Termites can cause thousands of dollars of damage to a home if left unchecked. An infestation can be difficult to detect and may live inside of a home or on other parts of the property for years without being noticed. To prevent excessive damage, it is a good idea to keep an eye out for signs of a termite infestation.
1. Damaged Wood
As termites chew their way through wood, they leave tunnels behind. Eventually, these tunnels can cause the wood to crumble or collapse. Damage to the subfloor can cause tiles, laminate or hardwood flooring to deform or buckle. Floorboards may become increasingly noisy as the flooring shifts. If any of these signs are noticed, then termite treatments Fort Myers FL should be sought immediately.
2. Discarded Wings
When a group of termites leaves the nest to start a new colony, they fly to a suitable location and then shed their wings. If a flying insect is spotted, then examine the wing structure to rule out other types of insects. Termite wings are all the same size, and a pile of them may resemble fish scales.
3. Blistered Wood or Paint
Peeling or blistering paint or wood is often a sign of water damage, but if there is no water to be seen, it could indicate a termite infestation. Drywall may also become discolored, which can also be mistaken for a sign of water damage. As both termites and water can cause serious damage to a dwelling, it is a good idea to thoroughly inspect suspicious areas to determine the cause.
While detecting a termite infestation may be difficult, it is not impossible. Anyone who wants to be sure that their house is free from infestations should contact a local exterminator and ask about yearly inspection plans for peace of mind. This can ensure that any existing problems are found and any future infestations are taken care of promptly.