Termites – how to ward them off and signs of invasion.

One of the major concerns I get from a home buyer is:  “Does the home have termites?” Since my goal is to ensure that every home buyer makes a safe and sound purchase, termite inspections are always free of charge with all my home inspections.

This week’s blog I will give tips on how to ward off termites and signs they may be invading your home as they can be tough to spot until significant damage is already done.  

Did you know that an average colony are about 60,0000 termites and under ideal conditions, it would take the colony about 157 days to totally consume a 1 foot length or 2x4 of pine?

If you don't currently have a termite problem, or have just recently cleared up a termite infestation, follow these tips on how to keep termites from coming into your home.

  • Clear food sources
  • Move firewood away from your home
  • Reduce moisture levels
  • Seal off entry points in your home
  • Keep gutters and drains clean
  • Keep soil dry
  • Fix leaks
  • Get a professional prevention plan

Look for these 6 telltale signs of a termite infestation:

  1. Discarded wings: Swarms of termites will shed their wings and search for new homes. If you find piles of wings laying around, it is an indication that there are a swarm of termites nearby.
  2. Mud tubes: Subterranean termites build mud tubes to transport their food back to their colony. If you see these tubes on or around your home you may have a subterranean termite infestation.
  3. Termite galleries: As subterranean termites eat through the wood of your house they create empty spaces of wood as they burrow and eat through it.
  4. Termite droppings: Drywood termites leave behind their fecal dropping as they make their way through your home. If you see mounds of pellet-shaped termite droppings nearby there is a good chance you have a drywood termite infestation.
  5. Hollow wood: If you have any suspicion of a termite infestation investigate for hollow wood by tapping or puncturing areas in question. If you wait for the cracks and fissures to appear on your own the damage is likely already very severe.
  6. Self-destructing surroundings: Swollen floors or bubbling paint could be signs of termite activity. Since they like dark moist areas they tend to live just below the surface of the wood and bring moisture with them which causes reactions in the floors and walls.