How to Detect Damage From Termites in Homes

Termites work quietly and efficiently on the interior walls of homes. They cause structural damage that can cost thousands to repair. Here are some signs to help detect termite damage in your home.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer or screwdriver
• Flashlight

Instructions

1. Look for is tubes or tunnels in wood that is in contact with the ground around your home. Termites build these tubes to get from the ground to the foundation of your home. Sometimes there will even be mud around the tubes or tunnels. These tubes or tunnels look like rivulets in the wood. If the termite damage is extensive in crawl spaces you may even see long tubes hanging from the wood.

2. Check for wood that is very soft and will pull away with the slightest force. Termite damage causes wood to become fragile and easily broken.

3. Rap on any suspicious looking wood with a small hammer or screw driver handle. If the wood sounds hollow it is a good indication of termite damage.

4. See the termites themselves. They are ant like creatures with white wings. If you see such insects staying close to the foundation of your home, and notice any tunnels, it’s time to take action.

5. Seeing a lot of mud piled up at the base of your foundation is another sign of probable termite damage.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the foundation of your home at least once a year for termite damage.

• Get an inspection at the first sign of termites.