Unfortunately, there are no standard devices that make it easy to detect termites.
The most common way to inspect for termites is to look for visual signs.
Here are some that you should watch out for:
- Flying Termites Or Swarmers
Flying termites, also known as Alates, are typically the first sign of termite infestation.
That’s because most termites hide inside the wood or soil. But flying termites will go out in the open to mate.
Termite colonies don’t begin producing flying termites until the colony has matured.
If you see flying termites inside your home, you know that there’s an established colony nearby.
Swarms don’t last long.
In some cases, discarded wings are one of the only signs that a swarm happened.
If you see discarded wings, it means there’s a mature colony nearby, expanding.
Seeing dead flying termites, a.k.a alates, inside your home is not a sign that a termite population is dying.
It’s the opposite.
Flying termites swarm to leave the nest, reproduce and start a new colony.
But most are expected not to survive, especially unsuccessful when swarming indoors.
A mud tube is made of subterranean termite droppings, soil, saliva, and wood.
They are typically the first indication of Subterranean termites infestation.
Pellets or frass are a sign of Drywood termite infestation.
They are Drywood droppings that look a lot like sand or sawdust.
Drywood termites use “kick-out” holes to remove pellets from their tunnels.
If you have an infestation, you may find small piles of pellets near these kick-out holes.
Dampwood termites use their droppings to protect their nest.
In particular, they use it to seal entry points from the outside world.
Dampwood patches look like damaged holes covered with dried mud.
Termites devour wood from the inside out, leaving a weak shell.
As such, when you knock on an area that has termite damage, it will sound hollow.
Sometimes you’ll be able to hear them eating if you place your ear against your walls.
Termites seal cracks in wood to create the ideal high humidity environment.
This moisture causes paint to form a bubble.
When termites feed on wood, they leave it looking hollow or caved in.
Sometimes, the damage will be so extensive that you’ll see the termite tunnels inside.
You may also notice rotting wood on termite-infested areas.
- Hard To Open Doors And Windows
Termites love humid environments. To make sure they have it, they seal cracks and holes on the wood with their droppings.
But the trapped heat and moisture cause wood to warp. This warping makes it challenging to open termite-infested doors and windows.
Termites seal cracks with their droppings to create the perfect moist environment.
To do this, they turn their droppings into a mud-like cement.
Resource: Top 13 Signs You Have Termites