How To Locate The Source of A Termite Infestation?

How To Locate The Source of A Termite Infestation? Termites are insects that belong to the class of arthropods, which means they have hard outer skeletons, which form a type of exoskeleton. Although they are grouped into order or classification based on their biological characteristics, termite refers to several species that feed on wood, usually in old and dead trees.

A termite infestation is defined as the presence of termite colonies in a structure. Termite infestations are generally not seen unless the systems are old, which is when it is difficult to detect them. Termite infestations are dangerous because, if left unchecked, they will eat the wood or wood products in a building and cause potential structural damage to property.

The damage that may occur due to termites usually depends on the type of wood and the number of termites in an infested property. However, it is always best to prevent such from occurring. This article will show you how to locate the source of a termite infestation to prevent yourself from getting one.

How To Locate The Source of A Termite Infestation?

Below are ways how to quickly find the source of a termite infestation on your property:

1. Check for Termite damage

The first thing you should do when trying to find out if there are termite tunnels in your home is to look for any signs of damaged wood. Look at the exposed parts and carefully check them out. If you have noticed any damages, this could mean that other parts of that part of your home will soon be affected unless termites are removed immediately. The affected portion of the house should be inspected as quickly as possible.

2. Examine the Walls and Ceilings for Termites

Termites are not very active on the lower floors of your home, but if you see signs of termite damage on the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home, then it may suggest that there could be termite activity somewhere other than those areas. You can check this by placing a piece of wood under a nearby light bulb to illuminate some parts of your walls and ceiling. If you find any damage there, this is another indicator that there may be termites in your home.

3. Look for the Presence of Mud-Tubes

Termites create mud tubes to protect them while they move from one place to another. The termites construct these tubes out of mud which they release from their bodies and then stick back together using their saliva. You can look for mud tubes on your walls or other exposed parts of your property. If you find any lines, your home could be infested with many termites. The pipes under your house could be the exit of termites.

4. Look for Mud-Tubes Under Your Home

Termites can also use mud tubes to move from one spot in your home to another. If you find any lines or holes on your floor, then there is a possibility that it could be the entrance of termites. You should place boards underneath every hole and cover them with mud to prevent more termites from coming in and infesting your property. By doing this, you will find out if there are more termites in your home.

5. Examine the Siding of Your Home

Siding for your home is the outside part of a house. This can be made from wood or plastic. You can check for termites in your siding using a screwdriver and tapping each area to listen for hollow sounds. There may be termites if you hear faint hollow sounds from any location. The open spots could be the tunnels that they created while they were moving inside and outside of your home as well.

6. Examine the Wood in Your Home

You may hear termites moving inside your walls, especially when they are most active at night. You can tap on your walls and listen to check if there are any hollow sounds. You can use a screwdriver to gain access if there is one. You should also inspect the wood on your furniture, doors, drawers, and floors since these are most susceptible to termite damage.

7. Examine the Nearby Trees

If you find significant damage on your trees or plants and cracks on them, it could mean that termites are already infesting your property. This is because termites love eating dead and decaying trees. This is the reason why they usually target these areas. If your trees and plants outside your home are damaged, this could mean that termites are already present on your property.

8. Examine the Foundation of Your Home

You can also check your home’s foundation for termites. This is located underneath your home and supports the structure. You should check where the wood meets the ground. If you find mud tubes here, there could be some termite activity. Also, look at the land around your home; termites will infest areas where they can quickly get enough moisture and food.

9. Check for Wood Decay near Doors

Termites always eat wood that has already been damaged or is still wet, so this is why they target wooden doors and frames of your doors and windows within your house. You should check your entries and windows to see if they are drenched with moisture. It would be best if you also prevented the wood decay that may appear near your doors and windows. The wood decay is caused by this and is a sign that there could be termites in the home.

10. Check for Debris Near the Structure

The termites will hide when it senses humans. They also stay in areas with debris as it helps them hide. It would be best to look for any debris at the feet of your structure since this is a good indication that there are termites on your property. If you spot any, you should remove them immediately because they can be very dangerous, especially if they have come into contact with food, plants, or any other object within your home.

How To Locate The Source of A Termite Infestation? – Conclusion

These are some things you can do to determine if there is a termite infestation in your home. It is always best to consult an exterminator regarding this matter since they have the knowledge and experience to best prevent termites from infesting your property and get rid of them once they have already done so.