What are the Signs of Termites in Your Home?

Avoid These 4 Home Inspection Mistakes When Buying or Selling a Home

January 12, 2023

Termites are harmful pests that eat away at wooden structures. As most homes are constructed with wood, there is always the risk of damage when there is an infestation. Unfortunately, homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover the wreckage these insects cause, so it’s best to take proper measures to protect your home—starting with a professional termite pest inspection.

Signs of termites

Only a home inspection in Charlotte NC can confirm the presence of termites. A professional inspector will go around your house to identify visible and hidden signs of infestation and create a report of their findings, with recommendations to help you plan your next course of action. Here are some of the signs they will look for:

1. Damaged drywall

Termites love to eat cellulose found in your drywall. The damage is often undetected, but you might notice small holes and termite droppings. It’s best to call a professional to have a closer look.

2. Peeling paint

Paint may peel in your home due to age, but it can also indicate a termite infestation. If the peeling seems to be caused by water damage but you think there are no leaks, it may be caused by pests.

3. Buckling floorboards

Termites are notorious for eating wood and prefer the softer variants, like the ones found on your subflooring. As a result, they could damage the subfloor before the hardwood. If left untreated, the wood weakens and makes floorboards sag. Laminate flooring could also sag when termites damage the underlying floor.

4. Crumbling wood

Even if you’re living in a house made mostly of concrete and other materials, you might have some wood trim on the baseboards or around the roof. If you notice those parts crumbling, schedule a termite pest inspection. A professional home inspector can inspect the damage on softwood to confirm if it is due to moisture or pests.

5. Termite droppings

Look out for tiny wood shavings and small pellets in areas where wood is present. The pellets are frass or termite droppings and look like a pile of sand, black pepper, or salt.

6. Discarded termite wings

Termites swarm when they leave their nest to create a new home. They fly to find another place to build their colony, and after settling into a new dwelling, they discard their wings.

Are there other signs you should know?

Mud tubes can indicate termite infestation, and they typically spread out from the ground along the walls and may indicate a nest nearby. They may also appear on trees and large woody plants on your property.

Termites may also be present in your home if you notice your windows and doors getting stuck. Check the frames for small holes, mud tubes, wood dust, and hollowness.

This is the author

Conclusion

Termite infestations can cost a lot of money when they cause serious damage to your home. The few visible warning signs can prevent you from noticing the problem until it's too late. But if you spot minor issues, it's best to contact a home inspection service in Charlotte NC.

ClearVUE offers termite pest inspection conducted by licensed inspectors who receive continuous training and education. Schedule an appointment with us, and we'll help you solve the problem.