Termites are wood-loving pests that can cause an assortment of issues around your property. Once an infestation begins, professional treatments are recommended to curb trouble and stop further problems. Here are a few ways to tell if you have these critters living in your house.

How to Determine If You Have Termites

1. Hollow Wood

If you tap on wooden structures or furniture and it sounds hollow, you probably have termites feasting on the material. These critters eat wood from the inside out, leaving behind a shell of wood frames around doors, windows, and other components made from timber.

2. Mud Tunnels

Mud tunnels or tubes are the paths created by subterranean termites so they can travel from their food source to their colony. These pathways protect the pests as they traverse your property and are usually made from soil, wood, and debris. You will notice these mazes around foundations and even along walls.

3. Buckling Floorboards

If your hardwood or laminate floorboards are buckling and uneven, termites may be burrowing underneath. As they consume the organic material in your flooring, they cause it to shift and weaken. You may also notice that your floors are suddenly squeakier than they were before.

4. Stubborn Windows & Doors

Trouble opening and closing windows and doors can be an indication of termites. While this issue can also be attributed to humidity, moisture produced by termites can cause your window and door frames to warp.

5. Piles of Wings

As termite swarms mature, they discard their wings, and you may find piles of them around your home. They’re usually found in corners and on windowsills, or you might notice these scale-like bits stuck to spider webs.

If you suspect that you might have termites on your property, contact the team at Dick’s Fumigation Services in Wailuku, HI. For over 65 years, these professionals have provided Maui residents with tent fumigation and spot treatments to ensure their infestation is completely eradicated. Call (808) 244-7496 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online for more information about their pest control processes.