Signs That Your Property Has a Termite Problem

Do You Think You Have a Termite Issue?

If you own a house, commercial building, or any other property, you have to ensure you take the proper steps to maintain its condition. Termites, in particular, are known to be one of the top contributors to property damage as they can feed on anything made of wood. Home infestations are particularly rampant in areas of Northern California like San Francisco, Santa Rose, San Rafael and San Jose, where termites are known to be highly destructive and a major cause of economic loss for property owners. The Western subterranean termite is one such species known to infest many homes in the northern part of the state.

Naturally, you want to stay alert and constantly check your property’s condition to ensure you do not have any termites growing. However, the tricky part is that termites can grow in your home or property for years without you realizing, as they are not that easy to spot. Fortunately, there are warning signs of termite damage that you can look out for to prevent severe consequences from occurring. With such knowledge, you can avoid spending thousands of dollars repairing termite damages or suffering from irreversible damage.

Signs of Termite Damage

Damaged Wood

Try to inspect the pieces of wood around your home. When termites feed on wood, such as floors or walls, they leave behind grooves that can weaken the wood’s integrity. Although it may be hard to detect visible changes in wood unless the infestation is already severe, you can try tapping or knocking on wood to hear its sound. Hollow or damaged wood will usually have an empty or dull sound compared to solid wood. If you notice that a piece of wood makes a different sound compared to other pieces, there is a chance that termites are living there.

Banging Sounds

If you hear clicking sounds coming from your walls or floorboards, this may be a sign of termites banging their heads. Termites tend to make loud noises when feeding on wood, so you may hear them eating away the wood if you have sensitive hearing or put your ear close to any wood. The moment you start to notice unusual sounds, you should call in a professional to help inspect your property. This way, you can be certain as to whether the sound is caused by termites, and if it is, you can address it before anything serious happens.

Termite Tubes

Subterranean termites usually build tubes made of mud and cellulose to act as a “home” for them. The tubes can help sustain the humidity, temperature, and moisture they need to survive. Since the tubes serve as a nest or home for the termites, they are typically found in the ground or any place connected to a food source, like a tree. Try doing a thorough inspection of your property’s foundation, along with crevices like water pipes and hidden areas, to see if there are any termite tubes. Given the prevalence of Subterranean termites in Northern California, it is best to keep a close eye on your property if you live in this area.

Termite Droppings

Another type of termite, the drywood termite, tends to excrete wood in the form of pellets, which look like sawdust. Have you ever noticed powdery-like substances or marks around wooden pieces in your home? If you have, then this may be a sign of a termite infestation. Many may mistake this to be mere dust due to their appearance, but ignoring termite droppings can result in significant and costly damage. After cleaning up the droppings, make sure you contact our team to help inspect your property to give you peace of mind.

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