Of all the pests that could make themselves at home in your house, termites might be the most troublesome. After all, these bugs aren’t just a nuisance; they can also eat away at the property itself. While you won’t know for sure until you schedule a termite inspection, look out for the following signs that you have an infestation.

3 Signs You May Need a Termite Inspection

1. Clicking Noises

This sound is caused by termites inside the walls, which shake their bodies or bang their heads on the wood. This behavior is to alert the rest of the colony to any potential threats. It seems to happen when they detect vibrations or sounds in the house and believe that there is a predator approaching. 

2. Thin or Hollow Wood

To find out if you have termites, tap on the walls, floorboards, or wood furniture in with the backs of your knuckles. If it sounds hollow–more like paper than wood—these insects may have eaten the inside, only leaving a thin outer layer of finish or paint. You’ll be clued into this issue if the vacuum breaks through a baseboard, a drawer in a dresser collapses, or you leave a hole scrubbing a mark off the wall.

3. Sticky or Jammed Doors & Windows

While this might seem counterintuitive, termites don’t just thin out the wood they thrive in—they also cause it to swell. This is because they produce moisture as they make tunnels and eat through the wood components of the house. If they’ve gotten into the door or window frames, the wood will swell up or warp. As a result, the doors and windows won’t slide out or up easily.

If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, schedule a termite inspection with A-Pro® Home Inspection in Denver, CO. This company has over 25 years of experience inspecting properties, both commercial and residential. From specialized assessments that focus on pests or carbon monoxide to complete, 500-point inspections, you can trust in the thoroughness of their team. To learn more about their termite inspection services, visit the website, or call (303) 875-7627 to schedule a free estimate.