Termites may be small, but they can cause massive damage to homes and businesses if left undetected. During the summer, these destructive pests are especially active, feeding on wood and weakening structures from the inside out. Because termites often go unnoticed until significant damage has already been done, early detection is crucial in protecting your property. Knowing the signs of a termite problem can help you take action before costly repairs become necessary.
Warning Signs of a Termite Problem
Here are the top five warning signs of a termite problem that home and business owners in Northern Ohio and Southeast Michigan should watch for this summer.
1. Discarded Wings
One of the first signs of a termite problem is the presence of discarded wings near doors, windows, and light fixtures. Swarming termites, known as alates, emerge in warm weather to find a new place to establish a colony. Once they settle, they shed their wings. If you notice piles of tiny, translucent wings around your property, it’s a strong indicator that termites may have moved in.
2. Mud Tubes Along Walls or Foundations
Subterranean termites, the most common type in Northern Ohio and Southeast Michigan, build mud tubes to protect themselves while traveling between their nest and food sources. These pencil sized tunnels can often be found along foundations, walls, and crawl spaces. If you spot these tubes, break one open. If it’s active, you may see live termites inside. Even if the tube appears abandoned, termites may still be lurking nearby.
3. Hollow or Damaged Wood
Termites eat wood from the inside out, making damage difficult to detect until it becomes severe. If you tap on wooden beams, flooring, or furniture and hear a hollow sound, it could be a sign of a termite problem. You may also notice blistering or warping in wood surfaces, which can resemble water damage. Left untreated, termites can weaken structural supports, leading to costly repairs.
4. Frass (Termite Droppings)
Drywood termites leave behind a distinct sign of their presence, frass, or termite droppings. These tiny, wood colored pellets often accumulate near infested areas, such as windowsills or baseboards. If you see small piles of what looks like sawdust but haven’t been doing any woodworking, it could be termite frass, indicating an active infestation.
5. Tight Fitting Doors and Windows
If your doors and windows suddenly become difficult to open or close, termites could be to blame. As they tunnel through wood, their activity can cause warping and swelling, leading to sticky doors and windows. While humidity can also cause similar issues, it’s best to inspect the area for other signs of a termite problem to rule out an infestation.
Act Fast to Protect Your Property
Ignoring the signs of a termite problem can lead to extensive and costly structural damage. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s essential to act quickly. A professional pest control inspection can determine the extent of the infestation and provide effective treatment options.
Delving Pest Control offers discreet and reliable pest control services for homes and businesses in Northern Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Contact us today to protect your property from these destructive pests before the damage gets out of hand.
