Termites feed on wood and are also known to eat other household materials. Because of this, they can cause significant structural damage to homes. If you think you have termites in your home, you’ll need to schedule pest control services right away to eliminate the problem. Knowing the following signs of an infestation will allow you to deal with these issues as soon as possible.

How to Know When You Have Termites 

1. Flying Termites

When termites leave the nest to mate, they fly away from the colony and are likely to be seen around your home. As well as seeing the flying termites, you might notice fallen wings that are discarded after they mate. The discarded wings are commonly seen close to windows and doors. Airborne termites look similar to flying ants, but they have straight waists and four long wings.

2. Hollow Timber

Termites eat wood from the inside, which is why they are often so difficult to spot until they have done significant damage to your home. They will eventually remove so much wood that the timber becomes structurally unstable. When you knock on wood in your home and find that it sounds hollow, it’s often because the wood has been eaten away by a colony of termites. Pin-sized holes in the walls may be exit points created by termites, and droppings that look like sawdust may be found close to the walls.

3. Unusual Noises

Despite being small creatures, termites make a lot of noise. If you hear clicking or crunching sounds coming from the walls, it’s a sign that you could have an infestation. Soldier termites send warnings to the colony by banging their heads against the wood, which makes a dry rattling noise. You might also be able to hear a sound similar to rustling paper when termites are tunneling close to the surface of the wall. 

4. Warped Windows & Doors

Hot and humid weather is often blamed for stiff windows and doors that are difficult to open, but the problem could be a sign of a termite infestation. Termites create moisture as they eat and tunnel through wood, which eventually leads to warping. Because warping has various causes, you will need to schedule pest control services or look for other signs of termites to confirm if you have an infestation.

 

If you suspect you have termites in your home, contact Collins Exterminating in Bolivar, MO. With almost 60 years of experience, this trusted family business uses the latest pest control technology to offer lasting solutions. They provide a five-year pest-free guarantee for all of their work. Call (417) 326-2124 today to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their full range of services.