Termites are small—typically only about a quarter to half an inch in length—but a single termite often signals the presence of a colony that can cause significant damage to your home. Termite colonies are complex social networks that can consist of over a million termites, including workers, soldiers, and a queen. These colonies can survive indefinitely, causing ongoing destruction if left unchecked.

What Is a Termite Infestation?

A termite infestation occurs when members of a termite colony enter a structure, such as a home, and begin feeding on cellulose-based materials like wood, paper, and cardboard. In nature, termites play a vital role by breaking down dead trees and plant material. However, when they invade human structures, their appetite for cellulose can lead to severe damage.

Depending on the termite species you're dealing with, signs of termites in your house may look different. However, some of the most common termite infestation signs are

• Termite swarmer

• Hollow-sounding wood

• Blistered floors

• Mud tubes

• Frass or pellets

  
  

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If your doors and windows are sticking or becoming hard to open, it’s time to check for termite activity. An expert can determine whether termites are to blame and offer solutions to address the problem.

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— John Doe, CEO

A Common Signs of a Termite Infestation

1. Buckling or Blisters in Wood Flooring

Subterranean termites often damage subflooring, which can cause wood flooring to appear discolored or develop a wavy surface. They prefer the softer wood found in subfloors, which means you might not notice the damage until it has become extensive.

2. Hollowed or Damaged Wood

Termites consume wood from the inside out, making it difficult to detect their presence. As they hollow out wooden structures like walls and floors, these areas may sound hollow when tapped or develop a maze-like pattern of grooves inside.

3. Swarmers (Flying Termites)

Swarmers are reproductive termites that leave their colony to find mates and establish new colonies. Seeing swarmers in or near your home is a strong indication that termites are nearby and possibly have been for years.

4. Hard-to-Open Doors and Windows

After swarming, termites shed their wings, which are often found near windows, doors, or light sources. These wings indicate that termites are actively trying to establish a new colony.

5. Drywood Termite Droppings (Frass)

After swarming, termites shed their wings, which are often found near windows, doors, or light sources. These wings indicate that termites are actively trying to establish a new colony.

Image courtesy of Unsplash

Termite damage can be extensive and expensive to repair—especially when termites damage the structural integrity of a home. Unfortunately, even if you don't see signs of termites, that doesn't mean they're not there. Termite damage can go unnoticed, and significant structural damage may already be done by the time damage is noticed.

If your doors and windows are sticking or becoming hard to open, it’s time to check for termite activity. An expert can determine whether termites are to blame and offer solutions to address the problem.