7 Signs Of Termite Evidence You Need To Know

Termites are the bane of any home or business. As termites are responsible for millions of dollars in damage to homes across Canada. This is why recognizing evidence of a termite infestation early on can ensure that your property is treated before the structure is compromised. Here are seven signs of termite evidence you need to be aware of. 

7 Signs of Termite Evidence

Hollow Sounding Timber

Termites usually consume wood from the inside out, leaving a thin layer of timber. When you come into contact with wood structures that have been impacted by termite damage, it will sound hollow. This is because termites have eaten away at the inside of the wood, it leaves that small layer to hold the wood surface together.

Tight Fitting Windows & Doors

Commonly associated with damp and hot weather, stiff windows and warped doors can also be possible evidence of termites. As the moisture produced when termites eat and tunnel through door and window frames can cause the wood to warp, making it tough to open doors and windows.

Quiet Clicking

You may be wondering what termites sound like? Well, one of the signs of termites is quiet clicking or munching sounds coming from the walls, as soldier termites bang their heads against the wood or shake their bodies to warn the colony of a possible danger. The next time you hear unexplained clicking, take a look around the area for some of the other signs mentioned.You may have termites, at which point you should seek help from a professional pest control service.

Swarmers

The first sign of a termite infestation is the presence of swarmers known as alates. These alates are on a quest to find a mate and then establish a new colony — which could be in or around your property. Some species are more active at night and are attracted to light sources. Other species are more active during the daytime.

Presence of discarded/shed wings

A common sign of termites is discarded wings. As we talked about alates previously, these flying termites lose their wings shortly after finding a mate. These termite wings are between 6.35 to 9.525 millimetres in length. The colour of the wings can vary depending upon the species from colorless, almost translucent, to a gray or brown colour. Be on the lookout for discarded wings if you suspect that you may have termites. 

Tunnels in wood

The tunnels in wood may be difficult to see if they are not exposed. But if you see tunnels in a piece of broken timber in and around your property, it is a sure sign that termites may have set up camp in your home.

 Are you seeing signs of termites? Contact us today!

Mud tubes

Termite mud tubes are one of the more visible signs of a possible termite infestation. As termite foraging tubes start from the ground and extend to the infested wood. The tubes provide shelter for the termites. Be on the lookout for these tubes, which are tubular, wet when fresh (dry when dealing with older tubes) and muddy looking in appearance, most are about the width of a pencil. These tubes are most obvious to the eye when they extend over concrete and other exposed surfaces. However, the tubes are often less visible, running along cracks, underneath flooring, or behind siding and baseboards.

If you’re seeing these signs, it may be time to call in the professionals to ensure your termite problem is properly taken care of. Your Orkin Canada technician is happy to help rid your property of termites, get started today.