Termites are known as “silent destroyers” because their constant gnawing can go unnoticed until significant structural damage to the home occurs. Termites feed 24 hours a day, seven days a week on the cellulose found in wood and paper products. Winged swarmers often appear in spring to search for suitable spots to create a new colony, often settling down in homes that have sustained moisture damage from snow, ice, rain and wind over the winter.
Termites property damage accounts for at least $5 billion each year, a cost that often goes uncovered by homeowner’s insurance policies. it’s important for homeowners to be remain vigilant for signs of these wood-destroying pests in and around their property.
Here are a few clues that termites may be present in a home:
- Mud tubes (used by termites to reach a food source) on the exterior of the home
- Soft wood in the home that sounds hollow when tapped
- Darkening or blistering of wood structures
- Cracked or bubbling paint
- Small piles of feces that resembles sawdust near a termite nest
- Discarded wings near doors or on windowsills, indicating swarmers have entered the home