How do You know if you have Termites?
5 warning signs
Of a Termite Problem
Hollow Wood
If you tap on the wood with a screw driver and the wood sounds hollow, this could indicate a termite infestation. Termites do not like to expose themselves to the open air, so they eat wood from the inside out, leaving a thin layer of wood or paint behind.
Hard-to-Open Windows and Doors
Tight-fitting windows or doors are often thought to be because of high humidity; however, when termites tunnel and eat through window frames and door-jambs, they produce moisture that causes the wood to warp, which makes it difficult to open and close doors and windows.
Discarded Termite Wings
In the spring in Ontario, subterranean termites swarm (or produce alates) and their only purpose is to mate and form a new colony. These swarmers are attracted to light and they shed their wings once they mate. All these wings are the same size and are often found at the base of windows
Tunneling in Wood
Termites tunnel through wood, therefore, if you find tunnels after you break a piece of wood or find paint that looks like it is bubbling, then termites are cohabitating with you.
Shelter/Mud Tubes
The most obvious way you know you have termites is if you see a termite shelter tube appearing on a wall. Termites build these tubes up from the ground and over concrete in order to find the wooden areas of the structure. These tubes shelter termites from predators and help maintain the high humidity required for the termites to survive. A shelter tube is about the width of a pencil and moist when active and dry when old. These tubes can also be less visible, for example, running along a crack in a baseboard, or flooring, or on the underside of a sub-floor or a crack along a joist.
