Are your wooden panels growing brittle too quickly?

Don’t underestimate the power of termites. They’re the ultimate survivalists, after all. The subterranean bug originated more than 250 million years ago!

The only way to be sure of a termite infestation is to know the signs. In fact, some bugs look strikingly similar to termites, like carpenter ants and powderpost beetles.

Don’t miss these telltale signs you’re living with a termite colony.

Problems With Paint

Buckling wood is the most common sign, but paint issues are frequently overlooked.

Discolored paint is often dismissed as normal aging or water damage. However, interior termite damage mimics the look of moisture spots.

Watch for peeling paint in the absence of leaks too. Termite colonies also discolor drywall material, leaving tiny holes in their wake.

Did You Hear Something?

Those squeaky floors could be a ghost or a termite colony.

Find out by knocking on the floorboards like a door. If you hear a hollow sound, they may be infested with termites.

Termites aren’t quiet, either.

Listen closely to clicking sounds in the wood. Those noises could be termites scattering about from disturbance.

Some termites can be heard chewing the wood, but clicking is more common.

Why Are My Windows Stuck?

This next sign is often confused with weather damage. Yet, jammed windows are a surprising sign of termite infestations.

Windows are the first targets of attack for termites. They’re the most accessible from outside. Termites also work their way toward windows from under the house.

Window termite infestations are usually accompanied by wood dust, tiny holes, and hollow frames.

Gross Termite Feces

Similar to mice, termites also leave their feces (or frass) behind. In fact, you won’t find any droppings in termite tunnels.

Termites push their feces out of their tunnels, leaving visible evidence of termite colonies.

Don’t be fooled! Sneaky termite poop resembles coffee grounds and dirt. Look for a distinctive trail or pattern among the grounds.

You can gauge the severity of a termite infestation by the number of feces.

Flying Termites?

Your eyes are not deceiving you.

Termites grow wings and fly during their reproductive stages. Thus, flying termites are often confused with fruit flies and flying ants.

Flying termites eventually shed their wings, leaving more evidence behind.

Termites without wings look like whitish ants.

Termite Colony Tunnels

While frass and wings are seen inside your house, termites leave distinctive tunnels outside of your home called mud tunnels. These tunnels connect the entire colony to its food source, your wood panels.

If you have mud tunnels, the colony’s nest is likely nearby. Cleaning out mud tunnels isn’t enough. Plus, the colony can still spread.

The only answer is reliable termite solutions that exterminate colonies and prevent attacks.

Stop the Chewing in Its Tracks

Don’t let the termite colony move in permanently. Show them the door by spotting the signs early and taking action.

Prevent even more challenges by staying informed. Share these tips with your friends, and follow the blog to stay updated.