Roanoke is situated in the “Termite Belt” of the United States. Thanks to our warm summers, mild winters, and high-moisture soil, the climate in Roanoke is one where termites thrive. In fact, the entire state of Virginia reports termite damage at a higher rate than the national average.
If you’re a homeowner in Roanoke, it’s important to stay extra vigilant about termite control. Many homeowners don’t discover a termite infestation until the damage is extensive. The early signs of termite damage are subtle, but paying close attention can save you significant money and stress. Here’s what to look out for.
8 Subtle Signs of Termites in Your Home
- Hollow-sounding wood: Termites often eat wood from the inside out, leaving a wall that looks fine on the outside but is hollowed out on the inside. If you suspect termites, tap walls, baseboards, and floors to check for hollow or papery sounds.
- Pinpoint holes in drywall: If you’ve noticed small pinpricks or nail holes in your drywall that you know didn’t come from you, it could be termites. Termites can leave small holes in drywall as they exit their tunnels.
- Mud tubes: Subterranean termites nest underground, and they build mud tubes to travel from nests to food sources. You can spot these tubes on baseboards, basement and crawlspace walls, and foundation lines.
- Discarded wings: Piles of insect wings on window sills or other light sources are a key sign of termites. That’s because swarmers, the reproductive members of the colony, shed their wings after finding a mate.
- Damage that mimics water damage: Termite damage can sometimes be mistaken for water damage, as it can cause warping, sagging, or discoloration of wood and peeling or bubbling paint.
- Tight-fitting doors and windows: Termite damage can warp or distort wooden window or door frames in ways that are hard to spot with the naked eye. However, the warp can make it difficult to open and close doors and windows, creating a subtle (and often overlooked) sign of termites.
- Termite droppings (frass): Termite droppings, also called frass, resemble tiny wood-colored pellets. These droppings are often found near infestations. Common areas include crawl space entrances, basement walls, and foundation lines.
- Faint clicking or tapping sounds: If you hear strange clicking or tapping sounds at night when the house is quiet, you might not be imagining things. Termite soldiers bang their heads against the sides of their burrows to signal danger.
How to Handle a Suspected Termite Problem
If you suspect termites, time is of the essence. It’s critical to contact a trusted local exterminator to inspect your home. A professional exterminator can determine if termites are present, assess any damage, and give you a quote for remediation.
Bug Man Exterminating has helped hundreds of Roanoke homeowners prevent and treat termites for almost 30 years. Our experts know termite control, so you can rest assured that you’ll get the most effective termite treatment possible. And, our regular follow-up inspections ensure your home stays termite-free.
Contact Bug Man Exterminating and get professional termite treatment and peace of mind today.