Termites are pesky creatures that often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Despite their small size, they leave behind some huge problems. Below you’ll discover what causes termites and a few signs that they might be living in your home.
What Causes Termites?
Many different conditions invite termites to infest your home.
- Moist soil around wood
- Humidity
- Leaking pipes
- Poor drainage
- Stuffy air
Types of Termites Found in California
Three types of termites can be found throughout California. These include drywood termites, dampwood termites, and subterranean termites.
5 Signs Your Home Has Termite Damage
- Small Holes in the Walls: Pinpoint holes in the walls are one of the most obvious signs that your home has termites. These holes are dug into your wall as a place for the termites to discard their fecal matter. The holes can usually be found in materials like wood and drywall. Even if you’re unable to see the holes, you’ll find wood shavings and strange dust mounds located near the edges of your walls.
- Buckling Floors: Some homeowners might think that buckling floors are a sign of water damage. While this is true, it can also be due to termites. This insect will create small tunnels beneath flooring boards that can loosen them and cause them to buckle and swell.
- Clicking Sounds Coming From the Wall: Termites do what is called “head banging” when warning others about danger which results in quiet clicking sounds. If you hear these strange sounds coming from the wall, they’re probably because you have termites.
- Mud Tubes: Mud tubes are usually created by subterranean termites as a way to help them safely move from the soil to a food source. The tubes are packed with moisture which creates a comfortable environment for this insect to thrive. Mud tubes tend to be located near a home’s foundation.
- You See Flying Insects in Your Home: If you see flying insects in your home they could be termites. Flying termites, also known as swarmers, will leave their nest and try to find a mate. If there’s a large colony of them hidden within your home, you might find them floating through the air to get to a different area.
Termites can cause substantial damage if not removed. If you’re concerned that your home might be infested with them, call RCS. Our team will investigate your living space for any signs of termite damage and advise you as to how you can fix it and prevent them from ever coming back.
