dig through the wood as they feast on its cellulose, creating a honeycomb pattern through walls, floors, furniture, and in some cases, the building’s foundation. This weakens the wood, which can result in sagging floors or doors and hollow walls. If you think you have an infestation, walk around your home and knock on wooded areas. If you hear a hollow sound, it could be from termites. Also, check walls and ceilings for unexplained cracks.

3. Hard-to-Open Windows & Doors

High humidity can be problematic for doors and windows with wooden frames. As moisture sets into the wood, it can lead to warping that can make doors tough to close and windows hard to move. However, problematic entryways are also a sign of a termite infestation. As they feed on the cellulose in wood, they produce moisture. While it is possible the humidity warping the wood is coming from another source, if you notice other signs of these pests on your property, call a termite control expert.

If you need termite control services to handle an infestation, look no further than Bugout Termite & Pest Control in Glen Burnie, MD. As a premier residential pest control company serving the Baltimore Metro area, they provide affordable termite inspections and treatments. This full-service pest exterminator also helps rid homes of other unwanted guests, like ants, roaches, and bedbugs. Call (410) 760-6065 today to schedule a free estimate, or visit them online to learn more about their services.