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How to Identify Termites in Your Home

Oftentimes, what makes a Handler Home stand out from the sea of new builds is our use of quality materials. Beautifully grained wood flooring or elegant wood banisters, for example, are common in our homes. A frustrating issue you may face when your home has such wood elements, however, can be the presence of termites. If termites settle into your home unnoticed for some time, the results could be devastating. We do not want that to happen to you! That is why we have put together ways that you can detect the presence of termites in your home before they cause too much trouble.

What to Look for

It is important to know that, for the most part, insurance companies do not cover termite damage. Which is just terrible considering the costly repairs you may need if termites set up shop in or around your foundation or structurally vital parts of your home. That is why keeping a vigilant eye out for termites is crucial.

One of the first places you can check for signs of termites are your windowsills. This is because during mating season, male and female termites will sprout wings in order to search for new places to colonize. Tragically, sometimes this is your home. Once they have found a new place to breed, they will shed their wings. These typically will be found discarded around your windows. What if you are not sure how to tell the difference between a flying ant or a flying termite? Here is how you can identify one from the other. Flying termites will have a large abdomen and two sets of wings that are similar in size. In addition, termites will appear to be a creamy white or semi-translucent color.

Another thing that may alert you to termites would be windows or doors that have begun to jam or not close properly. This is because as termites munch away at your investment, they create moisture as they go along. This moisture will become particularly apparent in those door and window jams if they have developed any warping. Bubbling or peeling paint can also be a symptom of termites due to said moisture. It could also be a sign that you have water damage, but either way, you should have a professional investigate.

Termites work by eating wood from the inside out. Thus, creating tunnels and hollow spaces around your home. If you are suspicious that you may have termites, then try knocking around door frames and other wooded areas. Listen for hollow or papery sounds to confirm your suspicions. You may even get lucky while you are listening and hear them munching while you are at it, since they are notoriously loud eaters.

And finally, you can be certain you have termites if you notice their droppings around your home. Termites leave behind frass, which can be identified as wood colored, pellet-like droppings. Finding this along with any of the above-mentioned signs is a solid indicator that you have some unwelcome guests. If you do, do not hesitate to contact a professional as soon as you are able.

By Handler Homes 8-24-2020