Termites can be a nightmare for homeowners. Beloved items and furniture can suffer extensive damages because of these sneaky pests, and in some homes, essential structures in the house can also be compromised.

But for many who have never experienced a termite infestation, how will you know if your home has been infested? Early detection is extremely crucial for eliminating these pests before irreversible damage occurs. Yet, if you have never seen a termite infestation, you wouldn’t know how to spot it early enough.

That is why this guide is for you. Here are some ways you can look out for possible termite infestations in your home. If you notice any or a few of these signs, it means it is time to call for professional termite control services!

• Crackling noises

If you have a chance to have moments of silence at home, you might actually notice crackling or rattling noises coming from wooden furniture or structures. Termites make this crunching noise when they chew on wood. When they are startled, they also make a clicking noise, produced by them banging their heads on the walls of the tunnels to alert their colony.

• Mud tunnels

Some species of termites, namely, the subterranean varieties, create mud tunnels to access their food source. These mud tubes typically run from a bed of soil to a wooden structure, and are built on floors, walls, or ceilings. These mud tubes are pretty distinctive, so if you spot any of them, there is a high chance that there are – or have been – termites around.

You can check if the tunnel is active by breaking a portion open. If there are termites inside, or if the tunnel is rebuilt after a few days, you’ll know the termites are still active there.

• Hollow wood sound

Knocking on your wooden structures can give you an idea of whether termites have been eating away at them. If the wood gives off a hollow sound, it may indicate that termites have already tunnelled their way through them. You can try to confirm the presence of termites by searching for openings in the wood, which would appear as cracks or tiny holes. You can also pick open the wood with a knife – if you find rows of tunnels inside, it means termites have been there.

• Termite droppings

Some types of termites leave their droppings and wood shavings at openings of tunnels. You might notice these small pellets collecting near the floor skirting where termites enter from. They often appear as a pile of brown or black grains.

Seeing termite frass around your home is a good indicator that termites have made their way in, and gives you a clue as to where they are residing and feeding.

How can a pest control company help?

In the unfortunate event you suspect a termite infestation in your home, calling up a pest control company is your best solution. Professionals who are trained in detecting and eliminating termites can help you locate the termites’ hideouts and take effective measures to wipe them out.

With the help of their professional tools and knowledge from years of experience, you can be more confident that the pest problem in your home will be dealt with swiftly and effectively.