Termites can live in the home and cause damage for years before they’re discovered. Unfortunately, when people find they have termites, the pests cause much damage. Furthermore, homeowners insurance is intended to cover accidental and sudden risks and damage; as any pest control company will tell you, termites are not a sudden phenomenon. The cost of removing termites and repairing their damage is typically not covered by your homeowner’s insurance.
Signs Of A Termite Infestation
Insurers typically view termites as avoidable and possibly resulting from the homeowner’s negligence. Many home insurance policies exclude termite damage and removal. Termite infestations can be avoided with routine home maintenance, which is the homeowner’s responsibility. There are measures you can take to help prevent infestations in the first place. Here are the signs of termite infestation:
Stuck Windows Or Doors
Is there a door or window recently becoming stuck or difficult to open or close? This is occasionally an early warning sign of a termite infestation. Termites prefer to attack exposed and easily accessible wood, such as window and door frames. As termites eat through the wood, the shelves of your windows and doors may warp, making it difficult to open and close them properly.
Hollow Or Blistering Wood
Blistering or hollow-sounding wood can also be a sign of termite activity. Termites usually consume wood from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer of timber or just the paint. When you knock or tap on an area that has termite damage, it will sound hollow or papery. This is because part or all of the timber inside has been eaten away. You may also see unexplained cracks on internal walls.
Damage Under Paint Or Wallpaper
While feeding on corrugated and wood paneling beneath the surface of your walls, termites create tunnels (called termite galleries) and tiny pin holes (called exit holes). They sometimes do this without disturbing the thin coat of paint or wallpaper on the surface, making this damage easier to detect unless it is removed.
Mud Tubes
Besides that, look for mud tubes on your property. Mud tubes resemble narrow veins running along the side of your house. These pipes emerge from the ground and travel to wooded areas. To protect themselves from dry air, termites construct mud tubes.
Termite Discarded Wings And Droppings
Discarded wings left behind are another visible sign of a termite infestation. Swarmers shed their wings after taking flight. Termite droppings, also known as “frass,” are another indicator of termite activity. To avoid buildup, termites eat through the wood, digest it, and push it out of the colony.
Conclusion
If you seriously doubt a termite infestation, contact a professional as soon as possible to determine the best treatment strategy. Facility Pest Control offers prompt, friendly, and effective pest control services. We are dedicated to using cutting-edge technology to provide the best pest control near you at the most affordable price without sacrificing quality, integrity, or effectiveness.