If you are like many homeowners who have not thought about termites until recent unusual damage occurs, there is a chance you have termites “quietly” eating away at your house before you even know there is a problem. By the time you notice damage, the infestation may have been growing stronger. That’s the reason making a call to arrange for a termite inspection prior to the problem spiraling out of control is one of the wisest things a homeowner can do.
At Treebark Pest Control Services, we have seen firsthand how fast these destructive insects can do extensive structural damage. Catching early warning signs will save you thousands of dollars in repairs and keep the safety of your home intact.
Below are the most prevalent signs it’s time to book a termite inspection — before it’s too late.
- Hollow or Damaged Wood
When you knock on a piece of wood that sounds hollow, you can be certain that under the surface, wood may be a victim of termite infestation. Termites prefer to eat the wood from the inside out rather than the outside in leaving only a very thin layer of wood as an outer shell. You will also notice as you tap on the wood that it will feel weak or brittle. As you notice any incursion, you will get faint evidence from the floors, baseboard, or furniture that a hollow exists. If you touch your door frames or wood window sills and any crumbles or crumble feel to them, then you need to get a professional immediately for an inspection.
A proper pest control inspection can reveal whether termite damage, wood rot, or some other problem caused the damage — and how to fix it properly.
- Mud Tubes on Walls or Foundations
Subterranean termites, seen most often in Southern California, create long skinny mud tubes up the foundation walls, or close to the foundation or in crawlspaces. The tubes allow them to move between their nests and your residence while remaining sheltered from air and light. If you notice these tiny, dried mud lines — particularly where your house meets the foundation or concrete slab — it’s a definite indication you require a termite inspection immediately.
Even if you scrape them off and they come back within days, that’s proof of active termite infestation. Don’t wait — call the experts.
- Discarded Wings Near Windows or Light Fixtures
Did you ever see little wing clumps on door frames or windows sills? That is a definite sign that there was a termite swarm. Termites shed their wings when they find a new colony, and that may be your home as their next colony. Swarm season usually comes during the warmer months, but seeing wings indoors is a warning that infestation has already been inside your home.
Scheduling a termite inspection once wings are seen guarantees that the issue is detected early before major damage can be done.
- Peeling Paint or Bubbling Walls
Termite damage is frequently confused with water damage. When your walls are bulging, paint is blistering, or the surface is uneven, it is potentially caused by moisture being housed within the wood due to the termite tunnels. Most people get this confused with a plumbing or humidity problem — but a careful pest control assessment can make the distinction.
Ignoring these initial signs may permit termites to feed behind walls for months without detection.
- Sticky Doors and Windows
When doors or windows suddenly stick, it may not be due to humidity — it may be termites. While boring through wood frames, they reduce the structural integrity and warp the wood. This minor alteration often goes unnoticed until extremely widespread damage has already occurred.
An early termite inspection can assist in establishing if your twisted woodwork is the work of termites or not.
- Little piles of Termite Droppings (Frass)
Drywood termites, another species popular in California, leave behind litter of small fecal pellets frass. These droppings resemble little specks of fine saw dust or coffee grounds and usually accumulate and are found near baseboards, window sills, and near furniture. If you are cleaning and seem to keep finding this material in the same area, this is a definitive sign termites are at work.
At Treebark Pest Control Services, calling for a professional termite inspection will determine if these droppings are actually from termites and the extent of the infestation.
- Sounds From Walls or Ceilings
Though surprising, you can actually sometimes hear termites. If the colony is large enough, at some point you may hear some soft clicking or tapping sounds in the wall. This sound is made when soldier termites bang their heads together as a warning that danger is approaching. Although it’s soft, any unusual noises within your walls will warrant an instant check — it might be rodents, termites, or both.
That is why it’s also smart to opt for a company that offers pest control and rodent control services. A combined inspection can detect all possible infestation sources simultaneously.
- Cracked Walls or Sagging Floors
Cracks in the walls, tiles pulling away from the wall, or floor joists or the floor sagging, are definitely signs of possible structural issues. While it could be a normal settling, it could also mean that termites are active and feeding just below the surface. Termites damage load-bearing beams and supports of floors over time, and depending on the extent of damage, can compromise the structural integrity of your home.
If you see these indicators, then have someone do a termite inspection as soon as possible to assess any potential structural damage to your home.
- What is a Termite Inspection
During a professional termite inspection, available from Treebark Pest Control Services inspection technicians will inspect your home’s foundation, walls, attics, crawl spaces, timber structure, etc., to determine both termites and/or structural damage. Your technician will have trained professionals along with the very best tools, equipment and experience in actively looking for evidence of termite activity or possible damage. If termites are discovered, staff will further assist you with an effective and environmentally-friendly method of treatment to eliminate any remaining termites and avoid future infestations.
It’s an easy process that puts your mind at ease and helps protect your largest investment — your house.
- Prevention Is Always Better Than Repair
Termites infest and destroy billions of dollars in property nationwide annually, the majority of which is not covered under homeowners’ insurance policies. Regular termite inspections, in addition to annual or bi-annual pest control and rodent control services, are the most effective means of safeguarding your property year-round.
By having inspections done every 6–12 months, you can detect issues early and have a solid defense against every type of pest.
Last Words
Your home is one of your greatest assets, and defending it begins with knowledge. If you’ve seen even one of the above signs, don’t hesitate — get a termite inspection from Treebark Pest Control Services today. Our professional staff specializes in pest control and rodent control services throughout Torrance and other local areas, providing safe and environmentally sound solutions that provide lasting protection.
A quick inspection today might save you from enormous repairs tomorrow. Be proactive, be protected, and be termite-free in your home with Treebark Pest Control Services.