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Termites are one of the most notorious pests that can cause severe damage to your home. These small insects are known to act quickly and tirelessly to munch their way through wood, paper and almost anything else that’s within their reach.

While most homeowners are aware of the dangers of termite infestations, many fail to recognise the signs of infectious termites that can cause severe damage to your home.

In this article, we will discuss the deadly signs of infectious termites that must be seen to be believed.

1. Mud Tubes or Shelter Tubes

Termites live inside colonies that require constant moisture to survive. They build mud tubes to connect their underground colonies to areas that provide them with food and water.

These tubes, which are typically the width of a pencil, can be found on the exterior surface of the foundation of a home or other structure and indicate that termites are actively traveling back and forth from their colony to food sources.

2. Discarded Wings

When termites swarm, they will shed their wings. These wings can be found in piles on window sills, near light fixtures or on the ground outside.

An accumulation of wings in a specific area is a sign that termites are underground and swarming to find a new place to colonize.

3. Hollow Wood

Termites eat wood from the inside out, which leads to a sign of nesting; they leave behind a thin veneer of the wood’s surface while hollowing out the inside, which can make it seem brittle at times.

If you tap a piece of wood and it makes a hollow sound, it could be a sign of a termite infestation.

4. Frass

Frass is the term used to describe termite droppings. As termites eat through wood, they leave tiny piles of feces that look like sawdust, but are more granular. Frass can be found in areas where termites are actively feeding.

5. Blistered Wood

When termites feed on wood, they create blistered or peeling sections. This damage is easier to spot on painted or stained wood surfaces, as it reveals the wood’s layers beneath.

6. Distorted Doors or Windows

When termites feed on the framing around windows and doors, the resulting damage can make the doors and windows difficult to open and close.

7. Sagging Floors or Ceilings

Termites can cause structural damage to your home, leading to sagging floors or ceilings.

If you notice that your floors or ceilings are beginning to sag, it could be a sign that termites are actively feeding on the wooden supports, weakening the structure.

8. Cracks in Walls or Surfaces

Termites create tunnels through walls, ceilings, and floors as they make their way through a structure. Over time, these tunnels can create cracks or uneven bulges on the surface of the wall or other material.

9. Peeling Wallpaper or Paint

As termites feed on the wooden structures of a home, they can cause moisture and humidity issues that manifest as peeling wallpaper or paint on affected surfaces.

10. Termites

Termites are often difficult to spot because they work inside the wood structures they are eating. However, if you see a termite on your property, it is a sign that you may have an infestation.

Conclusion

Termites are destructive insects that can cause significant damage to your home if left unchecked. Recognizing the signs of infectious termites is vital to protecting your property and ensuring the safety of your home’s structure.

We hope that this guide has provided invaluable information on the deadly signs of infectious termites to homeowners and renters alike. Remember, prevention is far more effective than cure, and addressing termite infestations as soon as they’re discovered is crucial in preventing further damage.