What Does Termite Damage Look Like?

Damaged wood is the number one sign of termite damage. Wood that appears hollowed or appears weak can indicate the presence of termites.

Only when a termite infestation has been going on for quite a while is when you may notice the signs of termite damage. Seeing any of the following signs of termite damage may signal that you have an infestation:

Unexplained cracks on internal walls, ceiling beams, or rafters
Bubbled or sagging areas in the floor
Mud tubes on the exterior of the home
Floorboards/baseboards feeling weak or sounding hollow
Broken roof tiles
Doors and windows sticking

Where Do Termites Cause Damage?

Termites work in the walls and structure of properties, but mature infestations will start to show obvious signs. Look for the signs of termite damage in the following areas of your home or business:

Walls
Ceilings
Foam insulation
Slabs
Drywall
Flooring
Tiling
Windows

How do Termites Damage Wood?

When termites feed on the cellulose contained by wood, the wood source will become brittle and hollow. Outdoor woodpiles or timber infested by termites will look like they’ve been completely carved and tunneled-through. In some cases, wood shavings may appear, and wood will be left looking rather splintered. In long-term cases, wood structures can begin to look warped or bent. This is often confused for water damage. In general, seeing damaged wood of any kind can be bad news about the state of termites in your property.

What to Do When You Spot Termite Damage

If you notice any possible signs of termite damage, you very likely have an established termite infestation. Because it takes a long time for termite damage to become noticeable, it’s important to have termite control services to prevent infestations. A professional can help pinpoint what damage has been done by potential termite infestations.

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