Termites may cause substantial property damage before you know it. They are often called “silent destroyers.” These little insects live on wood, paper, and other cellulose substances that you may find in a home or a business, and their presence can result in costly repairs if not treated quickly.
Early treatment of termites would depend on knowing the signs indicating their presence and scheduling an inspection for termites. In this blog, we will help you learn about the five red flags that confirm that you need a termite inspection.
Why Termite Inspections Are Important
Termites damage over $5 billion worth of property each year in the United States. If left unchecked, their destructive work can eat away at the structure of your building. Healthy property maintenance involves regular termite inspections.
However, how can you be certain when it is time to involve a specialist? Here are five red flags that you should not ignore to tackle possible termites and termite damage.
1- Mud Tubes On Walls Or Foundations
Mud tubes on your property are one of the house’s most noticeable signs of possible termite infestation. Termites burrow through narrow underground tunnels made of dirt and wood particles to travel between their nests and food sources. Termites running up and down your wall, foundation, or even in your basement or crawl space are a sure sign they are lurking nearby.
Termites construct these tubes to protect themselves from predators and ensure the appropriate humidity levels. Mud tubes indicate it is time for a professional inspection for termites. By detecting them early, you can prevent severe damage to your property.
2- Hollow-Sounding Wood
A hollow-sounding wood upon tapping is another red flag that signals you may need a termite inspection. Termites are wood eaters that dine from the inside out of the wood, so the wood is left with only an outer shell, with the inside all eaten away. This makes the structure progressively weaker over time. It may become hollow-sounding when you knock on the wood.
If you find any wooden beams, door frames, or even furniture that sounds hollow, termites are at work. A wise move would be to arrange an appointment for a termite inspection to determine the extent of the damage and learn about treatment options.
3- Swarmers Or Flying Termites
Termites that leave their nest to look for mates and start a new colony are called the swarming termites. Usually, these are winged termites you can spot around windows and doors. Pay attention to them; you can see their discarded wings around windowsills and doors. What may look like flying ants could be termite swarmers.
Warm and humid weather usually brings them out in the spring, but they can also come out after rainfall. If you find these termites, you should arrange a termite inspection as soon as possible. Even if you do not spot swarmers, discovering discarded wings is another indication that you have a termite nest nearby.
4- Cracked Or Bubbling Paint
Not only do termites eat wood, but they also damage other things, including drywall, plaster, and paint. Bubbling or cracking paint is another sign of termite activity behind the walls. The moist air that termites produce as they tunnel through wood or drywall causes the paint to peel, blister, or bubble.
One place to look for tiny holes is under the lugs around windows and doors. If you see spots of unevenly painted surfaces that have begun peeling off the surface, you should have a termite inspection.
5- Unexplained Sawdust Or Wood Shavings
Another sign of termites is wood shavings or sawdust piled up near wooden surfaces. As these wood-eating insects nibble through the wood, they leave behind tiny holes, and the debris often resembles sawdust. Small piles of wood shavings, especially if you see them near the base of the wall or in a corner, indicate that termites are feeding on your property.
This is a warning sign since sawdust can also indicate other pests, such as carpenter ants. Having a professional termite inspection will help to find the exact cause of the problem and provide you with a clear elimination plan.
What Happens During A Termite Inspection?
So, once you know what to look for, you must wonder what you will go through during the termite inspection. Some of the places that a termite inspector will look at include (but are not limited to):
- The foundation
- Bathroom and kitchen cabinets
- The basement
- Crawlspace
The inspector will look for signs of active termites, past damage, and potential risk factors.
During the termite inspection, here’s what generally happens:
- Exterior Inspection: The foundation, walls, windows, and door frames will be examined for signs of any termite activity or possible entry points for any termites, including wood piles and moist areas.
- Interior Inspection: The inspector will also examine wooden beams, flooring, walls, and ceilings for damage. They will also seek mud tubes, discarded wings, or other signs of termite activity.
- Basements and Crawl Spaces: Basements and crawl spaces are common places where termites will nest or travel, and the inspector will make special note of these areas.
After the inspection, the inspector will provide a report of what was discovered, including any signs of termite activity or damage and proper treatment recommendations.
Why Should You Act Fast?
Act quickly when you notice some of these symptoms in your commercial building or home. Termites can do much damage in a short time, and the longer you leave them, the worse the problem can get. An early infestation is much easier to treat, and if you schedule a timely inspection for termites, you will get an early warning before the infestation gets out of hand.
Conclusion
As perturbing as they are, termites pose a very real threat to your building’s structural integrity, and no one wants to have their property compromised. Mud tubes, hollow-sounding wood, flying termites, cracked paint, and wood shavings are clues that demand you schedule an inspection for termites.
Through proactive action, you can catch termites in the early stages and save your property and the high damages that come with repairs.
Elite Inspections can assist you if you have any concerns about termites or any other pest issues in your commercial building.
Our experienced team provides accurate and thorough termite inspections and can identify potential problems before they become costly. Contact us today to schedule your inspection and keep your property safe and sound.
