Common Sign of Termites in Your House

Statistically speaking, your house is far more likely to be affected and damaged by termites than by fire. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), termite damage results in over five billion dollars in losses annually.

If you're a business owner or a homeowner, it’s important to stay aware of the risks that termites pose to your property. Unfortunately, most home insurance policies don’t cover termite damage, which can make the cost of repairs even higher.

Early detection of termite infestations can significantly reduce repair costs and prevent further damage to your property. In this article, we outline 6 common signs of termite activity that you should keep an eye out for in your home.

6 Common Signs of Termites in Your Home

1. Tunnels or Galleries in Wood

Termites often create tunnels inside wood, known as galleries, which are difficult to see from the outside. However, if you notice these tunnels in broken pieces of wood near your home, it's a clear sign of termite activity. New technologies, such as electronic odor detectors, infrared sensors, and borescopes, are used to detect these tunnels even when there are no visible signs of infestation.

2. Hard-to-Open Windows or Tight Fitting Doors

If your windows or doors become difficult to open or have tight-fitting frames, it could indicate termite damage. The moisture produced by termites while tunneling or feeding can cause the wood to warp, making it hard to open or close doors and windows properly.

3. Termite Droppings (Frass)

Drywood termites often leave behind droppings or frass. Unlike subterranean termites, they do not use their droppings to build tunnels. Instead, they push their feces out through small holes or openings near the entrance to their nest, leaving behind small dark marks or a powdery substance around the infested area.

4. Chewing Noises or Head Banging

Termites produce a distinctive quiet clicking sound, often heard inside the walls of your home. Soldier termites bang their heads against wood to warn others of danger when their nest is disturbed. If you listen closely, you may even hear worker termites munching away at your wooden structures, especially when you place your ear close to an infested area.

5. Mud Tubes on Exterior Walls

Mud tubes are a protective barrier built by subterranean termites and can often be found near the foundation of your home. These tubes serve to maintain the moisture necessary for termites' survival. If you spot mud tubes, it’s an indication of termite activity. Prevent termites by reducing moisture-rich environments and storing firewood, mulch, and wood chips away from your home.

6. Discarded Wings or Flying Termites

Flying termites, also known as swarmers, are one of the first signs of a termite infestation. Both male and female termites leave their nests in search of a mate. Some species swarm at night and are attracted to light sources, while others swarm during the day, especially after rainfall or at certain times of the year.