Finding damage in your home is a stressful ordeal, especially if it seems like termites might have been the cause. There are some key signs that termites are at fault, but wood can sustain damage from other variables as well. Here are some signs of termite damage and other forms of wood damage.

Termite Wood Damage

Specific types of wood damage expose a termite infestation. Termites are found tucked under surfaces like walls and flooring. This is because they like to eat your walls from inside out, hollowing out the wood they burrow into. As they chew through the wood, they leave behind long grooves, similar to the path of an ant in an anthill. These distinctive markings are an indication of termite damage. You can also spot termites through buckling or blistering floors. 

Wood Rot

Wood rot can get confused for termite damage, but this can happen without the help of a pest. When moisture repeatedly gets trapped in wood, it can cause deterioration, which leads to discolored and decayed wood. Damaged wood can make you assume the worst, but there’s a good chance termites are not involved. However, termites can be attracted to this type of wood, so you shouldn’t leave it alone. If you do notice wood rot, it’s important to replace the wood and ventilate the area to reduce moisture levels.

Termite Activity 

Even though they seclude themselves within your walls, termites can still make their presence known. After mating, termites discard their wings, which can be found along windowsills or doorways. You may also find frass, or small wood-colored pellet droppings, near their nesting sites. These indicators can be spotted around the home and outside of the walls. Mud tubes are also a common way to spot termites. Mud tubes are a pathway that connects termites from their nest to their food. These pencil sized brown tubes can be spotted anywhere the ground meets a possible food source. 

Other Possible Insects

While termites are one of the most well-known insects for destroying the wood in your home, they aren’t the only ones. Other insects like powderpost beetles or carpenter ants have their own signs of infestation and treatment plans. Powderpost beetles bore into wood and create tiny exit holes, which can often be misconstrued as termite damage. Carpenter ants also tunnel through wood, creating damage. However, both of these insects do not create as much damage as termites, and the damage is typically superficial.

Knowing the signs of termite damage is important to stop an infestation. If you find yourself struggling with termite prevention or dealing with an infestation, then reach out to Pro-Staff today. We are committed to providing the absolute highest quality termite, pest control, and wildlife control services in the industry. Contact us online or by calling us at (515) 279-7378 today!