Termites are one of the most destructive pests that can infest your home. They feed on wood and can cause extensive damage to the structure and appearance of your house, resulting in thousands of dollars in property damage costs. In Florida, termites are especially active and prevalent due to the warm and humid climate. Therefore, it is important to know how to spot the signs of termite damage and take action before it is too late.
Here are some common termite signs to look out for in your Florida home:
- Mud tubes: These are thin tunnels made of soil and termite droppings that subterranean termites use to travel from their nest to their food source. You may find them on the exterior or interior walls, along the foundation, or in the crawl space of your home. Mud tubes are a common sign of subterranean termites which only thrive below ground. They use these mud tubes as a way to access and destroy wood above ground.
- Wood damage: Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving behind hollowed-out sections or galleries. You may notice wood that sounds hollow when tapped, or that has cracks, holes, or blisters on the surface. You might also see termite droppings, or Frass, which look like small pellets or grains of sand, in or around the damaged wood. Droppings are a sign of drywood termites. This is a species of termite that thrives above ground and commonly infests wooden furniture or fixtures in a home.
- Swarms: Termites usually swarm in the spring or summer, when winged reproductive termites leave their nests to find a mate and start a new colony. You may see swarms of flying termites around your home, or find discarded wings on windowsills, door frames, or other areas where they may have entered or exited.
- Bubbling paint: Termites can cause damage to the wood and drywall behind your paint, causing it to bubble, peel, or crack. This may indicate a termite infestation or a water leak that could attract termites.
Don’t let termites ruin your home and your peace of mind. If you notice any of these signs of termite damage in your Florida home, you should contact a professional pest control company as soon as possible. They can inspect your home for termites and provide you with the best treatment options to eliminate them and prevent future infestations.
