Termites are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. They can nest in your home for years before they are found. During this time, they can create millions of dollars in damage and could destroy your house. To save your home from termites, know the common warning signs!
First, Know the Types
Before you start looking for warning signs, you should know the different types of termites that you can find in your home. Although there are several species of termites, the two most common household termites are drywood and subterranean. Drywood termites tend to be easier to distinguish in the home because they are more visible than subterranean termites. Luckily, they travel in smaller colonies than subterranean, so it takes them longer to create damage.
Subterranean termites are more dangerous for your home because they often go unnoticed for a while. They keep all of their droppings inside of the wood, so they rarely show visible signs that they’re in the home. Also, they form multiple colonies, that can all feed on one household at the same time — increasing the amount of damage in the home quickly.
Now that you’re familiar with the types of termites, look out for these warning signs:
Discarded Wings
The first visible sign of a termite infestation are signs of discarded wings. When a termite finds a new nest to start their colony, they will intentionally shed their wings because they are no longer needed to travel. You can look for discarded wings around closed windows, doors and in well-lit areas, such as the basement windowsill.
Termite Droppings
Termite droppings are a common sign of drywood termites, because their droppings are noticeable. As they create tunnels and eat wood, they will discard their droppings, creating piles of what looks like sawdust. Piles of droppings will be located anywhere where there is wood in the home.
Mud Tubes
If you see suspicious tunnels outside of your home, they are most likely from subterranean termites. These tunnels are about the size of a pencil and connect the termite’s nest to their food source. If you break the tube and don’t notice any visible signs of active termites, they will often rebuild damaged tubes.
At Cornerstone Home Inspections, our certified home inspectors will assure you that your property is safe from hazardous conditions, including termites. Is your home due for an inspection? Check out our list of home inspection services and give us a call 973-650-4151!